Electrical Hazards Awareness Program

Electricity is a serious and widespread hazard to arborists. In fact, electricity causes about 15 percent of all fatalities in the tree care industry, making it the leading cause of worker fatalities.

Since even a street lamp circuit or phone line can be energized with enough voltage to kill, almost all arborists in the field have at least some exposure to this hazard. In fact, workers don’t even have to touch a wire to be electrocuted – about half of all electrocution fatalities are the result of indirect contact. Tree branches and other conductive objects are an ever-present threat for the industry.

All arborists must be trained to recognize and avoid these electrical hazards. Qualified line-clearance arborists must have additional knowledge about electrical hazards and the special techniques used to work safely near electrical conductors.

TCIA’s Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP) is a great way to keep workers safe, ensure OSHA compliance and document training.

Why EHAP?

EHAP will augment your work in three areas:

OSHA Safety Requirements

EHAP helps you meet the OSHA 1910.269 safety standard, which requires:

• Employer-certified training
  Employers must certify that employees who work 10 feet or closer to energized conductors are trained in the special hazards involved in such work.
• On-the-job training and verification
  Employers must verify through documented, on-the-job training and verification that these employees have the skills necessary to perform line-clearance job tasks safely.

EHAP must be used in combination with documented on-the-job skills training and verification to meet OSHA 1910.269 requirements.

ANSI Safety Requirements
The ANSI Z133.1 safety standard for arboricultural operations requires all employees be trained to recognize electrical hazards. EHAP training meets the ANSI Z133.1 training requirement. (The Z133 will no longer be included with the EHAP product but is available for purchase separately. All the content related to electrical hazards in the Z133 is included in the EHAP course.) 

Storm Cleanup
EHAP is often required by the US Army Corps of Engineers in order to qualify for storm-related clean-ups. They have recognized the importance of the EHAP training program dating back to Hurricane Katrina.

The EHAP Process

1. How to Enroll
   Each candidate must purchase the EHAP full online program. This is a fully online, interactive course that includes all required videos and an online test.  A separate link will be emailed for enrollment in the online test.
   

   English EHAP Program: Purchase the Course

   Spanish EHAP Program: Purchase the Course

2. Training
   Employees must complete the following requirements for the EHAP program: 
   1. Pass a 25-question test for each of the six chapters with a grade of 85% or better.
   2. Submit proof of performing a practice Aerial Rescue from a height of at least 35 feet
   3. Submit a valid copy of First Aid/CPR cards
3. Certify
   Once a candidate has completed all required training and provided all necessary documentation, a certificate of completion will be awarded through Brightspace, our online learning platform. Certificate is valid for one year from date of completion. They will also receive a wallet card with renewal date.
4. Renew
   Annual renewal of EHAP is required following initial program completion. Learn more about EHAP renewal.

Available EHAP Courses

Electrical Hazards Awareness Online (EHAP) - English

EHAP (Electrical Hazards Awareness Program) is designed to provide workers with convenient, online training to recognize electrical hazards.

This course covers:

• ANSI-based required safety training for arboricultural operations
• Easy-to-use documentation for OSHA-required electrical-hazards training
• Online structure and support for employer certification of line clearance arborists and tree workers who work near energized lines on residential properties
• References including the ANSI Z133 Safety Standard.
• Online access to all required videos

The course blends online learning with on-the-job skills demonstrations. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a certificate demonstrating your ability to learn and retain valuable industry knowledge.

Member Price:
$89.49

Non-Member Price:
$141.99

CEUs available:
7.5 ISA & 7.5 CTSP CEUs

Purchase the Course

Electrical Hazards Awareness Online (EHAP) - Spanish

Está diseñado para brindar a los trabajadores una capacitación conveniente en línea para reconocer los riesgos eléctricos.

Este curso incluye:

• Entrenamiento de seguridad requerido basado en el ANSI para operaciones de arboricultura
• Documentación fácil de usar para la capacitación sobre riesgos eléctricos requerida por OSHA
• Estructura en línea y apoyo para la certificación de empleadores de arboricultores de despeje de líneas y trabajadores de árboles que trabajan cerca de líneas activadas en propiedades residenciales
• Referencias que incluyen la norma de seguridad ANSI Z133
• Acceso en línea a todos los videos requeridos

El curso combina el aprendizaje en línea con demostraciones de habilidades en el sitio de trabajo. Al completar con éxito el programa, recibirá un certificado que demuestre su capacidad para aprender y retener valiosos conocimientos de la industria.

Member Price:
$89.49

Non-Member Price:
$141.99

CEUs available:
7.5 ISA & 7.5 CTSP CEUs

Purchase the Course

Free workshop opportunities are available here

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EHAP Resources

Contact the EHAP coordinator