In order to be an electrical worker in good standing, you must adhere to regulations set by OSHA for QEWs. While the definition of QEWs is broad, there are specific requirements for anyone working with electricity to ensure that everyone on the job site is safe.
Learn more about the requirements for First Aid, AED & CPR certification for qualified electrical workers – then get started with your certification online!
Electrical workers may be required to earn their CPR, First Aid and AED certifications in order to adhere to national OSHA guidelines as well as state regulations and the "Two Person Rule" for working on or near exposed lines.
Electrical workers must adhere to national OSHA guidelines and their state regulations, which may include first aid certification and CPR training if they are working in a place with people present. In addition, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electrical crews of at least two people are required in several circumstances to have an active CPR and first aid certification. Finally, electrical workers may also be expected to earn their CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications for proficiency as rescuers in any situation.
While not related to healthcare and other industries immediately associated with life-saving action, being an electrical worker is a high-risk profession that requires professionals to be prepared for anything that may happen. From instances of shock, to the potential for head injuries from falling lines, poles, and other debris, electrical workers face a wide variety of hazards on the job.
In working with such a dangerous medium – electricity – there may come a time when your colleagues look to you if something goes wrong, such as if a team member is injured or has an unexpected, life-threatening event occur on the job.
Most electrical workers must adhere to several sets of requirements. First, there are national OSHA guidelines for anyone in the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution industry. Next, you will need to know and adhere to your state regulations, as well.
Most states require first aid certification if electricians are working in a place where there are people present – which may include colleagues and bystanders. Some states also require CPR training and certification, but these requirements often change depending on the various environments an electrical worker may be in on a day-to-day basis. For example, if you service a medical building, you will be more likely to have a CPR requirement.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electrical crews of at least two people are required in several circumstances to have an active CPR and first aid certification so that one person can provide help to the other person if needed.
Because an electrical worker must be accompanied by another worker if their duties are requiring them to work on or near exposed lines and parts, the so-called “Two Person Rule” applies to the majority of electrical workers.
With so many hazards on the job, electrical workers are expected to be vigilant observers and confident rescuers. To be a proficient rescuer in any situation – whether it be cases of electrocution, cardiac arrest, head injury, or something else entirely – electrical workers may be required to earn their CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
Generally, electrical workers are not considered emergency responders, even if they are the first person to notice a problem, but they still need to be trained in proper CPR, AED, and First Aid so that they can sustain life until emergency personnel arrive. Because of this, you are often required to complete First Aid, AED, and CPR training for electrical workers. This is your course content requirement. Be sure to select a CPR certification for electrical workers that specifically includes CPR, AED, and First Aid skills training.
Most likely, as an electrical worker your requirements for learning and performing CPR will state that you need to complete a CPR certification program, but that a hands-on portion is not required. This is your course delivery modality requirement. If you do not need to complete a hands-on portion, you can complete a fully online CPR program.
Finally, your state may have specific course brand requirements. Some states require that your CPR training for electrical workers come from a specific brand; others don’t have brand-specific requirements and allow you to complete your training with flexible online providers like ProTrainings.
There may be specific CPR certification requirements and special considerations for Electrical Workers performing CPR according to your state. To learn more about which requirements impact you, select your state on the map below.