Electricity is a serious and widespread hazard to arborists. 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. Workers don’t even have to touch a wire to be electrocuted – about half of all electrocution fatalities result from indirect contact. Tree branches and other conductive objects are an ever-present threat to the industry.

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

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. All the content related to electrical hazards in the Z133 is included in the EHAP course.) The ANSI Z 133 Safety Standard is available for purchase separately.

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.

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 Online Course
   Spanish EHAP Program: Purchase the Online 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 84% or better.
   2. Submit proof of performing a practice Aerial Rescue from a height of at least 35 feet
   3. CPR/First Aid Certification Policy
      To meet OSHA safety standards and ensure hands-on skill development, all CPR and First Aid (CPR/FA) training must be completed in person at an accredited facility. Online-only courses do not meet OSHA requirements, which mandate physical practice of life-saving techniques like CPR and bandaging.
      For reference, see OSHA’s official interpretation: OSHA Standard Interpretation
      Approved Accredited Sources
      CPR/FA classes for employees and providers must be completed through one of the following accredited organizations:
      • American Heart Association
      • American Red Cross
      • Health and Safety Institute

      Case-by-Case Exceptions
      We understand that access to in-person training may be limited. Exceptions may be considered if alternative training includes a hands-on component. Please submit your request with supporting details for review.
      Contact Us
      For questions or exception requests, contact us at education@tcia.org.

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.