After building a trusted reputation in Iowa for seventy-seven years, Thompson Solutions Group (TSG) opened our office in Sioux Falls in 1989. TSG is a leader in providing reputable full-service expertise specializing in electrical, mechanical, limited energy, automation, HVAC, plumbing, and technology across multiple trades. With experience across numerous industries nationwide, TSG has maintained strong relationships in the healthcare sector with many of our partners throughout South Dakota. Our diverse exposure to various work environments has fostered our culture of innovation, enabling us to share valuable safety lessons and best work practices with those we serve.
TSG is a recognized innovator in electrical construction for several major healthcare facilities in South Dakota. Our comprehensive capabilities in design-build and ongoing service and support make us a desired partner from concept throughout the entire lifecycle of a facility. While construction remains a core focus, TSG’s electrical safety division has also emerged as a nationwide industry leader.
 Electrical Safety – What’s Required?
- Identify arc flash and electrical shock hazards and properly mark equipment (required every 5 years)
- Protective device coordination studies (required for critical healthcare systems every 5 years)
- Electrical safety program (audited every 3 years)
- Electrical maintenance program (audited every 5 years)
- Preventative maintenance (varies between 1 and 5 years)
- Electrical safety training (every 3 years)
- Electrical hazard personal protective equipment (PPE)
Thompson can help with that!
Electrical Safety – What’s New?
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance efforts are no longer considered best practice. It is an explicit directive from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for some industries. For others, it is part of the general duty clause ensuring employers provide a workplace free of known hazards. In January 2023, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B document, transitioned from a Recommended Practice to the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. NFPA created a framework for facility owners to implement an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP); further delineating maintenance tasks and their recommended frequency for each piece of electrical equipment.
Preventative maintenance efforts are categorized into two types: energized and de-energized tasks. Energized preventative maintenance consists of visual inspections and infrared thermal inspections aimed at the identification of potential safety threats that may otherwise result in equipment failures or injury/incident occurrence. De-energized tasks are conducted after electrical energy has been removed, often by the electrical utility. Tasks include cleaning, lubricating, inspecting wiring, operating devices, and calibration/testing of devices, among others.
In the healthcare sector, the difficulties of de-energizing critical circuits are well known. These circuits are referred to by NFPA as Essential Electrical Systems (ESS). These systems encompass vital areas such as critical and intensive care patient rooms, angiography labs, cardiac catheterization labs, delivery rooms, operating rooms, post-anesthesia care units, trauma rooms, and more. TSG’s experience and competence in maintaining these key systems is invaluable. Our legacy of proficiency is one of many reasons we aim to be Your Partner in Electrical Safety, ensuring compliance while maintaining that these critical systems remain operational and secure.
Arc Flash Hazards
OSHA formally recognized arc flash hazards in 2014, bringing national attention to one of the most dangerous electrical risks found in workplaces. An arc flash is a sudden, dangerous release of electrical energy through the air that can cause extreme heat (up to 35,000°F), in addition to intense light, pressure waves, and flying debris. In September of 2025, the 2026 edition of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) was released, expanding the requirements for arc flash hazard marking. Under the updated standard, nearly all electrical distribution equipment within a facility’s electrical system(s) must now be clearly labeled. Labels must identify the severity of an arc flash hazard at each piece of equipment and provide guidance to personnel for PPE.
TSG has performed arc flash hazard incident energy analysis for clients across the country, including several healthcare organizations in South Dakota. As part of these projects, we apply electrical hazard labels that guide personnel on the selection of proper and compliant PPE.
Ensuring Your Compliance
At TSG, our team of electrical safety Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are adept in the industry standards and regulations and are equally well-versed regarding the directives from property insurance companies such as FM Global and others. We can efficiently establish a plan to perform the analysis, develop an EMP, train personnel, and perform preventative maintenance efforts. Together, we can ensure your facility’s compliance while improving the overall safety and reliability of your employees and the people you serve.
That is why at Thompson Solutions Group, we Build Better Together. Give us a call and let us be Your Partner in Electrical Safety.
