Today's Workplace Safety - Setting the Stage With NFPA 70E

Everyone deserves a safe workplace. However, the history of accidents in the workplace is contentious. Continuous improvements in Employer and Worker training, and Regulatory Compliance, have reduced workplace accidents considerably. One of the primary achievement was the adoption of NFPA 70E "The Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace".

Explainer: When Was NFPA 70E "The Standard for Electrical Safety" Created? - The first issue of NFPA 70E was released in 1979, by the NFPA "National Fire Protection Association".

Why NFPA 70E?

NFPA 70E is significant because it addresses workplace electrical safety requirements that are not covered in NFPA 70 "National Electrical Code (NEC)". While the NEC focuses on the design and installation of electrical systems, NFPA 70E is concerned with the safety of employees who work on, or near, electrical equipment.

Key Considerations of NFPA 70E

• Risk Assessment: It considers the importance of conducting a complete risk assessment before any electrical work starts. Including, the identification of potential hazards, evaluating the likelihood of an occurrence, and determining the severity of potential injuries in this occurrence.
• Being Awareness By Training: NFPA 70E requires employers to provide proper training to their employees. This training should cover the risks associated with electricity, and safe work practices to be followed.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): It outlines the requirements for PPE, which is driven by the risk assessment. PPE can include items like insulated gloves, face shields, flame-resistant clothing, and protective footwear. The dangers of arc flash in commercial and industrial environments have also driven improvements in PPE.

Factoid: Electricity fatalities have decreased from ~8% in 1980 to ~3% in 2020, a good part due to the introduction of NFPA 70E - NFPA

• Lockout/TagOut Procedures: Including de-energizing the equipment, applying lockout/tagout procedures, and verifying there is no voltage to ensure worker safety.
• Work Permit System: Certain types of work, NFPA 70E requires a documented work permit that outlines the scope of the work, any potential hazards, and safety procedures to be taken.

• Arc Flash Risk Assessment: A big aspect of NFPA 70E is the determination of arc flash risk. This involves calculation of the potential incident energy of a possible arc flash and the appropriate safety measures.
• Maintenance Regime: Scheduled maintenance of equipment as per manufacturer guidelines and trade industry standards is a must to prevent failures that could lead to hazards.

Commercial Electrical Safety Practice Impacts

• Compliance: Businesses must comply with NFPA 70E to maintain a safe working environment. Compliance is necessary for insurance policy purposes and to meet OSHA and other state based regulations.
• Design and Installation: The safety guidelines influence the design and installation of electrical systems in commercial settings, promoting designs that enhance safety. An example of this is the clearance requirements between standing panels.
• A Culture Of Safety: Adopting NFPA 70E standards helps create a culture of safety in organizations, where employees are aware of potential hazards and are powered to take proactive measures to prevent accidents.

The Last Fuse

NFPA 70E is a highly useful standard that enhances electrical safety in commercial workplaces. Its guidelines help in identifying electrical hazards, implementing safety procedures, and ensuring the use of appropriate PPE.

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