The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published the eighth edition of the “70E Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces” in February 2009.

This edition contains an introduction, three chapters, 15 annexes and has many significant changes from the seventh edition.

NFPA 70E covers the full range of electrical safety issues, including safety related work practices, maintenance, special equipment requirements and installation. It focuses on protecting people and identifies requirements that are considered necessary to provide a workplace that is free of electrical hazards. OSHA bases its electrical safety mandates, found in Subpart S part 1910 and Subpart K part 1926, on the comprehensive information found in NFPA 70E. NFPA 70E is recognized as the tool that illustrates how an employer might comply with these OSHA standards. The relationship between the OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E can be described as OSHA is the “shall” and NFPA 70E the “how.”

Learn more about NFPA 70E Standard: EZ Facts 263.

Purchase your very own copy of the 2009 70E: BUY IT!

View all the clothing options available that meet the NFPA 70E Standard:

• Clothing
• Gloves
• Signs - Labels - Tapes
• Instrumentation
• Tools

If you have any other questions regarding protective clothing, please contact the LSS Technical Department at 1-800-356-2501 or via e-mail at techsvc@labsafety.com.

Featured Products

These LSS.com featured products meet the NFPA 70E standard.

Wiha® Insulated Master Tool Sets	Salisbury Body Rescue Hooks	Arc Guard Electrical Arc Protective Wear™	SALISBURY Lineman’s Gloves	FLUKE® Electrician Combo Kit

Articles, Links, Videos and Info

• Take a look at EZ Facts 263 for more information on NFPA 70E Standard.
• NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces, National Fire Protection Association,
  1-617-770-3000.
• ASTM F1506 Standard, American Society for Testing Materials,
  1-610-832-9585.

Featured videos:

• Salsbury Arc Flash Safety
• Salsbury Rubber Gloves

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Got questions? We have answers!

Our Technical Staff is available from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, M-F, to answer your questions about product specifications, applications or compliance. Simply call 800-356-2501 and ask. Or e-mail them at techsvc@labsafety.com.

Commonly asked Questions:

Q: How do I determine what level of protection I need for my job task?

A: First, reference Table 130.7(C)(9)(a) of the NFPA 70E 2004 edition. This will determine the hazard category of your job task (0-4). Second, consult Reference Table 130.7(C)(10) of the standard to determine what clothing and equipment is required based on the hazard/risk category that was determined. Third, Reference Table 130.7(C)(11) will determine what ATPV rating is necessary. Once you have determined the ATPV rating, simply find the ATPV rating on the garment (required on tag) that meets or exceeds your requirement.

Q: What if my job task is not listed in Table 130.7(C)(9)(a) of NFPA 70E Standard?

A: A flash hazard analysis must be done. The Duke Power Flux Calculator meets this requirement.

Q: Is compliance with NFPA 70E mandatory?

A: No. NFPA 70E is a national consensus safety standard published by NFPA primarily to assist OSHA in preparing electrical safety standards. Federal OSHA has not incorporated it into the Code of Federal Regulations.
 

Q: Can I be cited for not complying with NFPA 70E?

A: Yes. The employer must assess the workplace for electrical hazards and the need for PPE under 29CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i). Details on how to comply with this standard is up to the employer. The employer is expected to use the best means available to comply with this requirement, and that is done through consensus standard NFPA 70E. Compliance with 70E will assure compliance with this OSHA requirement. In the event of an injury or death due to an electrical accident, if OSHA determines that compliance with 70E would have prevented or lessened the injury, OSHA may cite the employer under the general duty clause. In 2003 “Standards Interpretation” letter OSHA stated 70E can be used as evidence of whether the employer acted reasonably.

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