Electrical Safety and NFPA 70E Questions
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How do I determine what level of protection I need for my job task?
A. There are 3 basic methods that can be used to determine level of protection:
- Refer to NFPA 70E-2012 Article 130, tables 130.4(C)(a) or (b), 130.7(C)(15)(a), and 130.7(C)(16) or Annex D*.
- Use an industry accepted software program.
- Use a consulting firm to complete the risk assessment.
*Tables 130.7(C)(15)(a) & 130.7(C)(16) can be used to complete the risk assessment for PPE only if the specific job task appears in table 130.7(C)(15)(a), otherwise, the incident energy must be calculated for that job task using Annex D or methods 2 or 3 listed above.
Q. What if my job task is not listed in Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) of NFPA 70E-2012 Standard?
A. The incident energy must be calcuated for the job task. Annex D of the NFPA 70E-2012 standard can be referenced or use an approved online arc calculator like the Duke Flux Calculator.
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 are left 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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