Understanding NFPA 70E Requirements

Working around electricity is often necessary in an industrial setting, and it’s also potentially dangerous. The extremely high voltages used by equipment can cause serious if not fatal injuries if workers are exposed to them by accident, which means they must exercise extreme caution. Although there are some common-sense rules that can help keep workers safe, such as never touching energized components and wearing safety gear, there needs to be a standardized approach to ensure all employees follow the same protocols and procedures.  

One of the most important safety standards that governs electrical safety in the workplace is NFPA 70E, which was first established by the National Fire Protection Association in 1979. Although NFPA 70E is not a law, OSHA refers to it as best practice for compliance under its rules. Primarily, OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S and 1926 Subpart K require employers to protect workers with NFPA 70E forming the basis for how they accomplish that.  

This makes understanding the core tenets of NFPA 70E essential for manufacturers and other industrial companies. Dubak Electrical Group has extensive experience when it comes to working within such facilities, so read on to learn more about what this standard says and how it should be applied in the workplace.  

What Are the Main Requirements of NFPA 70E? 

With its focus on protecting workers from electrical hazards including arc flashes and shocks, NFPA 70E offers guidance for safe working practices when working on or around electrical systems. Some of the most critical elements of this standard include:  

• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers should always wear the appropriate PPE as part of best practice. This includes arc-rated gloves, face shields, and coveralls that protect workers against the intense bursts of heat given off by arc flashes.  

• Following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures: LOTO guidance ensures workers always ensure equipment is properly shut down and de-energized before servicing it. This means treating all equipment as energized until it has been properly locked out and confirmed as deactivated.  

• Ensuring Proper Qualifications: One of the most important aspects of NFPA 70E is the requirement that only qualified personnel should perform electrical work, especially when the work involves energized equipment. Employers should always make sure their team members have the proper training and certifications before assigning them to work on electrical systems and energized equipment.  

• Conducting Risk Assessment: Part of working safely is knowing as much about the potential harm as possible. This is why this standard provides guidance on how to conduct a thorough risk assessment. Following a standardized approach means there is less chance that corners will be cut, whether this is intentional or unintentional.  

• Performing Regular Maintenance: NFPA 70E specifies that equipment must be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable industry codes. Doing so is critical because it can prevent many of the most dangerous conditions in the workplace, including arc flashes. Proper maintenance also keeps equipment in optimal condition for the longest possible time, helping to keep facilities safe and productive. 

• Planning All Work Thoroughly: A core element of this standard is the importance of planning any work done on electrical equipment as thoroughly as possible. This means taking the time to figure out all the steps that need to be taken before starting any work and also ensuring a safety plan is in place. Any specific procedures, job responsibilities, and identification of possible electrical hazards need to be included in the documentation to ensure nothing is overlooked.  

• Documenting Risk Exposure: Employers are expected to document the exposure levels in their facilities whenever work takes place in an area with an arc flash risk. This is critical because it determines the level of PPE and training workers must have as they work closer to the electrical hazard.   

The Importance of Proper Training for NFPA 70E Compliance 

Mandatory training for all employees is critical for ensuring industrial companies adhere to NFPA 70E standards. Under normal circumstances, this training must be provided at intervals of no more than three years. However, training also must be performed if any of the following conditions occur: 

• New equipment is installed in the facility, or new procedures are introduced 

• Employee job descriptions are updated or changed 

• New safety protocols that are not normally part of the employee’s regular job duties are introduced 

• Inspections find any areas of the workplace to be noncompliant with the standard 

In many cases, training takes between four and eight hours to complete. The length of time workers need to complete training depends on how much they already know. Workers can receive training in a classroom environment or through online courses. 

Auditing Electrical Safety Programs for Compliance 

One of employers’ most important responsibilities under NFPA 70E is to perform regular audits of their electrical safety programs. This is to be performed no more than three years after the last audit. This process is extremely important because it gives employers the chance to find any gaps that may exist in their policies and procedures. At the same time, it also provides an opportunity to make any updates or adjustments that may be necessary due to evolving guidance or the emergence of new technologies.  

Dubak Electrical Group is Focused on Safety 

As an experienced electrical contractor, Dubak takes our responsibilities as seriously as possible. Our goal is zero injuries and zero safety incidents on every job we undertake. We’ve built a culture around safety, with extensive documented procedures, protocols, and training to ensure every team member approaches the work with the same unwavering commitment to safety.  

This means you can count on us to help your operations meet NFPA 70E requirements on your next electrical construction project. To learn more about how Dubak Electrical Group can assist you, reach out and speak with a member of our experienced team.