WEB EXCLUSIVE: Learn the Details of NFPA 70E

This WEB EXCLUSIVE comes from Joseph Deane, PE, Principal, KTR Associates, LLC Engineering Solutions of Sinking Spring, PA. Deane is an industry expert on electrical safety; he recently spoke to the Electrical Generating Service Association’s annual meeting in Maui, Hi.

The NFPA 70E standard was created at the request of OSHA in 1979 to recognize the difference between design and workplace safety. The National Electric Code (NEC) reflects the installation (design) standard while the NFPA 70E is the workplace safety standard.

While National Fire Protection Agency’s NFPA 70 represents the National Electric Code (NEC), NFPA 70E represents the standard for electrical safety in the workplace. NFPA 70E describes in detail employer responsibilities and recommendations on topics such as employee training, safety-related work practices, tagout procedures, calculating flash protection boundaries, and personal protective equipment.

Why is NFPA-70E Standard Important?
Because following the NFPA-70E standard may save a life. Hazardous arc flashes can occur in any electrical device in which energy is high enough to sustain an arc. The heat exposure due to an electrical arc can produce first-degree burns, permanent blindness, or even death. NFPA-70E specifies boundaries within which flash protection is required in an effort to reduce the extent of potential injuries.

The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 360 fatalities occur each year, roughly a person a day, due to electrocution More than half occurred while working on energized equipment rated 600 volts or below. Five to 10 electrical “arc flashes” occur in the workplace everyday. Burn center cost for an individually exposed to an electrical arc flash is around $12 to $20 million.

Conscientious employers should include both shock and arc hazard identification in their safety programs. When working on electrical apparatus (switchgear, panelboards, motor control centers, etc.) the incident energy or available fault current to product an arc flash needs to be clearly identified on each respective enclosure or piece of electrical equipment.

It is important to document the incident energy (calories per square cm) for an employee when it has been determined they will be working within the flash protection boundary. Producing a Flash Hazard Analysis can do this.

According to the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 (1) (6) (iii) requirement, employers will ensure that each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arc flashes will not wear clothing that could increase the extent of injury when exposed to flames or arc flashes.

Does OSHA Recognize the NFPA 70E?
Absolutely. As stated previously, the NFPA 70E standard was created in 1979 at OSHA’s request. OSHA’s 29 CFR electrical sections 1910.302 thru 1910.308 were based on the initial 1979 NFPA 70E standard, which did not address arc flash incidents at that time. The NFPA has now incorporated this hazard into its standard.

OSHA will cite companies for non-compliance with 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i) which requires the use of protective equipment when working where a potential hazard exists and 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1) which requires the employer to provide an assessment of the workplace for hazards and the need for personal protective equipment.

OSHA also utilizes the “General Duty Clause” which states, “each employer shall furnish to each of its employees a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm”.

Beginning with the 2002 NEC (NFPA 70) Article 110.16 states “Flash Protection: Switchboards, panelboards, control panels, MCC’s that require examination, adjustments, servicing or maintenance shall be field marked to warn of potential arch flash hazards”.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S Appendix A states, “The NFPA 70 and 70E can be helpful in understanding and comply with the requirements of Subpart S – Electrical.