NFPA 70E Training and Compliance

ABOUT NFPA 70E

In a need to respond to electrical hazards in the workplace, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed a standard to provide guidance. NFPA 70E “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” is designed to provide a workplace for employees that is safe from electrical hazards. The standard’s objective is to provide practical safety resulting in a reduction of injuries associated with electrical risks such as arc flash.

While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) relies on NFPA 70E for prescriptive-based requirements to fulfill the performance-based requirements, NFPA 70E provides additional details on how to achieve compliance. Companies must comply with OSHA, and NFPA 70E outlines how to do so. Major components of the 2018 update include:

• Risk assessment procedures must now include human element errors and consequences to employees, equipment, processes and the workplace
• The hierarchy of risk control methods now states that elimination of a hazard is the top priority
• The likelihood of an arc flash occurring must be estimated by conducting an arc flash risk assessment
• Arc-rated clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be chosen based on the arc flash assessment

ARC FLASH ASSESSMENTS HELP ENSURE SAFETY

Arc flash hazards can occur when an electric current pass through air between conductors (or from the conductor to the ground), instead of its intended path. When such an event occurs, temperatures can reach 35,000° Fahrenheit, resulting in extreme injury and, in many cases, death.

Arc flash assessments, outlined in the 2018 update of NFPA 70E, are designed to limit arc flash risks by producing a better understanding of hazards present in a facility, and what types of PPE are needed. Components of an arc flash risk assessment include:

• Field survey to gather data on the electrical distribution system
• Electrical one-line diagrams
• Short-circuit analysis on electrical equipment
• Protective device coordination analysis on circuit breakers, fuses and relays,
• Reports and recommendations
• Label installation with hazard and PPE guidance

NFPA 70E TRAINING PROGRAM

Training of employees is another key component to minimizing arc flash and other electrical risks. Employees that can benefit from this type of training include electrical and maintenance technicians, plant and facility supervisors, on-site engineers and anyone who is expected to operate or be present around electrical equipment.

TÜV SÜD GRC's Electrical Safety Training programs are designed to enhance worker understanding of electrical hazards, reduce accidents associated with electrical work and prevent workplace injuries. The technical basis of our training is NFPA 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” (2018).

EXPERTISE TO ASSIST YOU

TÜV SÜD Global Risk Consultants (GRC) provides inspection and property loss services to help you minimize electrical, property, business continuity and other risks. Our expert consultants can work with the management team to review current processes and where appropriate, clearly define any areas for improvement.

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