Understanding NFPA 70E: Electrical Hazard Rules

Did you know that, according to the CDC, electrical hazards are the fourth-leading cause of workplace-related traumatic death? In fact, a study in StatPearls states that electrical injuries cause about 1,000 deaths and at least 30,000 non-fatal shock incidents in the U.S every year. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for robust safety standards. That’s where NFPA 70E comes in. So, what is NFPA 70E? Developed at OSHA’s request, NFPA 70E sets the benchmark for electrical safety in the workplace to help employers minimize electrical dangers and comply with OSHA regulations.

How can NFPA 70E protect your team? Read on to find out what NFPA 70E is, what it covers, and why the training matters for your workplace.

What is NFPA 70E?

When you step into a workplace with electrical systems, you might hear the term NFPA 70E. But what is NFPA 70E, and why should you care? NFPA 70E is a comprehensive framework designed to protect you from the dangers of electricity at work. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed this standard at the request of OSHA, specifically to address electrical safety for employees. 

While OSHA enforces the law, the purpose of NFPA 70E is to teach you the practical steps and best practices you need to stay safe. The standard covers everything from shock protection to arc flash and arc blast hazards. You will learn how to recognize dangerous situations and what personal protective equipment (PPE) you need, and even how to respond if something goes wrong. 

Read More: How to Get OSHA Certified

What is NFPA 70E Training?

So, what is NFPA 70E training, and what does it involve? When you take this training, you learn how to spot electrical hazards like shock, arc flash, and arc blast. Your employer is required to provide this training and keep records of it. According to NFPA 70E, you must be retrained at least every three years, or sooner if your job changes or new hazards are introduced. This keeps you up-to-date on the latest best practices and ensures you’re always prepared. 

Here’s what you will learn in NFPA 70E training,

Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition

You’ll learn how to establish an electrically safe work condition. It's a step-by-step process that ensures there’s no chance of accidental contact with live electricity. As a result, you dramatically reduce your risk of shock, burns, or other injuries. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify all sources of electrical supply to the equipment you’ll be working on.

2. Disconnect the power and use lockout/tagout devices to prevent it from being turned back on accidentally.

3. Visually verify that the equipment is isolated from energy sources.

4. Releasing any stored energy, electrical and mechanical, could pose a risk.

5. Test for the absence of voltage with the right instruments to make sure the equipment is truly de-energized.

6. Ground conductors, if necessary, to prevent re-energization.

Hierarchy of Controls

NFPA 70E teaches you to use the hierarchy of controls to manage electrical hazards. This means you always try to eliminate the hazard first by de-energizing equipment before relying on less effective methods like PPE.

Here’s how you should prioritize:

1. Elimination: De-energize equipment whenever possible.

2. Substitution: Use safer equipment or methods if you can.

3. Engineering Controls: Install barriers or insulation to keep you away from live parts.

4. Administrative Controls: Follow safe work procedures, use warning signs, and make sure everyone is trained.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use PPE as your last line of defense.

What is NFPA 70E Certification and Why does it Matter?

Once you learn what NFPA 70E is, you might wonder, “Is the certification really necessary?” The statistics say yes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 166 fatal electrical injuries in 2022, which is a 19% increase from the previous year. When you follow NFPA 70E, you dramatically reduce your risk of becoming part of these statistics.

According to c, employers often require this certification, especially if you work within four feet of exposed energized parts at 50 volts or more. Your certification shows that you’re qualified and committed to maintaining a safe work environment.

With NFPA 70E certification, you’re protecting yourself and also helping your company comply with OSHA regulations. OSHA often references NFPA 70E when investigating workplace incidents, so being familiar with this standard puts you ahead of the curve, thereby avoiding costly fines or lawsuits.

Read More:  Are OSHA 10 Online Certifications Recognized by Employers?

What’s New in NFPA 70E 2024?

Now that you know what NFPA 70E is, it's time to explore what has been updated in its guidelines. NFPA 70E is updated every three years to keep pace with new technologies and workplace realities. The 2024 edition has the following changes, 

• Stronger Risk Assessment

You’re now required to conduct a thorough risk assessment for every electrical job, not just high-risk tasks. It ensures you address all possible dangers and keep yourself and your team safer on every project.

• Hazard Elimination First

The standard emphasizes eliminating electrical hazards at the source before relying on personal protective equipment (PPE). This shift helps reduce your overall risk and fosters a more proactive safety culture.

• Emergency Response Plans

Every job safety plan must now include a detailed emergency response plan. You need to outline clear procedures for electrical incidents, such as shocks or arc flashes, and ensure everyone knows how to act quickly and effectively in an emergency, improving your team’s preparedness and response time.

• Clearer Definitions

NFPA 70E 2024 updates and clarifies key terms and requirements, making the standard easier for you to understand and apply. These clearer definitions help eliminate confusion, ensure consistent safety practices, and make it simpler for you to train your team and maintain compliance.

• Maintenance Focus

With new guidance in Informative Annex S, you’re encouraged to assess and maintain your electrical equipment regularly. Annex S provides a framework for inspections, testing, and documentation, helping you identify problems before they become hazards and ensuring your equipment stays reliable and safe for everyone.

Implement NFPA 70E To Create a Safety First Workplace!

If you’re working with or around electricity, you know that every time you flip a switch, open a panel, or troubleshoot a circuit, you’re dealing with hazards that can be life-threatening. Electrical hazards remain a serious threat in the workplace. The CDC reports that about 64% of worker fatalities from electrical hazards occur during “constructing, repairing, cleaning” tasks. However, since NFPA 70E was introduced, exposure-related deaths have nearly halved, dropping from 582 to 310 per decade.

Learning what NFPA 70E is gives you the tools to identify, assess, and control electrical hazards, ensuring you and your team work safely around energized equipment. When you embrace its principles, you take control of your own safety and set a positive example for your coworkers. Stay alert, follow procedures, and improve your knowledge to build a culture where everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.

Ready to take control of electrical safety and protect your team? Enroll in NFPA 70E training today!

References

• NFPA 70E Standard Development

• NFPA 70E Introduction | Vector Solutions

• NFPA 70E Electrical Safety - Black Stallion Website

• NFPA 70E Purpose and Scope.