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OSHA was a member of the first version but it wasn't published until 1979... More
What is NFPA 70E?
The Standard for Electrical Safety for Employee Work places
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) teamed up with OSHA in 1976 in writing the first phase of this standard.
The standard is centered upon avoiding Electrical hazards such as Shock, Arc Flash, Arc Blast and Fire ignition. NFPA 70 E does not address other hazards of electricity.
The NEC code protects individuals from shock hazards under normal conditions. It is not designed to protect us from abnormal conditions. We need additional policies to protect us from abnormal conditions. This is why NFPA 70 E was established.
Electricians have not experienced Arc Flash/Arc Blast with the same frequency as \ with electrical shock. Typically the electrician has not been trained on how to avoid and minimize Arc Flash/Arc blast in the past. NFPA 70 E incorporates measures to help avoid or minimize damage from Arc Flash.
Source: Wm Bruce Bowman, P.E., President of Fox Systems Inc of Calhoun, Georgia
Comments (1)
OSHA was a member of the first version but it wasn't published until 1979. OSHA doesn't vote on the standard but David Wallis attends and gives info and insight. OSHA has begun using NFPA 70E to determine when something is a "recognized hazard" and to offer abatement options to employers who are cited by OSHA.
The new version of the standard coming out in 2012 will require training every three years. Currently it requries initial training and retraining when rules are broken, new equipment or procedures are implemented, if tasks haven't been performed in the previous year and in a few other instances. Most companies have some sort of refresher training annually. Hope this helps.
1 | Left by Hugh Hoagland | Jul. 6, 2010 at 11:49am
