OSHA requires that employers must incorporate safety-related work practices to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash and arc blast electrical shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contact. NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace was developed at OSHA’s request to help protect workers by reducing exposure to major electrical hazards.

NFPA 70E applies to employees who work on or near exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts, including electrical maintenance personnel, operators, troubleshooters, electricians, linemen, engineers, supervisors, site safety personnel or anyone exposed to energized equipment of 50 volts or more. Employers are encouraged to provide NFPA 70E training not only to “qualified persons” who work directly with electrical equipment, but also “unqualified persons,” such as maintenance or janitorial staff who work near a hazard as well as outside contractors who may visit their facilities.

NFPA 70E is an excellent tool employers can use as a guide to help ensure they are complying with OSHA’s electrical safety requirements because OSHA’s standards are closely aligned with the comprehensive information found in NFPA 70E.

Upcoming OTC 306 Electrical Safety for Qualified Workers (NFPA 70E) Classes