Explore our comprehensive FAQ section to get answers to common questions about electrical safety, NFPA 70E standards, arc flash studies, electrical safety training, and more. Download the detailed PDF for in-depth information.
What is NFPA 70E?
The NFPA 70E is a consensus standard written to help with Electrical Safety.
Whom does the NFPA 70E apply to in the US?
The NFPA 70E Standard applies nationwide in all manufacturing, warehouse, mining, production, industrial, and commercial establishments. NFPA 70E also applies to all contractors working in these facilities.
When is an Electrical Safety Program (ESP) required and how often do you update it?
An electrical safety program is required anytime you are working on or near electricity. The 2018 standard currently states that facilities must perform an update of their Electrical Safety Program at an interval not to exceed three (3) years.
How often is the Electrical Safety Training required?
The 2018 standard currently states that facilities must train all employees working on or near electrical equipment at an interval not to exceed three (3) years. Training shall include general awareness for those individuals not qualified to work on or near electricity, as well as qualified worker training which shall include task-specific instruction.
Who is required to have an arc flash study, and how often is an update required?
NFPA 70E requires Arc Flash Studies for owners and renters of all manufacturing, warehouse, mining, production, industrial, and commercial establishments. The 2018 standard currently states that facilities must update their Arc Flash Study at an interval not to exceed five (5) years.
How does EPSCO handle reviewing studies previously performed by other engineering firms?
The process for performing a 5-year update is very similar to performing an arc flash study for the first time, with the added benefit of having a portion of the facility already completed. Many industrial and manufacturing facilities are always changing, which then requires onsite data collection as well as engineering and label application.
What is the essential requirement for Rubber Gloves (PPE)?
All electrical safety PPE should be inspected before each use and should be free of cuts and damage that would hinder its performance and effectiveness. When inspecting voltage-rated gloves, verify a test date on the cuff of the glove that is less than six (6) months before the time of inspection. Also, verify that a facility has electrical gloves rated for all voltages within the facility and note that glove selection shall require the use of the closest voltage rating above the equipment voltage to be worked on as to help worker dexterity. Gloves must be worn with leather protectors and stored correctly to prevent damage.
What is the essential requirement for Electrical Safety PPE as it relates to Arc Flash?
The incident energy calculation shall be used to select the proper arc flash PPE when performing tasks. This information shall be represented in Calories per CM Squared and shall be posted on equipment with a decal that includes additional information such as approach boundaries and the date of the study.
What are the best ways to perform an audit of a facility’s arc flash study, electrical safety training, and electrical safety program?
Generally, what is involved in performing an audit of the above list items is as follows:
Arc Flash Study: Inspect for labels on equipment with Incident Energy Calculations, Approach Boundaries, and specific PPE recommendations. The label should have a date that is less than five (5) years before the time of inspection. If the label is more than four (4) years old, it is recommended to start the process for completing the next study.
Electrical Safety Training: Verify all staff working on or near electrical equipment has a certification of training with a date that is less than three (3) years before the time of inspection. Also, verify awareness training certificates for staff who may need to recognize and avoid electrical hazards within their facility with a date that is less than three (3) years before the time of inspection.
Electrical Safety Program: The ESP is required to be audited at an interval not to exceed three (3) years. It should include but is not limited to: Task-Specific Forms, Hierarchy of Risk Control, Roles & Responsibilities, LOTO, Safe Work Conduct Instruction, Qualified Worker Requirements, Managing Electrical Hazards, Employee Audit Forms, LOTO Documentation, Hazard Risk Assessment Info, Energized Work Permits, and more found within NFPA 70E.
