Understanding NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Requirements

Dennis K. Neitzel, CPE

Senior Member, IEEE
AVO Training Institute, Inc.
4271 Bronze Way
Dallas, Texas 75237

Abstract: There are numerous OSHA regulations, as well as every day in the United States alone. Figure 1 illustrates
consensus standards, that address the hazards of electricity statistics for injuries in various sectors of industry.
and the work practices and personal protective equipment
(PPE) required for the protection of employees. Over the last
10 to 15 years there have been significant revisions and
additions to electrical safety standards and regulations, which
were needed in order to increase the knowledge and
understanding of the electrical hazards by employers and
employees. The NFPA 70E-2004, Standard for Electrical
Safety in the Workplace [1] is the base consensus standard,
used by OSHA to establish electrical safety regulations, and
requires an electrical hazard analysis be performed prior to
employees working on or near exposed energized electrical
conductors and circuit parts operating at 50-volts or more.
These requirements are especially critical if the circuits have
not been placed in an electrically safe work condition
(lockout/tagout).

I. Introduction

The three main hazards of electricity; electrical shock, Figure 1

electrical arc-flash, and electrical arc-blast, along with the Bureau of Labor Statistics
physiological effects on the human body, must be understood
by everyone working on or near electrical circuits and The statistics in Figure 1 also indicate the number of
equipment. electrical burn injuries. Other studies show that 10-15
employees are hospitalized every day with arc-flash related
NFPA 70E introduces new terms that relate to the electrical burns.
hazards that must be identified. These terms include the
shock protection approach boundaries of “Limited”, Surprisingly, over half of those killed in electrical accidents
“Restricted”, and “Prohibited.” The standard also identifies the are not in tradition electrical fields but are from fields such
“Flash Protection Boundary” that must be established in order as contractors, outside service personnel, painters,
to protect employees from the arc-flash hazard. [1] laborers, and drivers. [Detailed surveillance data and
investigative reports of fatal incidents involving workers
The NFPA 70E standard is divided into four chapters: who contacted energized electrical conductors or
equipment are derived from the National Traumatic
Chapter 1 – Safety-Related Work Practices Occupational Fatalities surveillance system maintained by
Chapter 2 – Safety-Related Maintenance Requirements the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Chapter 3 – Safety Requirements for Special Equipment (NIOSH)].
Chapter 4 – Installation Safety Requirements
Electricity is no respecter of persons; it will injure or kill a
This paper will focus primarily on the NFPA 70E, Chapter 1 contractor, custodian, manager, or office worker just as fast
requirements for the electrical hazards analysis and the safe as it will injure or kill an electrician. The law of physics for
work practices and procedures required for the protection of electricity applies to everyone. Some employees work with
employees from the hazards of electricity. [1] electricity directly as part of their everyday jobs while others
work with it indirectly, primarily by the use of cord- and
II. Electrical Hazards plug-connected equipment and portable tools.

The purpose of NFPA 70E is to provide a means of protecting Electrical Shock – Electrical shock occurs when a
employees form electrical hazards through the development person’s body completes the current path between two
and use of safety programs and procedures. In order to fully energized conductors of an electrical circuit or between an
understand the NFPA 70E work practices requirements, there energized conductor and a grounded surface or object.
must also be an understanding of the electrical hazards. [1] Essentially, when there is a difference in potential from one
part of the body to another current will flow. The effects of
Statistics show that several hundred deaths occur annually as an electrical shock can vary from a slight tingle to
a result of electrical shock. The National Institute for immediate cardiac arrest. The severity depends on several
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) statistics show that factors:
electrical contact results in 4,000 non-disabling and 3,600
disabling injuries annually plus ONE death in the workplace
• Body resistance (wet or dry skin are major factors of This occurrence is referred to as an electrical arc-blast or
resistance) explosion.
• Circuit voltage
• Amount of current flowing through the body According to studies on the subject, the pressures from an
• Current path through the body arc are developed from two sources, the expansion of the
• Area of contact metal in boiling and vaporizing, and the heating of the air
• Duration of contact by passage of the arc through it. Copper expands by a
3
factor of 67,000 times when it vaporizes. One inch of
3
The “Shock Hazard Analysis” required by NFPA 70E provides copper vaporizes into 1.44 yards of vapor creating a rapid
the guidance needed to determine the level of shock hazard. expansion of the air resulting in the blast or explosion. [4]
This analysis also determines the shock protection
boundaries, as well as the approach limits for qualified and OSHA states: “The pressures developed by high-energy
unqualified employees. [1] arcs can damage equipment causing fragmented metal to
fly in all directions. In atmospheres which contain explosive
Electrical Arc-Flash – Various studies on the causes of gases or vapors or combustible dusts, even low-energy
electrical injuries show that a large number of serious arcs can cause violent explosions.” [5]
electrical injuries involve burns from electrical arcs.
Ralph Lee’s paper, entitled “Pressures Developed by Arcs”
There are actually three different issues with the arc-flash (IEEE 1987) [4], discusses methods that can be used to
hazard, the arc temperature, the incident energy, and the determine the amount of damage that a short circuit can
pressure developed by the arc. The main concern with the cause in switchgear and the buildings where the gear is
arc temperature is the flash flame and ignition of clothing. At located.
0 0
approximately 203 F (96 C) for one-tenth of a second (6
cycles), the skin is rendered incurable or in other words a III. NFPA 70E Overview
third-degree burn. [2] The incident energy threshold for the
2
onset of a second degree burn is 1.2 cal/cm . As can be seen NFPA 70E is the most comprehensive electrical safety
by this, it does not take a very high temperature or very much standard available today that addresses protection for
incident energy to cause severe injury, which results in employees from these hazards of electricity. There are
extreme pain and discomfort or death to the worker. The other electrical safety standards, as well as regulations,
American Burn Association provides statistics concerning the which include the National Electrical Code, OSHA 29 CFR
survivability of electrical burns, based on the age of the 1910.331-.335, and 1910.269, but NFPA 70E is the only
worker and the percentage of body burn (Figure 2). one that addresses electrical safe work practices, electrical
hazards analysis, electrically safe work condition,
energized electrical work permits, electrical maintenance
Burn Injury - Probability of Survival safety, special electrical equipment safety, and electrical
installation safety in one standard. Serious consideration
100% must be given to complying with the requirements of NFPA
70E, not only because it assures compliance with OSHA's
80% electrical requirements, but also because it addresses how
% Survival

25% Body Burn to perform an electrical hazards analysis in order to

60%
50% Body Burn determine the necessary work practices and protection
40% from electrical hazards for employees and others who work
75% Body Burn
20% on or near, or operate, electrical equipment.

0% A question that is often asked is; “Does OSHA enforce

20-29.9 30-39.9 40-49.9 50-59.9 NFPA 70E?” The answer to this is no, not directly. NFPA
Age Range - Years 70E is not Incorporated by Reference in 29 CFR 1910.6. It
is however listed as a reference in OSHA Instruction STD
Figure 2 1-16.7, Directorate of Compliance Programs, Electrical
American Burn Association (1991-1993 Study) Safety-Related Work Practices--Inspection Procedures and
Interpretive Guidelines, [4] which is used by OSHA
The “Flash Hazard Analysis” required by NFPA 70E-2004, is Compliance Officers when performing inspections or
used to determine the incident energy of an electrical arc and investigations. However, OSHA does have several
to establish the flash protection boundary. This document comparable requirements that are directly enforceable,
also requires that a flash hazard analysis be performed “in e.g., 1910.132, .331-.335, and .269.
order to protect personnel from the possibility of being injured
by an arc flash.” [1] The best way to avoid this hazard is to There are several terms that are applicable to NFPA 70E
stay away from energized electrical equipment, especially that relate to the hazards of electricity and the hazards
when disconnecting devices are being operated. Never use analysis, that must be understood. Quoted below are the
electrical equipment rooms for storage, break rooms, offices, definitions of these terms as found in NFPA 70E-2004,
shops, etc. If a failure of the equipment was to occur and the Article 100: [1]
room was occupied, injuries or fatalities could occur.
Limited Approach Boundary- “An approach limit at a
Electrical Arc-Blast – The third major hazard of electricity is distance from an exposed live part within which a shock
the rapid expansion of the air caused by an electrical arc. hazard exists.” [1]
 • Use a rated voltage detector to test the circuit or
Restricted Approach Boundary- “An approach limit at a equipment part for the presences of both phase-to-
distance from an exposed live part within which there is an phase and phase-to-ground voltage. The voltage
increased risk of shock, due to electrical arc over combined detector operation must be verified before and after
with inadvertent movement, for personnel working in close each test to validate the test.
proximity to the live part.” [1] • Where Induced or stored energy may exist, ground
each phase conductor or circuit part before contact is
Prohibited Approach Boundary- “An approach limit at a made. Grounding also applies where the deenergized
distance from an exposed live part within which work is conductor or circuit part may come into contact with
considered the same as making contact with the live part.” [1] exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. The
grounding device must be rated for the available fault
Flash Protection Boundary- “An approach limit at a distance current and clearing time.
from exposed live parts within which a person could receive a • Establishing these safety protection procedures should
second degree burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur.” be part of every electrical safety program and should be
[1] in effect for each facility. [1]

NFPA 70E addresses the requirements for conducting an When work is performed on energized or deenergized
“Electrical Hazard Analysis” with emphasis on the “Shock equipment and systems, there must be programs and
Hazard Analysis” and the “Flash Hazard Analysis” in order to procedures developed.
establish these boundaries. NFPA 70E states that if circuits,
operating at 50 volts or more, are not deenergized (placed in • Employers must develop and implement electrical
an electrically safe work condition) then other electrical safety procedures and practices, such as the use of
safety-related work practices must be used. These work qualified persons only, for work in areas where electrical
practices must protect employees from an arc flash, as well hazards exist or may exist.
as inadvertent contact with live parts operating at 50 volts or • Where energized work must be performed, an
more. Each analysis must be performed before employees Energized Electrical Work Permit, authorized by
approach exposed live parts, within the Limited Approach management, must be used.
Boundary. NFPA 70E, paragraph 130.2(B) FPN provides a • Employers must provide training for employees in the
reminder that the Flash Protection Boundary may be a skills and techniques needed to work with electrical
greater distance from the exposed live parts than the Limited equipment, personal protective equipment, job planning,
Approach Boundary, in some instances. [1] and emergency procedures.
• Employees must implement the practices according to
NFPA 70E requires equipment to be in an electrically safe policies and procedures and their training.
work condition before employees work on or near it.
• Companies must perform an electrical hazard analysis
Equipment, therefore, should be de-energized before any
which includes the Shock Hazard Analysis and the
work is done that may result in inadvertent contact with
Flash Hazard Analysis before any work is done on any
energized parts or where an electrical arc-flash might occur.
energized equipment.
Deenergizing should be the primary or first choice when
performing work on electrical equipment, circuit parts, or
IV. Electrical Safety Program
conductors where contact might be made or where arcing
might occur. Performing energized work, using proper
Establishing an effective electrical safety program is vital to
procedures and PPE should be the last choice, when all other
the safety of employees. The employer is required to
options have been considered.
develop and implement an electrical safety program that
addresses employee exposure to each specific hazard that
In some cases, however, work cannot be done on de-
exists. This program and the related training must be
energized equipment or systems. In these cases the hazard
appropriate for all existing conditions and is required to be
analysis must be done to determine the type and level of
written, published, and available to all employees who
electrical hazard(s), the safe work practices, and PPE that
might be exposed to the hazards.
would be required to protect employees. In order to provide
the best protection from an incident occurring, the equipment
OSHA established the mandate for an electrical safety
must be shut down and all energy sources controlled.
program in 29 CFR 1910.333(a), which states:
There are several specific steps that NFPA 70E requires in
“Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent
order to ensure an electrically safe working condition exists:
electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or
indirect electrical contacts, when work is performed near or
• Determine all possible sources of electrical supply by on equipment or circuits which are or may be energized.
checking applicable up-to-date one-line diagrams and all The specific safety-related work practices shall be
applicable drawings and identification tags. consistent with the nature and extent of the associated
• Stop or interrupt all loads, then open the disconnecting electrical hazards.
device for each source.
• If possible, visually verify that all blades of the Such work practices shall protect employees against
disconnecting devices open or that draw-out-type circuit contact with energized circuit parts directly with any part of
breakers are withdrawn. their body or indirectly through some other conductive
• Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance with the object. The work practices that are used shall be suitable
energy control policy and procedures. for the conditions under which the work is to be performed
and for the voltage level of the exposed electric conductors or Hazard/Risk Evaluation Procedure - The Electrical Safety
circuit parts.” [5] Program must have a procedure that can be used by
employees to assess the hazards and risks associated with
With regard to this requirement, the OSHA Directorate of each task.
Compliance states: “If the employer does not deenergize then
suitable safe work practices for the conditions under which Annex F, Hazard/Risk Evaluation Procedure, provides
the work is to be performed shall be included in the written information to assist in developing this procedure.
procedure and strictly enforced.” [4]
Written authorization to execute work on or near live parts
As can be seen in this OSHA requirement there must be a must also be obtained. The Energized Electrical Work
written procedure. The intent of this is to establish a written Permit required by Section 130.1(A) provides the means to
electrical safety program, which must include the safe work accomplish this. An example permit is found in Annex J,
practice procedures that are required. [4] Energized Electrical Work Permit. [1]

NFPA 70E, Section 110.7, Electrical Safety Program, Job Briefings - Another important element of the electrical
provides six topics that must be included in the electrical safety program is a Job Briefing which is a discussion of
safety program. Below are these six topics along with brief the work tasks and is required before the start of each job.
explanations of each. References will be made to several The employee in charge conducts this briefing with all
annexes, which provide excellent guidance for developing the employees involved in the job. The job briefing should
electrical safety program. [1] cover such things as:

Awareness and Self-Discipline - In order for a worker to • The hazards associated with the job
avoid exposure to the hazards, they must be aware of the • Work procedures involved
work environment. The electrical safety program along with • Special precautions
required training must emphasize this, as well as self- • Energy source controls, and
discipline. The supervisor must also discuss all safety • Personal protective equipment
aspects of the tasks being performed along with examples of
incidents and injuries for similar tasks to help increase This briefing should also address:
employee awareness. [1]
• Other work in the immediate area, as well as
Electrical Safety Program Principles - The electrical safety • Other work associated with the same electrical circuits
program is required to identify the principles upon which it is and equipment. [1]
based.
If a task is routine and will be repeated several times during
Essentially what is needed is an assessment of the electrical the day, a single job briefing would be required before the
equipment and systems along with a job/task and hazards task is performed the first time. However, if significant
analysis. changes occur that may affect the safety of employees,
then a new job briefing would be required before
Annex E, Section E.1, Typical Electrical Safety Program employees are exposed to any additional hazards.
Principles, although not part of the requirements of NFPA
70E, provides a list of principles that can be used to establish A job briefing should be as extensive as necessary to
the electrical safety program. Essentially these principles ensure employees understand their exposure to electrical
amount to a job/task and hazard analysis, planning, and hazards. If the job is routine and the employees are well
procedures. [1] trained and experienced, and can recognize and avoid the
hazards involved, then only a brief discussion would be
Electrical Safety Program Controls - An electrical safety required. However, if the tasks are unfamiliar to the
program is also required to identify the controls by which it is employee, or complex, a more complete briefing would be
measured and monitored. required. This would also apply for outside employees and
those who are new to the area where the work is to be
Also in Annex E is Section E.2, Typical Electrical Safety performed.
Program Controls, which provides a list of controls that can
be used in developing the Electrical Safety Program. Annex I, Job Briefing and Planning Checklist, of NFPA 70E,
illustrates considerations for a Job Briefing, as well as a
The equipment assessment and job/task and hazard analysis Planning Checklist, that can be very helpful in conducting
would also be needed to accomplish this requirement. [1] Job Briefings. [1]

Electrical Safety Program Procedures - All tasks that V. Selection of Electrical Protective Equipment
involve exposure to the electrical hazards must have a
procedure. The procedures also define the requirements and Most employers, operators, and electricians are
provide guidance for workers to accomplish the job safely. knowledgeable in the selection and inspection
requirements for electrical PPE used for the prevention of
Annex E again provides additional guidance for developing electrical shock hazards, as well as PPE used for head,
these procedures as found in Section E.3, Typical Electrical eyes and face, hands, and foot protection. All of these
Safety Procedures. [1] requirements are readily found in OSHA 1910, Subpart I,
Personal Protective Equipment. Although not addressed in
OSHA 1910, Subpart I, body protection would also be
required as addressed in NFPA 70E. OSHA 1910.137, Caution must be used if applying Table 130.7(C)(9)(a)
Electrical Protective Equipment, provides the requirements because the short-circuit current and protective device
for the in-service care and use of electrical protective clearing time must be known as stated in the notes at the
equipment. Unfortunately, many employers, operators, end of the table. The values of short-circuit current and
electricians, and engineers have limited knowledge or protective device clearing times used in the development of
experience with regard to arc and blast hazards that may be this table are “assumed” values. [1]
associated with the maintenance and operation of energized
electrical equipment and the necessary PPE that is required. Note: The employer must also determine the “Flash
Protection Boundary” in accordance with paragraph
The OSHA requirements for the hazard analysis and 130.3(A) of NFPA 70E for all energized work. The “Flash
selection of protective clothing must first be defined. OSHA Protection Boundary” establishes the approach limit to
1910.132, General Requirements for Personal Protective exposed live parts where a person could receive a second
Equipment, paragraph (d) states “The employer shall assess degree burn. [1]
the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are
likely to be present, which necessitates the use of Personal Once it has been determined that protective clothing is
Protective Equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or necessary to perform the specific task, the necessary
likely to be present, the employer shall: Select, and have protective clothing must be procured and the employees
each employee use, the type of PPE that will protect the trained to wear it properly.
affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard
assessment.” [7] VI. Training

The three hazards of electricity; shock, arc, and blast must be One of the most important aspects of electrical safety is to
included in the hazard assessment. OSHA 1910.137 ensure that all employees who are or may be exposed to
identifies the selection, inspection, and use requirements for energized electrical conductors or circuit parts are properly
electrical PPE. OSHA does not identify specific clothing and trained and qualified. The first thing that must be discussed
PPE that should be worn to protect the employee from the is to identify who a qualified person is. This has always
arc-flash hazards, but OSHA does specify what type of been a point of debate throughout industry, but is clearly
clothing is prohibited. [8] defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70E,
and OSHA. The NEC defines a qualified person as “One
OSHA 1910.269(l)(6)(ii) requires that “The employer shall who has skills and knowledge related to the construction
train each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames and operation of the electrical equipment and installations
or electric arcs in the hazards involved.” Additionally, and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the
1910.269(l)(6)(iii) states “The employer shall ensure that each hazards involved.” This definition also has a Fine Print Note
employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric that refers to NFPA 70E for the electrical safety training
arcs does not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or requirements.
electric arcs, could increase the extent of injury that would be
sustained by the employee.” [9] In addition to the requirements stated in the NEC definition,
NFPA 70E, Section 110.6, Training Requirements, states
“Note: Clothing made from the following types of fabrics, that employees are required to be “trained to understand
either alone or in blends, is prohibited by this paragraph, the specific hazards associated with electrical energy,” “the
unless the employer can demonstrate that the fabric has safety-related work practices,” and procedural
been treated to withstand the conditions that may be requirements. These training requirements are necessary
encountered or that the clothing is worn in such a manner as to help protect employees from the “electrical hazards
to eliminate the hazard involved: acetate, nylon, polyester, associated with their respective job or task assignments” as
rayon.” well as to “identify and understand the relationship between
electrical hazards and possible injury.” Training in
OSHA does, however, require protection from the hazards of emergency procedures is also required when employees
electricity in 1910.335(a)(2)(ii) which states: “Protective are working “on or near exposed energized electrical
shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials shall be used conductors or circuit parts.” [1]
to protect each employee from shock, burns, or other electrically
related injuries while that employee is working near exposed In addition to these requirements the NFPA 70E goes on to
energized parts which might be accidentally contacted or where state that qualified persons must be familiar with:
dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur.” [5]
• Special precautionary techniques;
The consensus standard for determining the necessary • Personal protective equipment, including arc-flash;
protective clothing and training is NFPA 70E. In order to • Insulating and shielding materials; and
properly select rated PPE to provide this protection, the • Insulated tools and test equipment.
employer has but two options. The employer must calculate
2
the incident energy (in cal/cm ) available at the work location, OSHA 1910.399, Definitions, states the following concerning
and the protective clothing/equipment required for the specific qualified persons:
task, or as an alternative, use NFPA 70E Table
130.7(C)(9)(a) “Hazard/Risk Category Classifications” to “Whether an employee is considered to be a "qualified
identify the clothing required for the hazards associated with person" will depend upon various circumstances in the
the specific task the employee is to accomplish. [1] workplace. It is possible and, in fact, likely for an individual to
be considered qualified" with regard to certain equipment in the industry is the reduction of unscheduled down time.
workplace, but "unqualified" as to other equipment. Another major benefit is the safety of each of their
employees. The more in-depth the training program the
An employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in better qualified the employee. It has been proven that the
the course of such training, has demonstrated an ability to most effective training programs include a combination of
perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is lecture and hands-on instruction.
under the direct supervision of a qualified person is considered
to be a qualified person for the performance of those duties.” Electrical power systems today are often very complex.
[10] Protective devices, controls, instrumentation, and interlock
systems demand that technicians be trained and qualified
With regard to PPE training, OSHA states in 1910.132 (f) – at a high technical skill level. Safety and operating
Training (1) states: “The employer shall provide training to procedures utilized in working on these systems are
each employee who is required by this section to use PPE. equally as complex requiring technicians to be expertly
Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the trained in all safety practices and procedures.
following:
REFERENCES
• When PPE is necessary;
• What PPE is necessary; [1] NFPA 70E-2004, Standard for Electrical Safety in
• How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE; the Workplace
• The limitations of the PPE; and [2] Ralph H. Lee, “Pressures Developed by Arcs”, IEEE
• The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. IA-23,
of PPE.” [7] No. 4, p. 760, July/Aug. 1987.
[3] Ralph H. Lee, “Pressures Developed by Arcs” (IEEE
VII. Conclusion 1987)
[4] OSHA Instruction STD 1-16.7, Directorate of
Each of the three hazards of electricity (electrical shock, Compliance Programs, Electrical Safety-Related
electrical arc-flash and electrical arc-blast) has its own unique Work Practices--Inspection Procedures and
characteristics that require special protective measures. Once Interpretive Guidelines, July 1, 1991
again, the best way to avoid exposure to these hazards is to [5] OSHA 29 CFR 1910.331-.335, Electrical Safety-
STAY OUT OF THE CIRCUIT or to keep as far away as Related Work Practices, August 6, 1990
possible from electrical equipment and systems that have [6] OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Electrical Standards, Federal
exposed live parts or where the electrical equipment is being Register Vol. 46, No. 11, Friday, January 16, 1981,
operated. Supplementary Information, I. Background
[7] OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132, General Requirements for
The NFPA 70E-2004 states that if circuits, operating at 50 Personal Protective Equipment
volts or more, are not deenergized (placed in an electrically [8] OSHA 29 CFR 1910,137, Electrical Protective
safe work condition) then other electrical safety-related work Equipment
practices must be used. These work practices must protect [9] OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power
the employee from inadvertent contact with live parts Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, January
operating at 50 volts or more, as well as from an arc-flash. 31, 1994
These analyses must also be performed before an employee [10] OSHA 29 CFR 1910.399, Definitions
approaches exposed live parts within the Limited Approach
Boundary. [1] Dennis K. Neitzel, CPE, (Senior Member, IEEE) is the
Director of AVO Training Institute, Inc., Dallas, Texas. Mr.
Again referring to OSHA 1910.132, Subpart I, Personal Neitzel is an active member of IEEE, ASSE, AFE, IAEI, and
Protective Equipment, paragraph (d) requires employers to NFPA. He is a Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) and a
perform a hazard assessment of the workplace to determine Certified Electrical Inspector. Mr. Neitzel is a Principle
if personal protective equipment is necessary. The hazard Committee Member for the NFPA 70E, Standard for
assessment is an important part of the process to help ensure Electrical Safety in the Workplace; serves as Chairman of
that the PPE selected is appropriate for the hazards that are the Maintenance, Operations, and Safety Subcommittee of
or may be present in the workplace. [7] NFPA 70E addresses the IEEE-IAS Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) Committee. Mr. Neitzel earned his Bachelor’s degree in
and FR clothing as determined from the Shock Hazard Electrical Engineering Management and his Master’s
Analysis and the Flash Hazard Analysis. [1] degree in Electrical Engineering Applied Sciences. He is a
co-author of the Electrical Safety Handbook, McGraw-Hill
Utilizing only qualified persons to perform work on or near Publisher. Mr. Neitzel has authored, published, and
electrical equipment that has exposed energized parts is vital presented numerous technical papers and magazine
to any electrical safety program. The goal of any training articles on electrical safety, maintenance, and training.
program is to develop and maintain an effective and safe
work force.

OSHA and NFPA 70E have provided the industry with several
good reasons for the training and qualification of employees.
There are also many benefits to having well trained and
qualified employees. One of the major benefits expressed by