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The Updated NFPA 70E Standard: Bridging the Gap Between Compliance and Electrical Safety
- Electrical systems situated beneath the earth's surface in mining operations and on machinery used in surface mining that is self-propelled, along with its associated electrical trailing cables.
- Electrical infrastructures within railway systems dedicated to the creation, conversion, conveyance, storage, or distribution of energy solely for the propulsion of trains
- Telecom equipment setups that are strictly managed by telecommunications service providers
- Electrical configurations strictly managed by an electric utility company, applicable to specific installations under the utility's direct control
Conclusion
Electrical safety represents a joint commitment from both employers and employees. It transcends the notion of being solely an employer's duty; safeguarding employees against electrical hazards necessitates a synergistic approach from the workforce and the management. Employers are tasked with establishing an Electrical Safety Program (ESP) to which employees must adhere. This includes applying the ESP's guidelines, training for safe task execution, and utilizing the appropriate tools and safety gear. The essence of NFPA 70E extends beyond mere post-incident employer actions—it's about proactively averting injuries. While an employer's ESP lays the groundwork, an employee's engagement with their electrical safety practices plays a pivotal role in their protection.
As usual, the complete 2024 NFPA 70E standard should always be consulted for the full and official changes. A limited free version is available, but requires account creation. Public input also drives future revisions. The deadline to submit ideas for the 2027 edition is June 4, 2024.
This article originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.