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NFPA 70E, titled Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, is a standard of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The document covers electrical safety requirements for employees. The NFPA is best known for its sponsorship of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).

Hazard Risk Categories (HRC) for Clothing Description with Minimum Arc Calorie Rating

HRC level is determined by the minimum amount of calories per square centimeter (ATPV or Cal/cm²) a treated garment must pass through with a 50% probability of a 2nd or 3rd degree burn occurring, thus the protective level of the treated clothing. The higher the ATPV, the higher the HRC level attained, the greater the protection.

HRC 1 FR shirt and FR pants; Or FR coveralls; Single base layer of FR protection. Minimum 4 ATPV- cal/cm2

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HRC 2 FR under garments (undershirt, underwear), FR shirt, and FR pants; FR under garments, FR coveralls; 2 or more layers of FR protection. Minimum 8 ATPV- cal/cm2

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HRC 3 FR under garments (undershirt, underwear), FR shirt, FR jacket, FR pants, and FR coveralls; 2-3 or more layers of FR protection;FR long-sleeve shirt and FR pants and FR coverall and FR jacket and FR pants or total FR clothing system with hood. Minimum 25 ATPV- cal/cm2

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HRC 4 FR under garments (undershirt, underwear), FR shirt, FR jacket/coat, FR pants, and FR coveralls; FR under garments (undershirt, underwear), FR shirt, FR pants, multi-layer flash suit; 3-4 or more layers of FR protectionFR long-sleeve shirt and FR pants orand FR coverall and FR jacket and FR pants or total FR clothing system with hood (2 or 3). Minimum 40 ATPV- cal/cm2

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NFPA 70E

What is it?

NFPA 70E addresses employee workplace electrical safety requirements. The standard focuses on practical safeguards that also allow workers to be productive within their job functions. Specifically, the standard covers the safety requirements for the following:

1. Electrical conductors and equipment installed within or on buildings or other structures, including mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and other premise (yards, carnival, parking lots, and industrial substations)
2. Conductors that connect installations to a supply of electricity
3. Other outside conductors on the premises

NFPA 70E is one of many standard documents that make up the National Electrical Code (NEC). The National Electrical Code is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Officially titled the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, NFPA 70E was designed to establish an electrical safety program in the workplace and address arc flash and electric shock. NFPA has developed numerous documented codes and standards to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life.

Why should I Comply?

The biggest reason to create a workplace safety program based on the NFPA 70E 2009 standard is to keep the electrical worker safe. Every year, more than 2,000 workers are treated in burn centers with severe arc flash injuries. The flash is immediate and violent, but the results can cause severe injuries that last months, years—even a lifetime. In some cases, they may cause death. Fortunately, arc flash hazards can be reduced by following the safety precautions outlined by NFPA 70E 2009 and using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

Who is at Risk?

There are few industries that are not affected by NFPA 70E 2009. Almost every facility that has electrical equipment  needs to abide by the standard’s guidelines.

 

Potential places where this can happen include: Panel boards and switchboards Motor control centers, Metal clad switch gear Transformers, Motor starters and drive cabinets Fused disconnects, Any place that can has the potential for equipment failure

Mandatory Compliance

Also, NFPA 70E 2009 cannot be ignored. Federal OSHA requires the establishment of a program that protects against shock, arc flash and arc blast (OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S-Electrical). When an arc flash is present, OSHA will consider the employer to be in compliance if the PPE is selected using NFPA 70E.