![]() First, by requiring all energized parts to be placed in a deenergized state, we need a process for what that state looks like. The relationship of 70E to these two requirements in OSHA is critical. So, where does it say in Subpart S what those work practices are? This is where NFPA 70E comes into the picture. For instances that fall under these two reasons for permitting energized work, OSHA also states that other safety related work practices must be used to protect employees who are going to be exposed to the electrical hazards involved with this type of work. An example of infeasibility might be a task that requires a current reading to be taken - it needs the power on in order to make that measurement. However, there are some exceptions for when the employer can demonstrate that deenergizing creates additional hazards or an increased risk to personnel or if they can demonstrate that deenergization is infeasible due to the equipment design or certain operational limitations. There is also a requirement that all live parts to which an employee might be exposed be placed in a deenergize state before the employee works on or near them. In 1910.333, we find that it requires safety related work practices to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts. This helps us understand exactly who will be following the requirements laid out in Subpart S. This same section shows exactly what type of work is covered and what is not covered. 1910.331 lays out that subpart S requirements apply to both qualified and unqualified workers. Then specific standards, such as 1910 subpart S give shape to OSHA’s electrical safety requirements. ![]() When it comes to electrical safety, we first need to understand that the general duty clause of OSHA requires an employer to provide their employees a place of employment that is free from known and recognized hazards. For this blog, we can limit our deep dive to two of the more important standards for electrical safety: 1910 for general industry and 1926 for construction workplaces. This involves a deep dive into OSHA standards. A firm understanding of this relationship is instrumental in an employer’s ability to keep up with the hazards present in this ever-expanding electrical landscape.įirst, we must examine exactly what the requirements around electrical safety are when it comes to OSHA. Helping employers make heads or tails of these two separate but related entities is critical for the protection of employees especially in today’s world where electrical infrastructure and technology is evolving so rapidly. ![]() This is how OSHA became the “what we have to do” and NFPA 70E became the “how we accomplish what OSHA requires.” I often am asked exactly how these two critical components of electrical safety in the workplace play off one another. Today that history continues as NFPA celebrates 125 years of helping protect the world from these hazards. Because of this, OSHA decided that an organization like NFPA, with a long history of developing codes and standards for the fire, life safety, and electrical safety worlds, would be a great fit for developing a standard on electrical safety when it came to employees in the workplace. However, OSHA realized that as fast as the electrical industry was changing, it would be very difficult for the Occupational Safety and Health Act to keep up with changing trends. In the late 1970s, it became apparent that the hard line that OSHA had taken on work exposing employees to hazards needed some modifications when it came to electrical work. ![]() In fact, OSHA is a large part of why NFPA 70E even exists. ![]() NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® and OSHA have had a long history of working together. ![]()
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