Are You NFPA 70E Compliant?

It's difficult to discuss how critical identifying and using the proper PPE is for those performing electrical work without bringing up the tragedies that continue to take place weekly across the US. Especially when considering how many of these severe injuries or deaths could have been avoided. And while it's critical to identify the appropriate PPE that could help avoid these unfortunate outcomes, there's an important first step that needs to be taken.

IDENTIFY THE HAZARD

First and foremost, it's important to identify any electrical hazards on site that could shock or electrocute a worker, or that can produce an arc flash or arc blast. Once those apparatuses or machines have been identified, the next step is to determine its voltage and incident energy, and the area in which it poses a threat. Each piece of information should be properly labeled so that anyone working on or in the vicinity of those threats is aware and can take the proper precautions.

The NFPA 70E standard includes guidance for making these identifications and determinations. Without classifying this information, it's impossible to understand what PPE is needed to properly protect workers in the vicinity of those threats. However, with that information, it becomes significantly easier to provide a safer work environment.

WEAR THE APPROPRIATE PPE

Once an assessment has been completed, that information can be used to select the appropriate PPE, as well as identify where it needs to be worn. The rating of the PPE should be equal to or greater than the energy level of the electrical hazard. 

In addition to a Class E hard hat, dielectric eyewear, and the appropriate hearing protection, workers are also required to where an arc rated (AR) balaclava or hood to help cover and protect the rest of their head, face, and neck.

• Balaclavas are required* when an individual is within the Arc Flash Boundary

• If the AR clothing worn exceeds 12 cal/cm², an AR full hood is required as opposed to a balaclava

*PPE 1 does not require a balaclava or hood unless the back of the head is inside the Arc Flash Boundary.

RUBBER INSULATED OR ARC RATED GLOVES?

Depending on the application, workers performing electrical work, or workers in the vicinity of electrical hazards are required by the NFPA 70E to be wearing either rubber insulated gloves or arc rated (AR) gloves (with the appropriate class or rating, respectively). However, it's critical to note, that one is not a substitute for the other.

• Rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors are required once you enter the Limited Approach Boundary or where there is a shock hazard. Remember rubber insulating gloves are rated by voltage and NOT PPE category like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Arc Rated gloves are required within the Arc Flash Boundary or where there is an arc flash risk and no risk of shock.

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DON'T WAIT – TAKE ACTION

To truly provide a safer work environment, the first step is assessing the work environment and identifying potential hazards. Taking that step will make a huge difference. Not taking that step could be the difference between life and death.

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