PS Asks

Jay Skie & Stu Brown

PS: What is NFPA 70E?

Jay: It is NFPA's Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, which was first published in 1979. The standard details hazards that employees may encounter while working with electrical equipment. It also provides information about training requirements, electrical safety programs and PPE that should be used in the workplace.

PS: Why is NFPA 70E important?

Stu: Working with electrical equipment exposes employees to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires and explosions. An arc flash is an electric arc characterized by extreme temperatures and an explosion. More than 2,000 people each year are treated for severe injuries stemming from arc flash. Without the proper safety training and PPE, workers are at risk of injury or even death. NFPA 70E provides safety managers with an organized outline for an electrical safety program to help businesses protect workers while reducing fines and workers' compensation costs.

PS: What PPE requirements are included in NFPA 70E?

Jay: Overall, it contains requirements for voltage gloves, leather protectors, face shields, balaclavas (sock hoods), heavy-duty leather work shoes, safety glasses, voltage tools, pants and shirts. For undergarments, workers should wear natural fibers or flame-resistant undergarments and avoid those made of synthetic material that could potentially melt. While it is important for workers to properly wear PPE, it is equally important to maintain and check these items regularly.

However, there are some nuances to the specific gear. One task in NFPA 70E is to classify the work performed into one of five risk hazard categories (0-4). One of the best practices is referred to as the simplified approach to compliance. Using this approach makes PPE selection easier by breaking it down into two levels: Hazard Category 2 Program and Hazard Category 4 Program. PPE for category 2 means workers are compliant in hazard categories 0-2, while category 4 is compliant in categories 3-4.

The most common apparel is category 2 compliant and is typically known as everyday work wear because workers stay in the same apparel for their entire shift. To move to category 4 compliance, the shirt and pants are traded for an arc suit. This three-piece outfit includes a hood, overalls and a jacket. In categories 3 and 4, the PPE is generally referred to as task wear, meaning the worker dons PPE to perform a task but does not wear it the entire shift.

PS: How will changes to NFPA 70E affect safety programs?

Jay: Revisions to NFPA 70E occur every few years to make it stronger and take safety to a higher level. The 2012 edition took effect Aug. 31, 2011, and includes new requirements for hearing protection and retraining, which is now mandatory at least every 3 years. If someone is comfortable with electrical terminology, s/he can use the standard to develop a company's safety requirements; otherwise, s/he will contract outside of the company.

Challenges include learning the steps to the process and identifying the appropriate PPE. Even more challenging is maintaining a program so that the proper procedures for care and maintenance are always followed.

PS: Has the 2012 version of NFPA 70E created new trends?

Jay: Employers are finding that maintaining the quality of flame-resistant clothing (FRC) is difficult when employees launder the clothing at home. For example, fabric softener should not be used on FRC. FRC also must be constructed and repaired using flame-resistant thread, which is seldom found in retail stores. In addition, FRC needs to be inspected prior to every wear.

So, a growing trend is to use an industrial launderer to limit liabilities. In industrial laundry systems, trucks are used to collect garments once a week. FRC is then inspected, laundered, prepared, replaced if necessary and returned.

PS: What are some additional trends?

Stu: OSHA regulations require that voltage gloves be inspected and replaced every 6 months. Gloves must either be replaced or sent to a testing facility to make sure there are no holes and that gloves are not compromised. To be compliant, there are two options: 1) test and recertify gloves or 2) buy new gloves. If steps are not taken to recertify or replace gloves, employers compromise the safety of their employees and become liable for OSHA fines.

Jay: Companies that go the replacement route typically select a disposable system with different colors. For example, workers may use a black glove in the winter and an orange glove in the summer. This is a great best practice because it helps a safety professional quickly notice whether outdated gloves are being worn.

PS: What are the audit procedures under NFPA 70E, and how can employers prepare for audits?

Jay: OSHA has become more aware of the NFPA 70E standard and often refers to it in citations. Although most companies are more concerned about litigation than an OSHA fine, it is no longer acceptable for a company to plead ignorance. If a company lets down its guard even once, workers are put at risk and an incident can occur.

Employers should view NFPA 70E as the gold standard of electrical safety and use it when preparing an electrical safety program. Implementing a program keeps employees safer and helps companies avoid OSHA fines in the event of a safety inspection.

PS: What should go into an employer's electrical safety program?

Stu: Training is crucial. It is very important to not only implement the correct PPE, but also train employees on how to use it. For instance, if workers roll up the sleeves of flame-resistant shirts, they compromise the garment's safety. Training should be performed at least every 3 years and for any new employees. This responsibility is put on the safety managers who must document that every employee demonstrates skill proficiency.

PS: What are the greatest safety concerns faced by people working with electrical equipment?

Jay: Clothing ignition has always been one of the biggest concerns. Arc flashes do not last long but clothing can catch fire from head to toe as a result. Although a person can survive an arc flash, it is more difficult to survive an arc flash that ignites clothing and causes severe burns.

Stu: When it comes to FRC, a safety manager should ask many questions. As FRC production grows overseas and becomes increasingly available over the Internet, the label flame resistant does not carry a lot of weight. Ideally, brands should offer FRC with a flame-resistant characteristic that is guaranteed for the life of the garment. The user should ensure that the FRC is made by a reputable company that performs wear tests and trials.

PS: What types of professional development initiatives do you see in the future for electrical safety?

Jay & Stu: As more safety professionals become aware of NFPA 70E, the demand for electrical PPE has significantly increased. PPE is generally the last line of defense. Today, more products are available than ever, giving companies more choice in designing PPE programs. When doing so, they should partner with suppliers that offer high-quality, well-stocked FRC and can help with safety audits and training.

In addition to PPE, training has become a hot topic for taking safety programs to a higher level. PPE is only as good as the training that accompanies it. Also, conducting safe work practices, such as lockout/tagout must constantly be reinforced.

Jay Skie is a protective apparel regional director for Cintas Corp. Jay helps customers design and implement PPE programs focused on electric arc, flash fire and molten metal splash hazards. He has 16 years' experience in the industrial laundry industry, with 10 years specifically dedicated to flame-resistant clothing. Jay often conducts workshops and webinars to educate companies on the importance of compliance with the electrical safety standard NFPA 70E.

Stu Brown is the safety product manager for Cintas Corp. He ensures that the products Cintas offers meet or exceed industry standards and regulations through vendor selection. Stu has worked in the First Aid & Safety Division for 8 years and is certified as a qualified safety sales professional.