Are you in compliance with the 2012 changes?

The NFPA 70E details how to prevent occupational electrical hazards and injuries. In 2012, this standard was updated to take into consideration new information. Some changes include arc rated versus flame resistant material, training and documentation requirements, equipment labeling, and hazard risk categories. If your employees are not in compliance, your company could face thousands of dollars in fines per person, per infraction.

Personal Protective Equipment

Many industries use FR clothing. However, job sites with arc flash hazards are now required to have an Arc Rating on all Personal Protective Equipment. {Definitions in Article 100}

In addition, hearing protection is now mandatory for all employees working within arc flash boundaries at all times. This is a big change, as the previous edition only required hearing protection when a task was being performed. Dielectric earmuffs or uncorded ear plugs will fullfil this requirement.{Paragraph 130.7(C)(5)}

New requirements for head protection state that an arc rated balaclava or hood of rated 12 cal/cm2 or above must be worn when the back of the head is within the arc flash boundary. {Paragraph 130.7(C)(10)(b)}

Hand protection requirements have been modified also. Instead of leather or FR gloves, employees must now wear heavy duty leather gloves or Arc Rated (AR) gloves. {Paragraph 130.7(C)(10)(d)}

Training and Documentation Requirements

Employees who are responsible to respond to a work-related electrical injury must now be certified to operate an Automatic External Defibriliator (AED). AED training should be certified by the employer and documented annually in addition to the first aid and CPR training. {Paragraph 110.2(C)}

Qualified person training has been updated as well. Employers are now required to use regular supervision or inspection at least once a year to determine employee compliance.{Paragraph 110.2(D)(1)(f)}

Retraining is to take place when new equipment or procedures are implemented, or if any employees are found to be non-compliant. {Paragraph 110.2(D)(3)}

Employers are now responsible for retaining a description and content of all training materials, as well as the names of employees, and dates attended.{Paragraph 110.2(E)}

A new section requires an employer's electrical safety program to be audited and documented at least every three years. Audits should include on-site reviews as well as paperwork reviews. If discrepancies or non-compliance are found, appropriate changes in training and/or procedures should be implemented as soon as possible.{Paragraph 110.3(H)}

Electrical Safety