NFPA 70E Purpose and Scope.

NFPA 70E is the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
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NFPA 70E is the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

NFPA 70E is the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace whereas NFPA 70 is the National Electrical Code (NEC). It is important to differentiate between Standards and Codes:

Since the book is a Standard and not a Code, it is not commonly adopted and enforced by the local electrical inspector.

The NFPA 70E Standard addresses the safety of workers whose jobs involve interaction with energized electrical equipment or systems with potential exposure to electrical hazards. NFPA 70E is used by electricians, electrical contractors, industrial facilities employing maintenance personnel and the like to ensure specific safety precautions are followed to protect workers from electrical hazards.

NFPA 70E has a specific Purpose and Scope. Section 90.2(A) mentions what is covered in the book. Section 90.2(B) mentions what is not covered.

Below is a sample of NFPA 70E. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 70E text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to NFPA 70E.

90.1 Scope. This article covers the use, application, and arrangement of this standard.

90.2 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to provide a practical safe working area for employees relative to the hazards arising from the use of electricity.

90.3 Workplaces Covered and Not Covered.

(A) Workplaces Covered. This standard addresses electrical safety-related work practices, safety-related maintenance requirements, and other administrative controls for employee workplaces that are necessary for the practical safeguarding of employees relative to the hazards associated with electrical energy during activities such as the installation, removal, inspection, operation, maintenance, and demolition of electric conductors, electric equipment, signaling and communications conductors and equipment, and raceways. This standard also includes safe work practices for employees performing other work activities that can expose them to electrical hazards as well as safe work practices for the following:

(1) Installation of conductors and equipment that connect to the supply of electricity

(2) Installations used by the electric utility, such as office buildings, warehouses, garages, machine shops, and recreational buildings that are not an integral part of a generating plant, substation, or control center

Informational Note: This standard addresses safety of workers whose job responsibilities involve interaction with energized electrical equipment and systems with potential exposure to electrical hazards. Concepts in this standard are often adapted to other workers whose exposure to electrical hazards is unintentional or not recognized as part of their job responsibilities. The highest risk for injury from electrical hazards for other workers involve unintentional contact with overhead power lines and electric shock from machines, tools, and appliances.

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NFPA 70E Purpose and Scope.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true regarding NFPA 70E?

A: NFPA 70E is a mandatory standard.
B: NFPA 70E addresses electrical safety-related work practices.
C: NFPA 70E addresses mechanical safety-related work practices.
D: NFPA 70E does not apply to electricians working with energized electrical equipment in an office building.
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