Section 130.1 provides general requirements for work involving electrical hazards such as the electrical safety-related work practices, assessments, precautions, and procedures for the times that an electrically safe work condition cannot be established.

When an electrically safe work condition cannot be established, and energized work takes place involving electrical conductors and circuit parts operating at voltages equal to or greater than 50 volts, special safety requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be selected and used.

According to 130.5(F), there are two methods to determine the correct selection of arc flash PPE and only one of the two is permitted to be used:

1. The incident energy analysis method in accordance with 130.5(G)
2. The arc flash PPE category method in accordance with 130.7(C)(15)

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.

130.1 Scope. This article covers requirements for work involving electrical hazards such as the electrical safety-related work practices, assessments, precautions, and procedures when an electrically safe work condition cannot be established.

Safety-related work practices shall be used to safeguard employees from injury while they are exposed to electrical hazards from electrical conductors or circuit parts that are or can become energized.

When energized electrical conductors and circuit parts operating at voltages equal to or greater than 50 volts are not put into an electrically safe work condition, and work is performed as permitted in accordance with 110.2(B), all of the following requirements shall apply:

(1) Only qualified persons shall be permitted to work on electrical conductors or circuit parts that have not been put into an electrically safe work condition.

(2) An energized electrical work permit shall be completed as required by 130.2.

(3) An electric shock risk assessment shall be performed as required by 130.4.

(4) An arc flash risk assessment shall be performed as required by 130.5.

All requirements of Article 130 shall apply whether an incident energy analysis is completed or if Table 130.7(C)(15)(a), Table 130.7(C)(15)(b), and Table 130.7(C)(15)(c) are used in lieu of an incident energy analysis.