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:

• Many Standards are not adopted by inspection authorities and are therefore used on a voluntary basis by those who choose to use them.
• Many Codes are adopted by the inspection authority and made legally binding through the adoption process in the specific jurisdiction.

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 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.

90.2 Scope.

(A) 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.