For 2015, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has brought forward a critical revision to its standard for electrical safety in the workplace (70E).

First developed at the request of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), a revision to the 70E standard is now published every three years, and changes for the 2015 edition are notable for the emphasis on risk assessment and hazard awareness.

What are the changes under NFPA 70E 2015?

Well, aside from changing several important definitions to include the phrase “risk assessment”, the scope of the rule was amended to clarify that “training” and “auditing” are equally important practices for working safely. Additionally, new sections were added to require risk assessments of battery systems, and when cutting or drilling into equipment, floors, walls, or other structural elements, where a likelihood of contact is presented.

Remember that the new standard was first published by the NFPA in September, so, technically, the standard is applicable now, and OSHA reserves the right to enforce the updated standard at any time. Safety professionals might expect OSHA enforcement of the standard to increase in 2015.

That’s one reason why training your electrical workforce for compliance with the updated NFPA 70E standard is important. Of course, the most important reason to begin training on the revised standard is to equip your workforce with the current best practices for safe electrical work.

Often referred to as the ‘how to’ standard, the NFPA 70E is a critical interpretive link between the National Electrical Code (NEC) and OSHA standard, addressing safety and compliance. The NFPA 70E is updated on a three year cycle to reflect changes in technology that employers and electrical workers need to be aware of.

How can I train my workforce on NFPA 70E 2015?

HSI has updated its Online Safety Training course in Electrical Safety Work Practices to reflect the changes.

The course is available now—visit here and help your electrical workers stay safe on the job.