OSHA and NFPA 70E
OSHA and NFPA 70E
(OP)
I hear rumors that OSHA is going to adopt new standards that specifically mandate PPE for electrical workers, and arc flash safety procedures. Previously, they state that "proper PPE" without any real definition, is required, and they can say "well, NFPA 70E is a recognized standard, maybe you should have followed it". In other words, OSHA enforcement of PPE rules will have more teeth. So far, I haven't been able to find anything to substantiate this rumor, except for this reference
OSHA may adopt new Subpart V in 2008: http://www.esci.net/NewInfo.html
A search of the OSHA site www.OSHA.gov produces a collection of gobbedegook matched only by the magnetic poetry on my fridge in clarity (in other words, it is unintelligible), but no specifics about a plan for adopting specific rules.
Anybody have the lowdown on this?
OSHA may adopt new Subpart V in 2008: http://www.esci.net/NewInfo.html
A search of the OSHA site www.OSHA.gov produces a collection of gobbedegook matched only by the magnetic poetry on my fridge in clarity (in other words, it is unintelligible), but no specifics about a plan for adopting specific rules.
Anybody have the lowdown on this?






RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
May be outdated, though. Table 8 and 9 values are the same as the NESC change proposal for 2007. Published version of NESC 2007 has changed.
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
What they are working on now is putting more specific language in their official rules regarding arc-flash. But this probably take years to get through the review/comment process.
But OSHA feels they can enforce arc-flash protection right now, and they are doing so - at least after the fact.
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
Yes, I am trying to find out more about the timetable for that "more specific language".
I realise that OSHA can zap us now for not following NFPA70E, and that is driving a lot of people to do arc flash studies now.
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
Or something to that effect.
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
OSHA 1926 Subpart V applies only to the construction of transmission and distribution lines. (sounds like utility work)
OSHA 1910.269 applies to the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. (also utility work)
And IEEE C2 also applies to utilities excluding most other entities.
I doubt the general duty clause would be used to enforce consensus standards that by the same consensus exclude the type of work being performed.
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
I suppose this kind of work (general electrician type work in buildings, less than 600 V) is only covered by NFPA70E then, and also OSHA's general clauses......
Whenever I think I have this all figured out, the rug gets pulled out and I realize I had no idea...
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E
Also, Worker's Comp laws will not protect employers if they are negligent. An severely burned worker and a good lawyer would make the OSHA fine just a warm-up if no PPE was worn.
RE: OSHA and NFPA 70E