Overview of NFPA 70E

OSHA rules state that workers must be protected from electrical hazards — but they stop short of telling you how. That's exactly where NFPA 70E steps in. The standard defines specific, detailed, and practical methods for protecting workers, covering everything from arc flash risk assessment to PPE selection to safe work practices around energized electrical equipment.

The Basis for OSHA Citations

Although OSHA does not directly enforce NFPA 70E, it considers the standard a — and sometimes the — recognized industry standard for electrical worker safety. If an employer fails to follow NFPA 70E guidelines (such as conducting an arc flash hazard analysis), OSHA can and does use this as evidence of a violation under the General Duty Clause. In short: non-compliance with 70E can become an OSHA citation.

How NFPA 70E Came to Be

NFPA 70E was originally developed at OSHA's direct request in 1979. The goal was to bridge a critical gap between the National Electrical Code (NEC), which governs electrical installation standards, and safe work practices for employees who work on or near energized electrical equipment. That origin story explains the tight relationship between the two frameworks — and why facilities that understand both are better protected.

Key Areas Where NFPA 70E and OSHA Align

Arc Flash Risk Assessment

NFPA 70E provides the framework for conducting arc flash hazard analyses that OSHA expects employers to have in place. This includes determining incident energy levels, establishing flash protection boundaries, and selecting appropriate PPE for energized work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

NFPA 70E defines the required flame-resistant (FR) clothing, arc-rated face shields, and protection boundaries for electrical work. OSHA's PPE requirements under 29 CFR 1910.335 are satisfied when 70E's arc-rated PPE requirements are followed.

Training for Qualified Persons

NFPA 70E details the training requirements for "qualified persons" — those authorized to work on or near energized electrical equipment. Meeting these training standards is one of the primary ways facilities demonstrate compliance with OSHA's electrical safety requirements.