Introduction to NFPA® 70E

At ARAMARK Uniform Services, helping our customers navigate through clothing and PPE options to comply with important standards and regulations is one of our specialties. That's why we've provided this in-depth section on one of the hottest topics in safety - NFPA® 70E.

What is an Arc Flash?

An arc flash is a life threatening risk for employees working around energized parts. Essentially, an arc flash is an instantaneous flash of energy, a “short circuit through the air”, that can create temperatures so hot that non-FR clothing will instantaneously ignite. This enormous amount of concentrated energy can be extremely dangerous - even fatal - to anyone within its reach.

What is NFPA® 70E?

First written in 1979, NFPA® 70E is a voluntary, consensus standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®), the largest organization in the world focused on preventing death and injury from fires and burns. This standard directly addresses electrical hazards in the workplace for employees working on or near energized parts. One of the primary objectives of NFPA® 70E is to provide a guide for employers to determine the appropriate amount of protection given to workers based on the potential hazards to which they could be exposed.

As a result, the most recent version of NFPA® 70E requires these employees to wear flame resistant (FR) protective clothing and garments wherever there is possible exposure to electric arc flash. Most FR clothing comes with an “arc rating,” that corresponds with the hazard/risk category of any particular job. By adhering to the guidelines of NFPA® 70E, employers can greatly minimize the risks for injury and protect their employees from burn injury or death.

Why Should You Comply?

While NFPA® 70E is technically a voluntary standard, it remains critically important that every employer in a wide range of industries adhere to its requirements. Complying with NFPA® 70E can greatly reduce the risks of costly workplace accidents, as well as demonstrate to your workforce the importance your company places on their safety and overall wellbeing.

Who's Affected by NFPA® 70E?

Any industry in which employees work near or with energized parts is affected by NFPA® 70E. This includes a wide range of employees throughout a number of different industries:
· Aluminum
· Automotive
· Chemical
· Commercial Printers
· Computers and Chip Manufacturers
· Food Processing
· Hospitals
· Metal Fabrication
· Paint
· Petroleum
· Pharmaceutical
· Power Generation
· Pulp and Paper
· Transportation

It is important to note that NFPA® 70E doesn't just apply to industrial companies. Within every organization there are a number of maintenance workers, electricians, machine operators, or HVAC personnel who are at risk of an electric arc flash and need FR clothing protection as specified by NFPA® 70E.