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 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.
