Electrical Safety in the Workplace—Understanding NFPA 70E

Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Course 211, Lesson 8

Preface

This lesson will introduce you to the information contained in the Annexes of NFPA 70E.
They cover such topics as incident energy and boundary calculation methods,
establishing an electrical safety program, obtaining an energized electrical work permit,
and layering clothing to increase total arc rating. You will also learn about additional
reference publications related to NFPA 70E. Many other publications and standards work
in conjunction with NFPA 70E to provide additional documentation. Examples and
sample forms can be located within the annex material as well.

In addition to the annex material, the NFPA 70E Handbook also contains two
supplements not included in the standard itself. Supplement 1 covers electrical preventive
maintenance programs and includes portions of NFPA 70B. Supplement 2 is taken from
the National Electrical Code (NEC), and covers safe electrical installations. It contains
multiple illustrations and commentary in blue. Both of these supplements are of particular
importance to the area of worker safety.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you should be able to…

• Reference publications related to NFPA 70E.

• Obtain additional information related to NFPA 70E.
• Identify examples of approach and arc flash boundaries.
• Develop a safety program and hazard/risk forms.
• Discuss lockout/tagout procedures.
• Be aware of the National Electrical Code references related to NFPA 70E.

1 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
Key Terms

ANSI

ASTM

IEEE

Annexes A and B: References

Annexes A and B provide information on publications related to NFPA 70E and

referenced throughout its articles. These references include publications from ANSI
(American National Standards Institute). ANSI oversees a wide variety of guidelines
relating to many different industries. ANSI is also involved in programs
that ensure with required standards.

Also referenced in these annexes are standards produced by ASTM (more formally
known as the American Society for Testing and Materials). ASTM publishes standard
specifications for a number of products and materials. The standards produced by ASTM
are used to promote products and build confidence.
Standards are a way of enhancing product safety and quality while promoting
manufacturer competition.

Standards produced by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) are

also used to support some of the articles found in NFPA 70E. IEEE provides a vast
number of industry standards, including specifications and practices. IEEE promotes
technological innovation through the publication of standards and the offering of

2 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
 opportunities. The annual IEEE Electrical Safety Workshop is an
excellent opportunity to learn about the latest developments and proposed changes related
to NFPA 70E.

Annexes C and D: Distances and Boundaries

Annex C provides information concerning . The

information included in this annex section describes the qualifications for persons
entering certain boundary areas. This material should be used as a reference regarding
worker safety.

Annex C also describes how the information found in Tables 130.4(C)(a) and (b) is
calculated. Anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of how the distances are
determined in these tables should reference Annex C. This is a good example of how
annexes can be used to provide additional information for articles found in earlier
chapters.

Annex D is an extensive section with many formulas and calculations related to arc flash
boundaries. Calculating a completely accurate arc flash boundary is very difficult because
of the many involved. In fact, arc flash hazard analysis calculations
are usually performed by professional using specialized computer
programs. However, it is important to understand as much as possible about the process
and the work situation to reduce the potential for injury.

Many of the tables included in Annex D provide information about calculation methods
and exposure. For example, Table D.2 gives
typical arc flash boundary distances for various-sized systems and .
Also included are examples to help you gain a better understanding of how to perform
calculations. For example, Section D.4 of Annex D works through a calculation that
requires several steps before determining the arc flash boundary.

3 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
Annexes E and F: Safety Program and Hazard Evaluation

The information found in Annex E can be used in conjunction with the material in Article
110.3 of NFPA 70E. This annex outlines what should be included in an electrical safety
program. Included are guidelines for program principles, procedures, and controls,
including .

When developing an electrical safety program, Annex E can be used as a checklist or

. You must pay attention to every aspect of the electrical safety
program; cutting corners is not an option. Using the information found in this section can
help develop a more concise and thorough electrical safety program.

Annex F covers the procedures for a hazard/risk evaluation. A hazard/risk analysis should
be performed at the start of any job or task that involves .
The analysis is used to evaluate the of working in the area of energized
circuits, identifies hazards, and determines what personal protective equipment is needed.
Because the degree of risk can vary greatly from one job to the next, understanding how
to determine the risk associated with each job is vital for safety.

Both the employer and employee must understand the hazards involved in each task or
job. There should be regular between employers and employees to
review safety issues and the risk of hazards present. Annex F serves as a tool for
developing a hazard/risk evaluation through and
procedure forms.

Annex G: Lockout/Tagout

Annex G provides a good outline for most facilities to use when establishing a
lockout/tagout procedure. The sample shown in the annex can be adjusted to suit the
needs of a facility. It includes clearly defined , preparation, and

4 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
procedures. All the elements a lockout/tagout procedure should have are included in the
sample.

has an established lockout/tagout standard. The basic standard, which is

the foundation for all others in this area, is OSHA 1910.147. It requires that all equipment
be locked out and/or tagged out to verify that the source of power has been removed and
that an accidental is prevented. OSHA also requires that the
employer maintain a policy for implementing the plan. Employees
must be properly trained on the procedures and must adhere to all policy requirements.
This written policy is not intended to slow down work progress, but is designed to protect
workers.

A lockout/tagout procedure must include more than just locks and tags. There must also
be written procedures for lockout/tagout , for the sequence of
applying lockout/tagout, and for the equipment. The example in
Annex G may not be suitable for every facility, but it can be a good starting point for
anyone wishing to create a safe and thorough lockout/tagout plan.

Annex H: Protective Clothing and PPE

Selecting the appropriate protective clothing and equipment can be somewhat difficult
because of the large number of and hazard/risk .
Arc-rated clothing may be necessary to provide skin protection by resisting the damaging
effects of heat and fire. Annex H helps simplify the process of selecting arc-rated
clothing and other protective equipment by providing a simplified approach. For
example, Table H.2 breaks down the clothing selection and applicable tasks into
categories. The table works together with Table 130.7(C)(15) and Table
130.7(C)(16) of NFPA 70E. Notes at the bottom of Table H.2 offer further explanation.

In addition, every worker should pay close attention to all labels and
requirements for specific hazard/risk categories. For example, Table H.2 states that arc-

5 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
rated coveralls are suitable for hazard/risk category 1 and includes requirements noted at
the bottom of the table.

Annexes I and J: Job Planning and Energized Work Permits

The importance of between employers and employees cannot be

overemphasized when it comes to avoiding electrical hazards. Annex I addresses the
various elements of job and . One of the best
ways to perform job briefings and task planning is to complete a .
Checklists offer an effective method of communicating safety information and
identifying problem areas. Annex I contains a checklist that can be used as an example or
reference.

Checklists can be developed in a number of different ways. The sample provided in

Annex I shows the major elements of safety with sub-points under each major heading.

Energized electrical work are the subject of Annex J. A sample

permit is included along with a permit flow chart. These work permits must be used when
work is to be performed on circuits. One purpose of the permit is to
make sure that the individuals responsible for safety are involved in the process of
deciding whether or not it is justifiable to work on energized circuits. For this reason, one
or more management level signatures are required.

At times, an energized electrical work permit will help determine that the work should
only be performed on de-energized circuits. Energized electrical work permits should be
looked at as a -making tool when it comes to performing work
energized or de-energized.

Annexes K and L: Hazards and Cell Line Safeguards

Annex K provides a general overview of the three categories of electrical hazard:

6 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
 • electric shock
• arc flash
• arc blast.
Each of these categories is discussed in an effort to provide additional information about
the dangers each can present. An employee could use this information to support
recommendations for an electrical safety program. This short annex also offers excellent
introductory information for inclusion in the safety training of non-electrical employees.

Annex L gives further information concerning the application of safeguards in

systems. Article 310 of NFPA 70E discussed the requirements for safety-
related work practices for cells. Annex L expands upon the
application of safeguards when working in these areas.

Annex M: Layering of Protective Clothing

Annex M discusses the benefits of layering protective clothing. For example, a single
piece of arc-rated clothing may provide an arc rating of 25 cal/cm2. However, multiple
layers with lower cal/cm2 ratings may be worn to achieve the 25 cal/cm2 requirement,
even though the combined ratings of the multiple layers may not equal 25 cal/cm2. The
in between the layers provides added cal/cm2 value.

Layering of lower cal/cm2 rated clothing to achieve a specific total arc rating is not
always an acceptable practice. Because of the many variables involved, such as the
breakdown of protective properties and non arc-rated , layering is
not an exact science. Section M.3 of Annex M states that a multilayer arc test must be
performed to ensure that the appropriate arc rating is achieved. Keep in mind another
important aspect of layering and do not wear any clothing, which
can .

7 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
Annexes N and O: Overhead Lines and Design Requirements

Annex N provides detailed recommendations about policies and procedures when

working near electrical lines. Working in areas where overhead lines
are present can place workers in danger of receiving an electric shock. The sections
included in Annex N cover the use of to signal danger, the
movement of equipment such as lifts, and emergency response
procedures.

Any worker exposed to the dangers of overhead lines and equipment should use the
information in Annex N as a procedural guide to establishing safe conditions. Although
these procedures are not required, they do serve as a good guideline for developing safe
working procedures. In addition to overhead line safety, this annex also addresses
policies for utility lines.

Annex O describes safety-related requirements. It is the

responsibility of the facility owner or manager to ensure that the electrical design of a
facility is developed in such a way that hazards are minimized. An electrical hazard
, like the one described in Article 110.8(B)(1), should be used to assist
in the design of electrical systems in a facility.

Annex P: NFPA 70E and Other Standards

Annex P is the final annex. Newly added in the 2012 edition of NFPA 70E, it offers
guidance on how to make this electrical safety standard function effectively as part
of a larger, total plant health and safety program. The most effective plant safety
programs are often those established when experts work together
with professionals who are familiar with all aspects of plant safety.

8 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
Supplemental Information

The NFPA 70E Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace contains additional
information that is not included in the standard NFPA 70E publication. Three
supplements are included in the 2012 handbook version. This supplemental information
is intended to the articles included in NFPA 70E.

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. The first supplement found in the NFPA 70E
Handbook is excerpted from the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is a written
standard that contains thousands of articles that establish the requirements for safe
electrical . The NEC and NFPA 70E are designed to provide different
information. NFPA 70E focuses on safety; the NEC focuses on safe
electrical installations.

Even though they have different purposes, the two publications are related. It is for this
reason that some excerpts from the NEC are included in the supplement section of the
NFPA 70E Handbook. Although the entire NEC is important, the included sections are of
special importance to workers who may be exposed to electrical hazards. Supplement 1
groups safety-related code requirements into categories. The following paragraphs
summarize the information found in each of these sections.

I—Disconnecting Means. This first section of Supplement 1 groups several NEC

regulations concerning disconnecting means into one convenient reference location. It
includes information on numbers of and their location, access to
protective devices, isolating , circuit breakers,
and more.

II—Working Spaces and Clearances. This section deals with working space
requirements, which closely relate to the electrical safety requirements found in NFPA
70E. It states the requirements for the and of
working spaces so that adequate space is available to avoid accidental contact with

9 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
exposed conductors or parts. Working space requirements are also necessary to ensure
sufficient and routes.

III—Field Markings. This section covers various types of markings, ,

and other identification methods that might be encountered in the field. The ability to
potential hazards is essential to working safely near them.

IV—Overcurrent Protection. and circuit are

covered in this section of the supplement. The basic purpose of these overcurrent
protective devices is to open a circuit before conductors or insulation become damaged as
a result of an overload, ground fault, or short circuit. ratings and
short-circuit current ratings are also covered.

V—Equipment for General Use. The articles included in this section stress the
importance of selecting equipment that has been approved and is appropriate for a given
application. It includes information on the safe use of appropriate equipment and
conductors in locations that are damp or where exposure to fumes, vapors, or extreme
temperatures could cause .

VI—Wiring Methods. Included in this section is Article 250.114 of the NEC. It covers
the grounding of the metal parts of - equipment, such
as refrigerators and freezers, sump pumps, and hand-held power tools. The grounding
conductor in a simple circuit serves as a path for current to flow in the event of a short or
fault.

VII—Flexible Cords and Cables. NEC Articles 400.7 through 10 are included in this
section. They detail instances in which flexible cords are and are not permitted. The
section also covers the use of and the importance of not transmitting
to joints or terminals.

10 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
VIII—Circuit Requirements. This section covers multiwire circuits,
objectionable current and how to prevent it, and additional information on cord-
connected equipment. It also gives general information on the requirements for
and of electrical systems. Grounding plays a
very important role in worker safety. Properly grounded electrical systems can mean the
difference between life and death.

Bonding also plays an important role in the safety of workers and equipment. Bonding is
a method of joining metallic parts together to create an electrically conductive path that
will allow for and provide an alternate for fault
current to trip the circuit breaker. This is necessary to allow current to conduct safely so
that metallic parts do not become electrically charged.

IX— Other NEC Requirements Related to Safe Work Practices. This final section of
Supplement 1 begins by stating the of the NEC and its enforcement. It
continues with information from Article 110 on arcing parts, current transformers,
enclosures, and the guarding of live parts in order to avoid accidental contact.

Article 210.8 of the NEC relates to circuit interrupter

(GFCI) protection. Both NFPA 70E and the NEC discuss the issue of providing GFCI
protection and proper grounding techniques. This article describes the proper location of
these devices and any exceptions that may exist.

Chapters 5 and 6 of NFPA 70B. The second supplement included in the handbook is an
excerpt from Chapters 5 and 6 of NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical
Equipment .

Chapter 5 of NFPA 70B describes an electrical preventive maintenance program. All of

the elements listed below work together to create an effective program:
• employment of trained, qualified persons,
• establishment of regular ,

11 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
 • use of analysis to determine actions,
• accurate .

Note that one of the key elements is accurate record keeping. Keep in mind that OSHA
requires that records be kept for the duration of a worker’s employment.

Chapter 5 of NFPA 70B also provides information about safety training. Every employee
must be properly trained to identify and handle electrical hazards. They must be made
aware of all potential hazards and at appropriate intervals.
Employees must also be provided with procedure training so they
can respond to emergency situations.

Chapter 6 contains information on how to plan and develop an electrical maintenance

program, including maintenance. This chapter includes the basic
steps involved in establishing the program and identifies the role of the person
responsible and the qualifications needed.

The installation and survey of the electrical system is important when planning and
establishing a program. Chapter 6 of NFPA 70B describes how the data should be
collected, from the installation to it. Circuit
and single-line diagrams must be kept up-to-date to ensure accurate information for
maintenance purposes.

Other sections of Chapter 6 cover the importance of identifying equipment critical to the
well-being of individuals or property. The chapter also addresses the need for
establishing a systematic program that includes routine and
. In addition, Chapter 6 of NFPA 70B provides information about
proper procedures and methods for safe operation.

The 2012 edition of the NFPA 70E Handbook added a third supplement. It details the
story of an electrician who thought he was performing a risk-free procedure, one he had

12 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems
performed many times before. Unfortunately, he became the victim of an arc flash and
was severely burned. This final supplement leaves a lasting reminder of the importance
of and proper safety procedures.

Summary

NFPA 70E contains not only articles spelling out information crucial to electrical safety
in the workplace, it also contains annexes and (in the handbook edition) supplements that
further explain the articles. The annexes provide examples and additional information not
found in the articles. The supplement section consists of excerpts of articles from NFPA
70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance as well as from
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. The NFPA 70 articles support the articles found in
NFPA 70E.

Standards published by the NFPA are available for a fee directly from the NFPA. Anyone
can order from their website (www.nfpa.org). OSHA standards and other OSHA
materials are available for free. Simply download them from the OSHA website
(www.osha.gov). Information on the IEEE Electrical Safety Workshop can be found
through the IEEE website. Go to www.ieee.org and search for Electrical Safety
Workshop.

13 Annexes and Supplemental Materials—Unit 211, Lesson 8

TPC Training Systems