A safety program for NFPA 70E should include the following key elements:
- Risk Assessment: Establish procedures for identifying and assessing electrical hazards in the workplace, including conducting an arc flash hazard analysis and labeling all electrical equipment.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Require the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with or around electrical equipment, including arc-rated clothing, gloves, and face shields.
- Training: Provide training for all employees who work with or near electrical equipment, including electrical safety practices, hazard identification, and proper use of PPE.
- Electrical Safety Program: Develop and implement an electrical safety program that includes policies, procedures, and safe work practices for working with electrical equipment.
- Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Establish and implement procedures for locking out and tagging out electrical equipment before performing maintenance or repair work.
- Incident Investigation: Develop procedures for investigating incidents involving electrical equipment, including documenting the incident, identifying the root cause, and implementing corrective actions.
- Auditing and Program Evaluation: Conduct periodic audits of the electrical safety program to identify areas for improvement and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
- Communication: Ensure that all employees are aware of the electrical safety program and any changes to the program are communicated to them in a timely manner.
By implementing a comprehensive NFPA 70E safety program that includes these elements, employers can ensure that their workers are protected from electrical hazards in the workplace. This can help to reduce the risk of electrical shock, burns, and other injuries associated with working with electrical equipment, as well as improve the overall safety and health of the workplace. The program should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains effective in preventing incidents from occurring.
