NFPA 70E, the "Standard For Electrical Safety In The Workplace", is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It was developed to protect electrical workers who work on or near equipment that is capable of generating an arc flash. Common occupations covered by NFPA 70E are electrical maintenance workers, industrial electricians and machine operators. The regulation requires employers to conduct an arc flash hazard analysis to identify a worker's potential exposure for employees who work on or near energized equipment. The results of the analysis are then used to determine safe work practices, including the appropriate level of personal protective equipment. The level of arc exposure is referred to as the arc thermal performance value (ATPV) or cal rating. NFPA 70E requires employees to wear FR clothing with an ATPV rating equal to or greater than the determined arc hazard.

NFPA 70E also simplifies the hazard assessment and compliance process by creating Hazard Risk Categories (HRC) for common tasks an electrical worker would perform. Therefore, a garment's HRC rating determines whether that garment provides sufficient protection for a particular job. Note: Table above was adapted from 2009 NFPA70E Table 130.7(C)(11).

For more information or to purchase a copy of the NFPA 70E standard visit the NFPA web site.

NFPA 2112, the "Standard For Flame-Resistant Garments For Protection Of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire", is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It was developed to protect industrial workers, primarily in the oil and petrochemical industries, against flash fires. Flash fires are unplanned exposures that typically last three seconds or less and spread rapidly through dust, gas or vapors of an ignitable liquid.

The regulation provides minimum requirements for the design, construction, evaluation and certification of flame-resistant garments for use by industrial personnel to reduce the risk of injury. NFPA 2112 does not apply to protective clothing for electrical flashes, any type of fire fighting activity, technical rescue or hazardous materials emergencies.

NFPA 2112 mandates that employers conduct a flash-fire hazard assessment to determine the risk of a flash fire and require employees to wear flame-resistant clothing if the potential for a flash fire exists.

Effective January 1, 2009, the NESC enacted a regulation that states the employer shall ensure that an assessment is performed to determine potential exposure to an electric arc for employees who work on or near energized parts or equipment. If the assessment determines a potential employee exposure greater than 2 cal/cm² exists, the employer shall require the employee to wear clothing or a clothing system that has an effective rating at least equal to the anticipated level of arc energy.

Published exclusively by the IEEE, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC®) sets the ground rules for practical safeguarding of persons during the installation, operation, or maintenance of electric supply and communication Lines and associated equipment. The NESC contains the basic provisions that are considered necessary for the safety of employees and the public under the specified conditions. For more information, visit the IEEE Standards Association web site.