Arc Flash & Electrical Safety News

Friday, March 13, 2009

The Fine Print Notes In NFPA 70E 2009

The two most recent issues of the NFPA Journal include columns by Bill Buss about the fine print notes in NFPA 70E. He says this about the fine print notes:

"Section 90.5(C) of NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, defines fine print notes (FPNs) as explanatory material that is informational in nature. They are not a part of the requirements, but they do alert users to the technical committee’s concerns and provide additional information that helps users apply the standard. They should also be considered when developing a site safety program and doing the hazard/risk analysis for work tasks."

The first article is in the January/February issue and is called In 70E, the small print can be just as important as the big print. It points out fine print notes that discuss arc flash hazards when an enclosure has louvers, as well as fine print notes on training, hazard/risk evaluation, lock out/tag out, and electrical safety programs.

The second article is in the March/April issue and discusses topics such as fault clearing time and PPE. The topic of NFPA 70E fine print, arc flash and PPE was also discussed in the July/August 2008 Bill Buss column, but you must be a member of NFPA to read back issues. Non-members can read the current issue and the three most recent back issues.

Labels: Arc Flash, NFPA 70E