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Joined: Apr 2004
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We follow 70E at our facility. Following a recent training session on arc flash and electrical safety I realized that we aren't "completely" following 70E, and some changes to our procedures need to be made.
What I am running into is management that wants proof that OSHA stands behind the tennants of 70E.
The only thing that I have been able to find is a reference in 1910 subpart S saying that OSHA refereces 70E. Does that mean that they enforce it as well?
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Joined: Jan 2003
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It is my understanding that at this moment OSHA can not fine you for non-compliance with 70E.
But if there is an accident 70E can be used against the company.
Bob Badger Construction & Maintenance Electrician Massachusetts
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Joined: Jul 2004
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As far as I know this is just a standard like NFPA 70 and it doesn't mean diddly unless it is adopted by the local/state government. I don't think the federal government accepts other people's standards. They have 535 folks in DC who write that kind of thing themselves and they don't like outsiders encroaching on their turf.
Greg Fretwell
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Joined: Sep 2006
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At our training sesion on 70-E we were told exactly what iwire stated. 70-E kicks in when the s^#t hits the fan.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Since none of us are lawyers, you may want your managers to have the corporate attorneys read and interpret Part 1910, Subparts 1910.5 and 1910.6 to determine “Applicability of standards” and “Incorporation by reference.”
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Joined: Nov 2000
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I don't think the federal government accepts other people's standards. They have 535 folks in DC who write that kind of thing themselves and they don't like outsiders encroaching on their turf. Actually the original 70E was developed by the NFPA upon the request of OSHA. Don
Don(resqcapt19)
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Joined: Jul 2004
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I would be curious what the force of law is if it isn't actually passed by congress. Anything goes until it gets ruled on in court I guess.
Greg Fretwell
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OSHA dosent really write the standards, they take industry standards like the NFPA 70E, change the wording to make it enforcable, and publish it as an OSHA standard.
The upcoming release of the new OSHA electrical standard is based on the 2004 NFPA 70E. The person who was the chairman of the 70E commitee now works for OSHA, probally to help with the release of enforcement of the new proposed standard.
Big Ed, there is a video on the internet of David Wallace from OSHA discussing OSHA's viewpoint of enforcement and compliance of the 70E, you should be able to find this video with a quick google search.
MV/HV Testing Specialist, "BKRMAN"
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Joined: Jul 2004
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NFPA 70E is incorporated into OSHA by reference. In the event of an incident OSHA would typically cite you under the General Duty Clause. i.e. the employer has a responsibility to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
There was an initiative to re-write the 1910 and 1926 electrical standards but this has been put on hold and they are focusing on 1926 Sub Part V and 1910.269 High Voltage standards.
Jim Humphrey
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