What is the primary purpose of NFPA 70E in electrical safety for workers?

• A. To establish requirements for electrical safety-related work practices, including hazard identification, risk assessment, PPE selection, and training to reduce shock and arc flash injuries.
• B. To set design standards for electrical equipment and wiring.
• C. To establish fire safety codes for electrical fires.
• D. To provide general building electrical codes for residential wiring.

Answer: (A)

NFPA 70E focuses on protecting workers from electrical hazards by defining safe electrical work practices. Its main aim is to prevent shock, electrocution, and arc flash injuries by requiring hazard identification and risk assessment before tasks, selecting appropriate PPE based on the task’s energy level, and providing training so workers know how to work safely around energized equipment. It also emphasizes establishing an electrically safe work condition, understanding arc flash boundaries, and following documented procedures to reduce risk. This standard is not about how electrical equipment and wiring are designed, nor does it set general fire safety codes or residential building wiring requirements; those areas are covered by other codes and standards.