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NFPA 70E & Energized Electrical Work Permits

On February 11, 2004, the sixth edition of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace became available superceding all previous editions. In addition to a new look, layout, and title, the latest edition of NFPA 70E contains several important changes including the requirement for an energized electrical work permit.

The 2004 edition of NFPA 70E requires an Energized Electrical Work Permit if live parts are not placed in an electrically safe work condition. NFPA 70E requires that the permit shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:

• Description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and their location
• Justification for why the work must be performed in an energized condition
• Description of the safe work practices to be employed
• Results of the shock hazard analysis
• Determination of shock protection boundaries
• The Flash Protection Boundary
• Necessary Personal Protective Equipment to safely perform the assigned task
• Means employed to restrict the access of unqualified persons from the work area
• Evidence of completion of a job briefing, including a discussion of any job-specific hazards
• Signature(s) of authorized personnel who are approving energized work
www.nfpa.org.