NFPA 70E is the leading standard for electrical safety in the workplace. It exists to help organizations reduce the risk of arc flash incidents, electrical injuries, and unscheduled downtime. But staying compliant requires more than labels and lockout/tagout procedures—it requires a holistic, well-documented approach.
This post outlines the six essential actions every facility must take to achieve and maintain NFPA 70E compliance. Whether you’re developing a new Electrical Safety Program or updating an existing one, these six steps are your foundation.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) require employers to follow essential practices outlined in NFPA 70E. These include:
- Maintaining an up-to-date single-line diagram
- Performing an arc flash risk assessment at least every 5 years
- Maintaining electrical equipment in accordance with NFPA 70B
- Providing NFPA 70E electrical safety training every 3 years
- Supplying and maintaining appropriate PPE
- Implementing a documented Electrical Safety Program and Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP)
Failure to meet these six key components can result in steep fines, legal exposure, and life-threatening incidents.
Learn more in our blog post: NFPA 70E – Six Keys to Compliance.
Here’s what’s really at stake when companies cut corners on electrical safety maintenance:
- OSHA Penalties: Up to $16,550 per serious violation. Willful or repeated violations can cost up to $165,514 per instance.
- Lawsuits: Civil litigation from injured employees or third parties can result in six- or seven-figure settlements.
- Insurance Premium Increases: A single serious injury or citation can lead to long-term rate hikes.
- Lost Productivity: Downtime from electrical incidents leads to missed deadlines, project delays, and lost revenue.
- Reputation Damage: Headline-making safety failures erode trust with clients, partners, and employees.
- Property Damage: Electrical fires, equipment failure, and arc flashes can result in massive repair or replacement costs.
- Workforce Retention Issues: Unsafe working conditions drive away experienced employees and make hiring harder.
WILLFUL VIOLATIONS OF THE STANDARD CAN TRIGGER FINES UP TO $170,000 PER INCIDENT. FAILURE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES CAN RESULT IN ADDITIONAL PENALTIES OF UP TO $16,000 PER DAY.
This document outlines real-world case studies, penalty figures, and the hidden costs of ignoring NFPA 70E compliance. Download a copy to learn more.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Electrical safety is a legal, ethical, and financial responsibility. The cost of non-compliance goes far beyond a citation—it can shut down your operations or, worse, cost someone their life.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.