Electrical Safety Training: What OSHA & NFPA 70E Require

When it comes to electrical safety in the workplace, there are two key standards every organization must adhere to: OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E. While OSHA sets the legal baseline for worker safety, NFPA 70E provides the detailed practices to meet those requirements. At Herzig Engineering, we help companies bridge this gap with comprehensive training that keeps teams safe and in compliance. 

Understanding OSHA's Electrical Safety Requirements 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers provide a safe working environment under the General Duty Clause and specific electrical safety standards such as 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S and 1926 Subpart K. OSHA requires: 

• Employees to be trained and qualified for the electrical tasks they perform. 

• Employers to assess workplace hazards and implement appropriate safety practices. 

• Documentation of training and proof of worker qualification. 

Failing to comply can result in costly citations, injuries, or worse. But meeting OSHA standards is only the beginning. 

How NFPA 70E Builds on OSHA's Foundation 

NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, offers a roadmap for implementing an effective electrical safety program. Updated every three years, the standard emphasizes hazard identification, risk assessment, and preventive measures. Key training requirements include: 

• Training for both qualified and unqualified employees based on their exposure to electrical hazards. 

• Demonstrated understanding through periodic evaluations. 

• Refresher training at least every three years, or when job duties change. 

NFPA 70E training is not just for electricians. Anyone who might be exposed to electrical hazards—including maintenance staff, machine operators, construction laborers, and even janitorial personnel—needs some level of safety awareness. 

Key Differences Between OSHA and NFPA 70E 

Understanding how these standards differ helps clarify their roles in a comprehensive safety strategy: 

• Authority: OSHA is a federal regulatory agency; NFPA 70E is a consensus standard developed by safety professionals. 

• Enforcement: OSHA regulations are legally enforceable; NFPA 70E is not law but is widely used to demonstrate compliance with federal and local workplace regulations. 

• Scope: OSHA defines "what" must be done; NFPA 70E defines "how" to do it safely. 

• Training Detail: NFPA 70E provides in-depth training guidance, whereas OSHA outlines the need for training but not the methodology. 

• Updates: NFPA 70E is updated every three years to reflect new technologies and safety practices; OSHA standards update less frequently. 

  
  

Even with this information in mind, many people still wonder about the relationship between OSHA and NFPA. Is it required to follow NFPA 70E? What does OSHA have to say on the matter?  

A letter of interpretation from OSHA helps to clarify this point: 

“...OSHA views NFPA 70E as the primary consensus standard addressing electrical hazards associated with electrical utilization systems. ... OSHA may use NFPA 70E to support citations for violations relating to certain OSHA standards...” 

Herzig Engineering: Your Partner in Electrical Safety Training 

Herzig Engineering delivers electrical safety training tailored to your workforce, whether in-person or through our online platform. All training is based on the latest NFPA 70E and OSHA standards and led by Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professionals (CESCPs). Our approach ensures: 

• Worker confidence in identifying and mitigating hazards. 

• Documented compliance to satisfy OSHA inspectors. 

• A culture of comradery where everyone goes home safely.