When does Fault Protection Boundary Apply?

As I understand it, the fault protection boundary only applies while you are "interacting" with equipment.

Is this how everyone else interprets the standards?

Flash protection boundary

As defined in Article 100 of the current 70E, the Flash Protection Boundary is "An approach limit at a distance from exposed live parts within which a person could receive a second degree burn if an electrical arc were to occur."

The key here is "exposed live parts". I have heard some people express a misunderstanding of this concept by saying something like "we can't get near that panel now without dressing out", which needless to say is incorrect. The boundary, as defined, applies when the parts are exposed and energized. If the cover is on, you can theoretically stand next to the device in your underpants. Not that I recommend that mind you....

There is still a point of confusion in NPFA 70E. The hazard risk tables have a few categories where you are suppose to wear certain levels of PPE when the doors are closed such as racking in a circuit breaker with doors closed. This seems to contradict "exposed live parts"