When can we expect PPE to be required?

I work for a high voltage testing company in CA, The utility in the area (PG&E) requires us to have a minimum 8cal cm2 FR clothing on before we are even able to access any of there work sites. Can I expect OSHA to create standards requiring the same in the near future for any high voltage work I preform?

OSHA does and has enforced the NFPA 70E for decades and already require you to wear the proper FR clothing. Now I know most (5 of the 7) of the HV testing companies (The owners and General Managers) in CA and not only do they require thier testing techs to wear FR clothing they are invloved in the arc flash commitees and are considered leaders in the arc flash community. So obviously you must work for one of those other 2, both of which start with the letter A and your company needs to get in compliance with the 70E.

Couple things:

1) OSHA does not mandate Arc Flash. It is an NFPA guideline. OSHA mandates a General Duty Clause that says you are required to protect your personnel to the level assumed in the industry you are in. OSHA has gotten out of the law making business and passed it over to the private for profit companies. So don't expect OSHA to require it, but don't expect it to go away.

2) If you are in the business, you should be aware of Arc Flash and have a program in place at your company.

3) Arc Flash had a burst of acceptance. But it seems to be losing steam right now as all companies are cutting back on just about everything - including safety programs.