Osha - nfps ?

Can we be incomplience doing electric work using all the rules in Osha and not use nfpa70e while working in industrial setting? Does osha cover everthing electric?

Sure, in my opinion, using only OSHA rules may not always protect you. OSHA has no direct electrical work standards. OSHA rules safety, but not safe work practices to near the detail of NFPA or NEC.

IMO,
NEC is the rule and guidebook on how to do the work competently.
NFPA 70E is the guidebook for working safely with electricity.
IEEE 1584 is the guidebook to electrical test data developed to work safely.

There is more organizations you can learn from also.

OSHA requires employers to provide a safe work environment.
NFPA 70E explains how to provide a safe work environment (relating to energized work).

If you comply with 70E, you comply with OSHA.

I am trying to find out if osha requires a industry to do an anaylsis on the electrical and do labeling or do they use the tables and hrc charts as in 70e.
What is osha first requirement as far as the electrical services size? Do they start there as 70e does with an anaylsis ?

Puckman,

Think of it this way –

OSHA tells you what to do.
NFPA70E tells you how to do it.

It could be said that following the OSHA requirements for electrical safety leads you to follow 70E. This is because OSHA considers 70E a consensus standard on electrical safety and, if a consensus standard exists which meets the requirements of OSHA regulations, then following that standard is considered to be following the OSHA rules.

That said, you could try to argue with OSHA that you were only following the OSHA rules if you found yourself under scrutiny and you might win (or you might not). But if you follow NFPA70E, then you are fairly assured of meeting the requirements and can consider yourself covered.

TxEngr

TxEngr has it right!! OHSA doesn't stipulate specifically that you have to do arc flash hazard analysis as per NFPA 70E or CSA Z462. It says you have to protect workers, you decide how your going to demonstrate practical and appropriate due diligence to accomplish this.

Terry Becker, P.Eng.
ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions INC.
terry.becker@espsi.ca
403-465-3777