By its directive, the electrical safety standard, NFPA 70E®, emphasizes safety programs that reduce or eliminate electrical hazards. The standard calls upon employers, contractors and employees to work together and, through an expanded risk assessment, clearly define a means by which compliance can be achieved for the protection of all involved.
The hierarchy of risk controls is a key part of developing this plan, and while the first priority is hazard elimination, the hierarchy encourages a holistic approach to developing safety practices and procedures. As a final layer of defense, arc-rated personal protective equipment (PPE) is the foundational safeguard underpinning the hierarchy, with its ability to provide bodily protection should an arc flash incident arise.