Changes to NFPA 70E and NESC (ANSI C2) will impact the workplace for flame resistant, arc rated clothing and work practices for electrical safety like no year in recent history. There are two reasons for this: 1) both standards have 2012 versions. This has not happened since 1995. 2) both standards have several new items which will bump up PPE levels for common tasks, and both standards have more clearly codified the need for arc flash calculations.
You have likely heard of NFPA 70E but may not have heard of NESC. NESC is the National Electric Safety Code (Canadian equivalent CAN/UL S801). This is an ANSI/IEEE standard for utility wiring. It governs most utility properties and can affect non-utility systems, especially transmission and distribution systems commonly found in large industrial plants. OSHA 1910.269 and NESC cover the same basic equipment, and OSHA used NESC in some of the legislation for 1910.269. Most industrial electrical work is covered by the OSHA 1910.300 series and NFPA 70E in the U.S. (Canadian equivalent CSA Z462). The two committees have very few links other than the ASTM arc flash test standards and specifications, so differences are marked. Below are the key areas of change coming in 2012 to affect the workplace.