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Tip of the Week: Understanding NFPA 70E Annexes, Part 4

Dec. 7, 2015
Learn the purpose and value of annexes M through P of the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

The Annexes of NFPA 70E can be very useful. We previously addressed the first 12. Here's an overview of the last four.

Annex M — What if your arc-rated clothing doesn’t have the arc rating you need? By layering clothing, you can achieve the desired arc rating. This Annex explains how this works. Just make sure you understand how it works before you try layering.

Annex N — Are your procedures adequate for working near overhead lines and equipment? Find out by comparing them with the example industrial procedures and policies in this Annex. Note that this section also provides guidance on underground electrical lines and equipment.

Annex O — Some general design considerations may have a significant effect on safety. Thinking these out during the design phase can greatly reduce, if not eliminate, safety risks. For example, this resource describes three incident energy reduction methods. The real clincher here is that taking these steps often costs little or nothing, so in a financial analysis the entire safety benefit is often free.

Annex P — This last Annex is one of the shortest. It discusses aligning the implementation of NFPA 70E with occupational health and safety management standards, with particular emphasis on ANSI/AIHA Z10. The basic point is that NFPA 70E complements, rather than supersedes, other standards.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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