Ecmweb 25372 Nfpa 70e Tips
Ecmweb 25372 Nfpa 70e Tips
Ecmweb 25372 Nfpa 70e Tips
Ecmweb 25372 Nfpa 70e Tips
Ecmweb 25372 Nfpa 70e Tips

NFPA 70E Tip: Informative Annex Q, Part 3

Aug. 16, 2019
Q.3. discusses how the brain processes information in a series of interactive stages

Informative Annex Q is titled, “Human Performance and Workplace Electrical Safety.” It’s broken up into multiple parts (Q.1, Q.2, etc.).

Q.1 identifies six risk control methods in a hierarchical list (do number one first, then number two, and so on). Q.2 identifies five principles of human performance. Q.3. is about as long as Q.1 and Q.2 combined. Its title is “Information Processing and Attention.” It starts off by saying the brain processes information in a series of interactive stages, then goes on to enumerate those (1 through 4).

It briefly discusses Rasmussen’s model (used to classify human error) and explains the implications for individuals. It makes many good points.

Perhaps the crux of Q.3 is in its penultimate paragraph:

“Critical points in activities when risk is higher (increased likelihood of harm or increase severity of harm or both) require an increased allocation of attentional resources. Allocation at these critical points can be improved by training, procedures, equipment design, and teamwork.”

If you didn’t know this paragraph is in NFPA 70E, you might think it’s in a management book or perhaps a book on achieving higher performance in all the things you undertake to do.

Most safety problems are actually human performance problems. You solve those problems by addressing human performance. The ability to focus your attention on a critical task is partly a matter of choice, but it’s a choice influenced by the quality of training, procedures, equipment design, and teamwork. It’s also influenced by your team’s culture; if someone is distracted, get that person back on track.

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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