What is the NFPA standard for OSHA?

Author: Daphney Pouros  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® Originally developed at OSHA's request, NFPA 70E helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast, and assists in complying with OSHA 1910 Subpart S and OSHA 1926 Subpart K.

Does OSHA use NFPA standards?

Summary. Although OSHA may not specifically enforce NFPA 70E, they can and have cited electrical safe work practice hazards with existing OSHA standards.

What is the NFPA standard?

NFPA codes and standards are developed by subject matter experts from around the globe and serve as the leading resource on fire, electrical, and life safety guidelines and requirements.

What is the NFPA for occupational safety?

NFPA 1500 specifies the minimum requirements for an occupational safety and health program for fire departments or organizations that provide rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials mitigation, special operations, and other emergency services.

What is the relationship between OSHA and NFPA 70?

OSHA enforces its own standards that relate to electrical hazards. OSHA may, however, use NFPA 70E to support citations for violations relating to certain OSHA standards, such as the general requirements for personal protective equipment found in 29 CFR 1910.335.

On the Safe Side podcast Episode 11: NFPA 70E standard and what to expect from OSHA

Is NFPA 70 a code or standard?

The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, is a United States standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. It is part of the National Fire Codes series published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Is NFPA 70B required by OSHA?

Different entities, like OSHA and other government organizations, often require adherence to NFPA standards, and the updates to NFPA 70B are now mandatory. Some requirements you'll find in NFPA 70B include: Elements of a compliant electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) program. Safety methods and procedures for EPM.

What is the NFPa 72 standard?

The NFPA 72 "covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components." Federal, state, and ...

What NFPA standard specifically cover safety in the workplace?

Originally developed at OSHA's request, NFPA 70E helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast, and assists in complying with OSHA 1910 Subpart S and OSHA 1926 Subpart K.

What is the NFPA 99 requirement?

NFPA-99 states the minimal standard of documentation required for routine checks of equipment. Each record must define what was tested (The unique identification of the equipment), the date it was tested, and whether it passed or failed.

What is the difference between NFPA 70 and NFPA 72?

NFPA 70, or the National Electrical Code (NEC), is a code for installing and maintaining electrical systems in buildings. It covers topics such as proper wiring techniques and safety measures to be taken when working with electricity. On the other hand, NFPA 72 is a code specifically for fire alarm systems.

Who enforces NFPA standards?

NFPA Regulations in the United States

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency, penalizes companies who fail to follow NFPA codes. OSHA relies on NFPA standards to create its regulations.

Can you view NFPA standards for free?

Free Access to NFPA Codes and Standards. The IAFC is pleased to provide free access to NFPA's 300 technical documents. While these read-only online documents cannot be downloaded or printed, they are available anyone who wants to familiarize themselves with a code or check a requirement.

What is the most used NFPA standard?

Top Common NFPA Codes to Know
  • NFPA Code 1: Fire Code.
  • NFPA Code 13: Sprinkler Systems.
  • NFPA Code 25: Testing & Maintenance for Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems.
  • NFPA Code 70: National Electrical Code.
  • NFPA Code 72: Fire Alarm & Signaling.
  • NFPA Code 101: Life Safety.

What is the OSHA consensus standard?

Consensus standards are not law. OSHA can cite you for not complying with standards. Consensus standards can be enforced by OSHA's “incorporation by reference” or by the OSHA General Duty Clause. You are not required to adhere to any consensus standards.

Is NFPA required by OSHA?

Terrill, the Regional Administrator for OSHA in Seattle, stated that "though OSHA does not, per se, enforce the NFPA standard... OSHA considers [it] a recognized industry practice." Terrill also pointed out here is also a general OSHA regulation for workplace hazards that require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

What is the NFPA for occupational health and safety?

NFPA 1500, the Standard on Fire Department Safety and Health Program specifies the minimum requirements for an occupational safety and health program for fire departments or organizations that provide rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials mitigation, special operations, and other ...

What standard does OSHA cover?

Examples of OSHA standards include require- ments to provide fall protection, prevent trenching cave-ins, prevent exposure to some infectious diseases, ensure the safety of workers who enter confined spaces, prevent exposure to such harmful substances as asbestos and lead, put guards on machines, provide respirators or ...

Is NFPA 70 mandatory?

NFPA 70E is a voluntary safeguard that can help protect your workers from electrical hazards and ensure a safe working environment. While the standard is voluntary, complying can protect your employees from injury and your business from potential OSHA violations.

What is the difference between NFPA 13 and NFPA 72?

NFPA 13 covers the installation of fire sprinkler systems; NFPA 72 covers equipment related to fire alarm systems.

What is the difference between NFPA 68 and NFPA 69?

The NFPA 68 standard covers explosion protection by deflagration venting. In contrast, NFPA 69 prevents and mitigates explosions by: Inerting systems. Oxygen concentration reduction.

What is the NFPA 25 requirement?

According to NFPA 25, fire sprinkler systems need to be inspected weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, and every 5 years.
  • Weekly – Inspection of control valves and gauges for pre-action, deluge, and dry sprinkler systems.
  • Monthly – Inspect gauges and alarm valves of wet pipe sprinkler systems.

Is compliance with OSHA required by law?

Employers must comply with all applicable OSHA standards.

They must also comply with the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires employers to keep their workplace free of serious recognized hazards.

Is NFPA 79 mandatory?

This standard is not just a recommendation—it's a requirement for anyone involved in the design, installation, and operation of industrial machinery. Whether you're a manufacturer, a facility manager, or an engineer, understanding and complying with NFPA 79 is essential to maintaining a safe working environment.

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