Redeveloping the 2018 NFPA 70E Annex K and contemplating beyond

Annex K, “General Categories of Electrical Hazards,” first appeared in NFPA70E®-2004, Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Subsequent editions of the standard, including the most recent NFPA70E®-2015, have greatly expanded the coverage of arc flash hazards and a formal risk assessment procedure. NFPA70E-2015 is on the leading edge of advancing electrical safety practices in the workplace; therefore, Annex K needs to be updated accordingly. Except for a short paragraph on arc blast hazards added in 2009, the NFPA70E-2015 Annex K has essentially the same content as the 2004 edition. The content needs updating, but the scope needs consideration as well. Annex K presently consists of four sections covering “General Categories,” “Electric Shock,” “Arc Flash” and “Arc Blast.” In addition, the “Effects of Electricity on the Human Body” is covered in Section 340.5. Revisions to Annex K can only be considered while material appropriate to Chapter 3 is simultaneously under consideration. This paper is also continuation of thought on the purposes of and appropriate material for Annex K. Annex K might be more effectively focused on the physiological effects with supportive annexes covering injury statistics and other information providing additional impetus for developing and following safe work practices.