Top NFPA 70E Violations in Printing and Publishing: Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices

Working in the printing and publishing industry, we often see the unique challenges of managing electrical safety. Based on our experience and data from OSHA, here are the most common violations of NFPA 70E - Article 110 that we encounter.

1. Lack of Proper Training

One of the most frequent violations is the failure to provide adequate training on electrical safety-related work practices. Employees must be trained to understand the specific hazards associated with their job tasks. In our work, we've seen cases where workers were not trained on the proper use of lockout/tagout procedures, leading to hazardous situations.

2. Inadequate Risk Assessment

Another common issue is the lack of thorough risk assessments before starting work on electrical equipment. According to NFPA 70E, a risk assessment must be conducted to identify and mitigate hazards. We've encountered scenarios where workers in the printing industry bypassed this step, resulting in accidents that could have been prevented with proper planning.

3. Non-Compliance with PPE Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial in preventing electrical injuries. Yet, we often see workers not wearing the appropriate PPE, such as arc-rated clothing or insulated gloves, when working on or near live electrical parts. This non-compliance with NFPA 70E standards puts workers at risk of serious injury or death.

4. Failure to Establish an Electrically Safe Work Condition

Establishing an electrically safe work condition is a fundamental requirement of NFPA 70E. However, in the fast-paced environment of printing and publishing, we've observed workers skipping lockout/tagout procedures to save time. This dangerous practice can lead to unexpected energization or start-up of machines, causing severe injuries.

5. Improper Use of Lockout/Tagout Devices

Even when lockout/tagout procedures are implemented, the improper use of devices is a common violation. We've seen instances where multiple energy sources were not identified and locked out, or where tagout devices were used instead of lockout devices, which is less effective. Proper training and regular audits can help mitigate these risks.

Based on available research, individual results may vary, but addressing these common violations can significantly improve electrical safety in the printing and publishing industry. For further guidance, consider resources from OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).