In Episode 32 of “EC&M Tech Talks,” Randy Barnett, a journeyman electrician, inspector, author, trainer, and electrical safety expert, discusses the OSHA requirements found in Part 1926 Safety and Health Regulations, Subpart K — Electrical.
These regulations are divided into four main topic areas. Randy discusses the first two: installation safety requirements and safety-related work practices. The first part covers the installation and wiring of temporary power and lighting circuits on the job site. However, the regulations reference the 1984 NEC. Thus, Art. 590 of the most current NEC is used to explain these requirements.
The safety-related work practices are discussed in reference to the requirements of the NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. The 70E standard is the document that tells workers what they must do to avoid electric shock and burns.
Compliance with the 1926 Subpart K regulations requires the usage/application of different documents to meet the intent of OSHA. Workers should be knowledgeable of both the National Electrical Code (especially Art. 590 for temporary installations) and NFPA 70E.
