Test & Measurement

Tip of the Week: Understanding NFPA 70E Annexes, Part 3

Nov. 9, 2015

Knowledge of these sections will help you establish a safer workplace.

The Annexes of NFPA 70E can be very useful. We previously addressed the first eight. Here's an overview of the next four.

Annex I — Here, you’ll find a sample job briefing and planning checklist. It consists of six sections: Identify, Ask, Check, Know, Think, and Prepare for an emergency.

Annex J — This resource contains a sample energized work permit and a flow chart that provides a decision-making process for producing a work permit that will help achieve the desired outcome. That outcome is, as the final box of the flowchart says, “Proceed to work safely.”

Annex K — Electrical hazards can be divided into three general categories. Do you know what they are? This annex names them and provides some information on each one. If you’ve read this annex, you won’t be surprised to know that the majority of hospital admissions resulting from electrical accidents are not from electrical shock (one of the three categories).

Annex L — Electrolytic lines present their own set of hazards, and this annex addresses the application of safeguards against those hazards. It names seven specific safeguards for working on these lines.

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.