February 8, 2002—Recognizing the importance of electrical safety in the workplace, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) advises safety professionals to become familiar with the 2002 National Electric Code (NEC) as it took effect in most states with the start of 2002. Safety professionals should be aware of their electrical environment, which in an office building includes all electrical apparatus such as electrical distribution systems, equipment cords, alarms, extension cords, bathroom ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), lighting systems, appliances, and emergency systems.
ASSE recommends that safety professionals learn and understand the changes in the 2002 NEC to help them properly audit, monitor, and control the electrical environment of the workplace. The code includes newly added articles on administration and enforcement, expanding on existing articles of enforcement as well as providing information on new electrical equipment, markings and nameplates. A new article consolidates requirements for receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs, making it easier to find information dedicated to these devices. There is also a new article on transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSSs) to cover new technologies for the protection of persons and electronic equipment. TVSSs function similar to surge arresters and are often found in devices such as power strips. The selection of improperly rated TVSSs in a power strip, for example, can lead to failure, overheating, and fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the NEC is the most widely adopted code in the world, used in every state in the US. Approved July 22, 2001, by the NFPA Standards Council, the NEC is revised every three years by the council. The code has no legal standing on its own until it is adopted as a law by a city, county, or state. The deadline for proposals for the 2005 NEC is November 5, 2002. To purchase a copy of the NEC visit the NFPA or contact NFPA customer service at 800/344-3555.
