NFPA 70E mandates that the employer's electrical safety program include consideration for condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.

• A. False
• B. Not Required
• C. Required
• D. True

Answer: (D)

NFPA 70E requires that the employer’s electrical safety program consider the maintenance condition of electrical equipment and systems. This is essential because the safety of workers depends not only on the procedures they follow, but also on whether the equipment they work on is in good, compliant condition. When equipment is poorly maintained—loose connections, degraded insulation, overheating, worn components, dirty enclosures, or failed protective devices—the risks of shock, arc flash, and fire increase, and the effectiveness of safeguards can be compromised.

Including maintenance considerations in the program ensures there are clear expectations for inspection, testing, servicing, and timely replacement or repair of equipment before tasks are performed. It also supports proper documentation, verification of protective device operation, and alignment of PPE and procedures with the actual condition of the equipment. In short, the program must account for how maintenance impacts safety, so the answer is true.