NFPA 70e CPR Requirements Explained

The latest NFPA 70E edition states in 110.2(C)(2)(d) “Training shall occur at a frequency that satisfies the requirements of the certifying body.” That means that the standard now sets minimum NFPA 70e CPR Requirements for both CPR and First Aid training at a certain interval and not just based on "best safe work practices."

In previous NFPA 70E editions, CPR, First Aid, and AED training were required annually. Annual training may have been more frequent than the requirements set by other organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA), which recommends CPR training every two years. For the general public, that might be sufficient, but electrical workers face a much greater risk from ventricular fibrillation due to shock than the general public and therefore require more frequent training. Annual CPR training therefore seems better.

During the most recent NFPA 70E review cycle, the whole issue came up that the standard does not set "best safe work practices", it sets "minimum requirements". Companies are expected to meet or exceed the NFPA 70E minimum requirements.

The whole idea of the NFPA 70E standard setting "minimum requirements" vs. "best safe work practices" has been the subject of debate for several years.

The committee voted to establish that the NFPA 70E indeed sets "minimum requirements", and not just "best safe work practices". As part of that approach, the standard now states that the training interval requirement follows that of the certifying body, and that would include CPR training. 

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