Arc Flash Labels
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OSHA considers arc-flash labeling to be the responsibility of the equipment owners, rather than the manufacturer or installer. NFPA standards require that equipment be marked in the field, rather than at the factory, in order that actual operating specifications can be used in hazard calculations. But what equipment should be labeled, and what information should the labels contain?
What Are the Requirements for Arc Flash Labels?
NFPA 70E states that "Switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers in other than dwelling occupancies, which are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, shall be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards." In addition to the equipment required, many companies choose to mark other equipment that carries a risk of arc flash, such as disconnect switches. More information on arc flash regulations is available in our free online tutorial.
Circumstances that require work on energized equipment may include:
- Circuits providing power to life-support equipment
- Circuits that are part of a larger process that cannot be completely shut down
- Circuits providing power to emergency lights and other safety equipment
- Any other cases in which de-energizing the equipment would pose a greater hazard than failing to de-energize
- Any other case in which de-energizing the equipment is not feasible
By law, only equipment installed or modified in any way after 2002 requires an arc flash label. A recent survey shows that only 14% of equipment installed before 2002 has arc flash labels. Safety-conscious companies will label all potentially hazardous equipment, regardless of when it was installed. By applying markings consistently throughout their facilities, companies emphasize the risks associated with arc flash and the need for appropriate work practices. Many accidents are caused by people not thinking before they act. Having equipment properly labeled helps prevent this from happening.
NFPA 70E requirest that labels should be easily visible to workers before they inspect or service equipment. Labels should be large enough to attract attention even in a cluttered visual field.
Required Information
The 2009 edition of NFPA 70E will require specific information to appear on arc flash labels. Labels must state either
- the available incident energy; or
- the PPE level required to work on equipment.
This is a new requirement not found in previous versions of NFPA 70E.
In addition, IEEE 1584 suggests that arc flash labels contain one of two signal words:
- The signal word DANGER indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This word should be used only in the most extreme situations. As a guideline, NFPA suggests using DANGER when incident energy is above 40 cal/cm2. The word DANGER should be in white letters on a red background.
- The signal word WARNING also indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. It is appropriate for use in dangerous situations judged to be less hazardous than those requiring a DANGER signal. The word WARNING should be in black on an orange background.
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Few power services companies will calculate the information required on arc flash labels. Software is available that can provide the incident energy available from a piece of equipment at an assumed working distance, as well as other information that companies may choose to include on arc flash labels. Click the link at left for a free arc flash boundary calculator.
Recommended Information
NFPA 70E and other regulations only specify the minimum information required by law on arc flash labels. More information is necessary for maximum safety. This will provide employees, vendors, and contractors with the information they need, right where they need it. We suggest that the following additional information be included on arc flash labels:
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- Assumed working distance for incident energy calculations
- Flash protection boundary, the distance at which PPE is needed to prevent severe burns in the even of an arc flash explosion. This is the distance at which there is a potential heat energy of 1.2 cal/cm2 in the event of an arc flash.
- Limited approach boundary, the closest an unqualified person can approach unaccompanied by a qualified worker
- Restricted approach boundary, the closest to exposed, energized equipment a qualified worker can approach without appropriate PPE
- Prohibited approach boundary, the closest approach possible without the risk of arcing. Closer approach is equivalent to direct contact with energized equipment.
Set a standard and stick to it. Since there are few standards for arc flash label design, you can create your own standard or utilize formats created by label printer manufacturers. However, you should establish a standard so that the same format is used throughout your facility, or even your entire company. This will help prevent confusion, and communicate the information on your labels and signs more effectively.
DuraLabel Printer & DuraLabel Supplies
We recommend the DuraLabel PRO printer for making arc flash labels. The DuraLabel PRO is an industrial-grade label printer with a wide variety of available arc-flash label supplies. It comes with arc flash database software, as well as with Microsoft Word templates for arc flash labels, and is compatible with most arc flash assessment software.
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