Monday, July 07, 2008
New Arc Flash Helmet & Faceshield
Arc flash helmet and face shield from Extreme SafetyProtecting the face and head region from arc flash hazards is crucial. The face shield and helmet combination does the job effectively and barely restricts movement or causes an inconvenience.
The face shield is designed to deflect blast energy away from the face, while absorbing heat and spatter. The helmet is simply a mounting device for the face shield, but is made of similar material. Standard face shield and hardhats will melt in an arc flash; for that reason you should only use arc flash approved PPE.
A new add-on for the face shield is the Nomex flap. The flap attaches to the bottom of the face shield, and hangs down to the chest. This creates a mechanical barrier between to cover the gap between the face shield and chin area.
Although the face shield and helmet achieve their 10ka/1sec arc flash rating without this flap, it is an approved extra feature suitable for some applications.
More information is available from Extreme Safety.
Labels: Arc Flash PPE
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
New Arc Flash Printer
Graphic Products has just released the new DuraLabel PRO 300 industrial label printer. This is a high resolution 300 dpi thermal transfer printer that incorporates high-speed processing to provide fast printing of labels and signs.This new printer provides five options for printing arc flash labels and signs.
The DuraLabel PRO 300 comes with the Flash Label database software. This software is used to create, print and store arc flash labels. Labels are printed using preformated 4"x6" die-cut labels that are available with either a danger or a warning header. Die-cut labels are available in both English and Spanish.
The die-cut labels may also be printed using generic software such as Microsoft Word or Excel, or using arc flash calculation software such as EasyPower.
As a third option the DuraLabel PRO 300 can use continuous two-color vinyl. This is a white vinyl tape with a colored header section typically used for a signal word. Two-color arc flash labels can be formatted to include any desired information. Two-color vinyl is available in four inch widths and may be printed in nearly any desired length. Two-color continuous vinyl is unique product available only for the DuraLabel line of printers.
Single color continuous vinyl is an option that provides total flexibility in label design. Information can be formatted and arranged to suit facility requirements.
The DuraLabel PRO 300 can also print text and graphics spanning multiple strips of vinyl. This means arc flash signs can be printed by combining strips of single color vinyl. For example, two 36" strips of orange tape and four 36" strips of white tape would be combined to create a 24" x 36" arc flash warning sign.
In addition to arc flash labels the DuraLabel PRO 300 can print a wide range of other types of labels and signs. From wire markers to pipe markers, tamper evident labels to glow-in-the-dark signs... the DuraLabel PRO 300 gets the job done right.
Use the links above for more information about the DuraLabel PRO 300 printer.
Labels: Arc Flash Labeling, arc flash printer
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Free Online Arc Flash / Electrical Resources
AVO Electrical Engineering Division offers a variety of training resources on their web site, for free use.A series of online "slide shows" cover arc flash related topics:
- Do you know your Approach Boundaries?
Learn about a typical Arc Flash Label and different Approach Boundaries listed in it. - Do you know your Hot Spots?
Learn about typical Hot Spots in your facility with high Incident Energy (IE). - Test your Arc Flash Knowledge
Learn about Fundamental definitions of jargons used in the industry. - Do you have all the information to start an Arc Flash Study?
Learn about typical Field Data required to perform Arc Flash Study. - Where should I place my Arc Flash Labels?
Learn about where should the Arc Flash Labels be placed.
- Electrical Hazards Analysis
- Electrical Safety and Maintenance Training
- Electrical Safety in Battery Maintenance and Testing
- Electrical Safety in Motor Maintenance and Testing
- Electrical Safety in the Mining Industry
- Electricity - The Silent Killer
- Establishing an Electrical Safety Program
- How to Develop an Effective Training Program
- The Hazards of Electricity - Do You Know What They Are?
Labels: Arc Flash Labeling, Arc Flash Training
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Monday, June 16, 2008
Qualify Providers Before An Arc Flash Analysis
An article in Plant Engineering Live, by Joseph Weigel, of Square D Services, Schneider Electric, provides some recommendations for selecting an arc flash analysis provider.The article begins by providing an overview description of an arc flash analysis followed by a short discussion of standards. It then talks about the factors that should be considered when selecting a provider of your arc flash analysis.
The article concludes by saying:
"Purchasing an arc flash analysis for an industrial facility is very important for electrical safety standard compliance and also is required in order to provide the safest possible workplace for employees. However, like any product or service, when purchasing an arc flash analysis, one tends to get what one pays for, which is why qualifying providers should not be taken lightly. But more importantly, a facility owner or manager should also be careful not to be wooed by low bids.
Thus, a careful and thoughtful approach to an arc flash analysis purchase and qualifying providers, can help ensure the best possible result for a company’s investment."
Labels: Arc Flash Calculations, Arc Flash Products
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Laurel, MS Electrical Equipment Manufacturer Faces $193,000 In OSHA Fines
OSHA has proposed $193,000 in penalties against Howard Industries for 54 violations of federal safety rules at the company's two manufacturing locations in Laurel, Miss.The producer of electrical power products is being cited with 36 serious violations and proposed penalties of $123,500 at its Pendorf Road plant, with an additional 15 serious violations and proposed penalties of $41,000 at its Eastview plant. The violations include failing to provide employees with proper protective equipment, and to provide machine guards and lockout-tagout procedures. Lockout/tagout refers to preventing accidental start-up of machinery during maintenance.
Two repeat violations with penalties of $27,500 are being proposed for violations similar to those noted during earlier inspections in 2007. Chemical containers lacked identification labels and chains used as slings for lifting loads were shortened using makeshift measures rather than reducing the number of links.
One citation with a $1,000 penalty has been proposed for the company's failure to make material safety data sheets (MSDS) readily accessible to employees in their work area. A MSDS provides both employees and emergency personnel with information that is of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs.
"It is unconscionable for an employer to tolerate serious injuries, including amputations, as just a cost of doing business, rather than get out into the production areas and fix these numerous problems before employees get injured," said Clyde Payne, director of OSHA's Jackson Area Office.
The company has 15 business days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Labels: Electrical Safety, Safety Inspections
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Electrophysics Launches Entry-level Portable Infrared Cameras
The following is a press release from ElectrophysicsThe cost effective EZTherm 880 combines easy infrared imaging, accurate temperature measurement with an integrated visible camera.
Fairfield, NJ (PRWEB) June 11, 2008 -- Electrophysics (www.electrophysics.com) announced that it has introduced its new EZTherm 880 Portable Infrared Camera Line. According to Electrophysics, the EZTherm 880 is designed for electricians and facility managers responsible for inspection of electrical circuits, motors and other rotating equipment, UPS systems, and building roofs, siding and interior walls. The EZTherm cameras make it cost effective to add or strengthen the role of thermal imaging in a facility's predictive maintenance program. The EZTherm can easily replace or augment annual inspections performed by an infrared imaging consultant. With up to 3 times the number of pixels of typical entry level infrared cameras, EZTherm 880 produces infrared images that are substantially sharper making diagnosis of equipment reliability issues much more accurate, intuitive and precise.
The EZTherm 880 camera features unique dual mode focus control (motorized or manual) that makes the 880 a true one hand operation camera. A unique feature in entry level cameras is the camera's close focus distance of only 4 inches making it ideal to image through inspection windows mounted in high voltage switchgear designed to reduce operator exposure to an arc flash event.
There are three EZTherm 880 models offered beginning with the 880-1 which features high image quality, advanced report generation software, 350°C measurement range, accurate measurement accuracy, multiple color palettes, large image recording memory, 5 hour battery run time, all housed in light weight IP-54 ergonomic camera body. The 880-3 model adds a high quality visible camera channel and additional measurement analysis functionality. The 880-4 is our "Pro" package and includes a 3X telephoto lens and our unique protective lens for harsh environments that can potentially spray contaminated liquids on the camera's expensive IR lens.
"The EZTherm 880 is the perfect compliment to our HotShot line of high performance cameras. These easy to use point and shoot cameras are the perfect trouble shooting tool for electricians and other technicians and can support the use of more advanced thermographic cameras, like our new HotShot HD, by expert thermographers responsible for highly critical equipment inspection and IR program management. In addition we are so confident in our product quality that every EZTherm 880 carries a two year warranty." said Chris Alicandro, Director of Sales for Electrophysics
Company Background: Headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, Electrophysics develops and manufactures advanced thermal imaging, near infrared and night vision systems for use in imaging applications.
Labels: Preventing Arc Flash Accidents, Safety Inspections
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Monday, June 02, 2008
U.K. Perspective On Arc Flash
An article in Processing Talk, asks industries in the U.K. "How do plants protect operators from Arc Flash?"The article announces an arc flash survey to be conducted by TAS. The purpose of the survey is to assess the level of knowledge about Arc Flash hazards in U.K. industry, and to understand what plant operators are doing to mitigate the possible dangers and protect their workforce.
The article states:
"Initially the survey is being conducted by mailing the questionnaire to UK engineers in industries that are higher power users, (the mailing will go out in June) and there is also an on-line survey form on the TAS website, http://www.tas.co.uk/researcharcflash.
Respondents from overseas are welcome, but their experiences, attitudes and knowledge of arc flash hazards may be reported separately, to see and identify where differences exist compared to UK practice."
We will follow what happens with this survey and report on the results when they are available.Labels: Electrical Safety, Work Place Safety
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Free Web Seminar on Arc Flash Avoidance and NFPA 70E Compliance
The following is a press release from LumaSense Technologies. They are a provider of sensor instrumentation for "monitoring, detecting, analyzing and measuring."Broadcast date: Tuesday, June 3rd 2008
Broadcast Time: 11:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM EDT)
Speakers: Lowry Eads, Lowry Eads & Associates (Lanny Floyd, Dupont)
Hosted by: Brett Sargent, LumaSense Technologies ( John Snell, The Snell Group)
Most of us know that the words "Arc Flash" mean something serious. But, most of us do not know how dangerous an Arc Flash can be. Some things to consider are:
• There are approximately 2,000 Arc Flash events that occur in the United States every year
• Temperatures can reach 35,000°F in less than 1 second
• When copper vaporizes, a dynamite like explosion will occur
So, now that we have your attention, Arc Flash events can be minimized and avoided if you understand safety standards and adhere to published requirements. Documents such as NFPA 70E can help save lives and avoid catastrophic incidents.
Safe maintenance practices, knowing what to look for, thermal imaging of electrical switchgear using safe equipment and protective gear can all help.
Join us on Tuesday, June 3rd 2008 in this informative web seminar "Arc Flash Avoidance and NFPA 70E Compliance" to understand what an Arc Flash is and safety standards you should follow to save lives.
To register for the Web Seminar, Please go to: www.lumasenseinc.com/news_events/web_seminars.html
Labels: Arc Flash Products, Arc Flash Training
posted by Steve Hudgik
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
An Arc Flash Primer
An article in today's online edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer by Nicholas Chalhoub, Senior Electrical Engineer with CH2M HILL, is called "An Arc Flash Primer".As most other articles about arc flash do, Mr. Chalhoub begins this article with an explanation of what arc flash is. I found it refreshing that he began his description of arc flash with the statement "The primary cause of arc fault is human error." He then describes how human error leads to arc flash and how arc flash hazards can be reduced.
The next topics are proper design, preventative maintenance and arc flash calculations. He discusses the goals and objectives of arc flash calculations and provides an example calculation. He then points out:
"After these calculations are generated, the arc flash and shock hazard tags must be printed and placed on the specified equipment. The flash hazard boundary, flash hazard, and the category type should be listed on the tag. Many maintenance and safety personnel have been requesting that the limited, restricted and prohibited approach be listed also."
You can read the entire article at: CSE Magazine
You can learn about arc flash labels and tags on our web site.
Labels: Arc Flash, Arc Flash Calculations, Arc Flash Labeling
posted by Steve Hudgik
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