Arc Flash & Electrical Safety: Field Marking of Arc Flash Hazards

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Field Marking of Arc Flash Hazards

The following is from a technical paper titled "Field Marking of Arc Flash Hazards - Avoid Workers' Injuries & Equipment Damage."

Published by the Resource Center, National Electrical Code, this paper was written by Mark Ode, a staff engineering associate at Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. It provides a lot of information about arc flash safety, and in particular points out that arc flash labeling is important.

As it is coming to a conclusion, the paper states the following concerning arc flash labeling:

"Section 110.16, covering flash protection marking, has been added to the 2002 NEC. It provides a link to NFPA 70E and OSHA for requirements dealing with arc flash hazards. It requires field marking for switchboards, panel boards, industrial control panels and motor control centers. The marking is intended to warn qualified persons of flash hazards where the equipment is likely to be examined, adjusted, serviced or maintained while energized. The marking must be located on the equipment in such a manner as to be clearly visible to qualified personnel before they commence work on the equipment."

"Make sure this field marking is applied in a very visible location so when you work on electrical equipment while energized, you are very aware of the hazards involved. Take the necessary safety steps to ensure that no one suffers serious burns or injuries."

Labels: Arc Flash Labeling