Arc Flash & Electrical Safety News

Thursday, October 26, 2006

FREE Arc Flash Solutions Handbook

We have an agreement with ESA, the developers of the EasyPower software, that allows us to give away copies of their book "Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards". This 133 page handbook is stuffed full with information about arc flash, arc flash calculations and arc flash safety. Use the link above to get your free copy.

We have also developed our own quick reference guide to arc flash labeling. This is a one page guide that helps you, your staff, visitors and contractors to quickly understand the information on an arc flash label. This guide makes an excellent part of safety training provided to new employees, visitors and contractors. Use the above link to get your free copy of this guide.

Labels: Free Safety Guides

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Friday, October 20, 2006

Arc Flash Safety Checklist

EC&M magazine has published a five point arc flash safety checklist. The article in their August 1, 2006 issue states: "The checklist is based on information found in the IEEE 'Guide for Maintenance, Operation, and Safety of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems (Yellow Book),' Document Number: IEEE 902-1998."

Go to the Arc Flash Safety Checklist

Labels: Preventing Arc Flash Accidents

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Thursday, October 19, 2006

ELCOSH: Protection from Electric Shock and Arc Flash

The Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (CDC) has a detailed article about arc flash protection and PPE. The section on PPE in particular is excellent, providing more detail that I've seen elsewhere.

The topics covered in this article include:

Electric hazards

Electric Safety Principles

To De-Energize or Not to De-Energize

Working On or Near Live Circuits

The article is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/elcosh/docs/d0500/d000580/d000580.html

Labels: Arc Flash, Construction

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Friday, October 13, 2006

NFPA 70E and Infrared Inspections of Electrical Distribution Systems

An article on the IR Information web site discusses the implications of NFPA 70E for infrared inspections of electrical equipment. The abstract is:

"Although infrared inspections of electrical equipment are a widely accepted maintenance procedure, considerable debate exists among thermographers concerning their safe conduct. This paper discusses the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA Bulletin 70E, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and how they apply to infrared inspections of electrical equipment. "

The paper concludes with:

"For those involved in the generation and transmission of electricity, OSHA 1910 Subpart R will continue to serve as a reference standard.

Thermographers and their employers must identify how the NFPA and OSH standards apply to their work and ensure that they are in compliance. Failure to comply can result in fines and criminal penalties. "

Labels: Electrical Hazards

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Thursday, October 12, 2006

Follow the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

This electrical safety article published by the UAW makes some good points about arc flash and NFPA 70E. The article opens by reporting:

"The UAW’s Health and Safety Department keeps track of workplace injuries and fatalities to members and the list is painful to read. Some examples: A 27-year-old electrician was electrocuted in 1983 when working on a live circuit that was not locked out. A 56-year-old electrician was killed in 1993 after coming in contact with a live 440-volt circuit. A 42-year-old electrician was killed in 1983 after being burned in a buss duct electrical explosion."

The article provides a summary of NFPA 70E. It also provides some useful details, such as the minimum air insulation distances required to avoid flashover.

Labels: Arc Flash, Work Place Safety

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Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Chamber Offers NFPA 70E Training

I ran across this announcement from the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce. They are holding an NFPA 70E training class in June 2007. Funding for the class is being supplied by the New York State Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Abatement Board. I'm mentioning this class here because a partnership between local Chamber of Commerce, the state safety board, and local industry is an outstanding way of improving safety throughout the community.

By offering classes through a Chamber of Commerce many smaller businesses, that may have not been aware of NFPA 70E and the hazards of arc flash, have the opportunity to improve electrical safety, and safety in general, within their organizations. The training is offered at a minimal cost of $15 making it easily affordable for any size company.

Here is a good idea that can easily be replicated in other locations.

Labels: Arc Flash Training

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Monday, October 02, 2006

SAFETY SOLUTIONS: Compliance with 70E Electrical Standards

The May/June 2006 issue of Plastics Distributor & Fabricator Magazine addresses NFPA 70E as it relates to the plastics industry. The article asks:

"Are you in compliance with 70E electrical standards? This is the question being asked by OSHA compliance officers when they visit your facility. The Department of Labor (OSHA) estimates that there are, on average, 9,600 serious electrical shock and burn injuries each year. OSHA also estimates approximately one fatality per day due to electrocution."

The article defines what NFPA 70E is and then gives ten steps to successful arc flash safety program.

Although this article was written for the plastic industry, it is applicable to any industry or organization. It is a concise, to the point article that delivers useful information about NFPA 70E.

Labels: Preventing Arc Flash Accidents, Work Place Safety

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