Arc Flash & Electrical Safety: November 2006

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

NFPA 70E: Why comply?

An article in Plant Services magazine talks about why compliance with NFPA 70E is important. It also discusses the relationship between OSHA and NFPA 70E.

"NFPA 70E was originally developed at OSHA’s request to address electrical hazards in the workplace. OSHA bases its electrical safety requirements on the comprehensive information in NFPA 70E. Even though OSHA does not mandate compliance with NFPA 70E itself, it considers NFPA 70E to be an effective how-to manual for OSHA regulation compliance."

The article answers questions such as:

How does NFPA 70E complement OSHA regulations?

Can you avoid OSHA citations by complying with NFPA 70E?

What about OSHA-approved state plans?

You'll find the article at: http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2004/405.html

Labels: NFPA 70E, Work Place Safety

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006

New Arc Flash Electrical Safety Publications For MCAA Members

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America has developed and produced two resources to assist mechanical service contractors in keeping their workers safe. A recent press release from MCAA states:

MCAA/MSCA Release New Publications on Electrical Safety for Service

ROCKVILLE, MD— The results of an electrical arc flash or uncontrolled electrical current can be devastating. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a code for electrical safety in the workplace, and why the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) Safety and Health Committee developed and produced two resources to assist mechanical service contractors in keeping their workers safe.

Designed especially for mechanical service contractors and based on information from NFPA 70E – 2004, Article 130 – Working On or Near Live Parts, the Model NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Program for Service will help contractors develop an electrical safety program that is specific to their company’s needs if their technicians perform work on or near live parts of HVAC units that are pushing 480 volts or less. Developed in partnership with MCAA’s Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) subsidiary, the program is available to MCAA and MSCA members for $18 per copy and to nonmembers for $36 per copy.

While this program does not offer extensive information about electrical safety, contractors can find additional information in another MCAA publication: the Electrical Safety Guidelines for Mechanical Service (Based on NFPA 70E – 2004) Safety Training Kit. Designed especially for mechanical service workers who troubleshoot energized HVAC units pushing 480 volts or less, the kit will help contractors educate their workers about arc flash and electrical shock hazards.

It describes:

• Electrical arc flash and shock hazards associated with work on energized units pushing 480 volts or less,

• Safe work practices/protective measures, including arc flash and electrical shock
approach boundaries, and

• Personal protective equipment.

The kit includes a 14-minute safety training DVD, a set of 20 pocket guides that enhance the training by highlighting its key points, and a training documentation system.

Much of the critical information in the kit comes from a section of an addendum to the NFPA National Electrical Codes. The addendum, which is referred to as NFPA 70E, spells out the best present-day safety practices for workers exposed to energized electrical sources.

The kit is available to MCAA and MSCA members for $85 and to nonmembers for $170. The
items in the kit are also available separately in case contractors need more of just one or two.

Additional copies of the documentation system are $6 for MCAA and MSCA members and $12 for nonmembers; additional sets of pocket guides are $14 for MCAA and MSCA members and $28 for nonmembers; and additional DVDs are $65 for MCAA and MSCA members and $130 for nonmembers.

To order either of these publications, visit MCAA’s online store at ww.mcaa.org/store or call Linda Burke at 301-990-2200.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) serves the unique needs of
approximately 2,300 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service. We do this by providing our members with high-quality educational materials and programs to help them attain the highest level of managerial and technical expertise. MCAA includes the Mechanical Service Contractors of America, the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau, the Plumbing Contractors of America, and the Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Labels: Arc Flash, Arc Flash Training, Construction

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Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Being Prepared Involves Wearing the Right Clothing

This article, published in Electricity Today Magazine, provides a concise introduction to protective clothing for arc flash, why it is important, and what to look for in protective clothing. The article opens by stating:

In the fraction of a second it takes for an electric arc to occur, tremendous heat capable of igniting surrounding fires is created. Workers must be prepared for accidents, and the best way to be ready is to protect themselves with adequate clothing. Over the past 40 years, there have been significant advances in the manufacture of safety clothing for electricians."

"The way to be prepared is to be wearing the proper clothing. 100% cotton clothing continues to be the top choice, is the fabric of choice, but you need to be sure your cotton work clothes are treated with chemicals and certified to ensure fire resistance.

Learn more about clothing and arc flash safety in this article.

Labels: Arc Flash PPE

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Monday, November 06, 2006

Transformer Maintenance: The Cheapest Form of Insurance

Statistics show that 73% of transformer failures are caused by insulation failure and that 58% of failures are preventable. What are the causes of electrical transformer insulation breakdown?

This Electricity Today article provides an overview of the causes of insulation breakdown in electrical transformers. With the causes identified, preventive maintenance can be used to reduce the number of transformer failures.

The article concludes by reiterating the importance of transformer maintenance:

"Start the planning stage by identifying the most important transformers in your system. These will be easy to find since they are the ones that if lost, will cause the greatest effect on your plant or production process."

"Once you have a list of the important transformers defined, then determine" [which has the highest risk of failure]. "A strong maintenance program should reduce the effects of the risk factors or provide you with a way of monitoring their effects."

Labels: Electrical Hazards

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Wednesday, November 01, 2006

OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)

Arc flash safety is important, in particular because it has been largely ignored. However, arc flash safety is part of the larger safety picture.

OSHA has established the Voluntary Protection Program, also know as VPP, that looks at the "big picture" of safety. It is a safety and health management program that promotes and recognizes the efforts of employers and employees who have achieved outstanding safety and health records. In the OSHA VPP, management, labor and OSHA establish a partnership that results in a comprehensive and effective safety and health management system in each participating workplace.

The Safe Workplace web site provides more information about the Voluntary Protection Program.

Labels: Work Place Safety

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