Arc Flash & Electrical Safety News

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

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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.

Nine publications are also available. They all may be read online.

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?

The web site is called: Free Technical Information and Publications

Labels: Arc Flash Labeling, Arc Flash Training

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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

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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

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Electrophysics Launches Entry-level Portable Infrared Cameras

The following is a press release from Electrophysics

The 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

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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

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