Shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast are responsible for hundreds of worker deaths and thousands of injuries per year in the U.S. alone.  Many of the deaths and injuries are completely preventable with the proper preformed arc-flash analysis and the correct level of personal protective equipment worn.  January 2009 is just around the corner and time is ticking for companies and their workers to comply with NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) rules 410A3 and 42012.  Per NESC Rule 410 A3, “If an arc-flash assessment determines a potential employee exposure greater than 2 cal/cm2 exists2, the employer shall require employees to wear clothing or a clothing system that has an effective arc rating not less than the anticipated level of arc energy.”

In order for workers to be protected with the correct level of personal protective equipment, an arc flash hazard analysis must occur.  The analysis will identify the arc flash protection boundary, the proper ppe necessary, and also appropriate safety-related work practices.  Included in the process is a study of short circuits to determine the available “bolted” fault current at each location.  The study will gather all relevant overcurrent protection device data to accurately predict the clearing time of the arc fault current, and the calculation of arc flash protection boundaries and incident energies, which are used to determine PPE categories.  NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety in the Workplace) is a standard of the National Fire Protection Association that addresses electrical safety requirements for employees. Defined by NFPA 70E, the categories of personal protective equipment workers are required to wear for the work to be performed, based on the incident heat energy calculated at the appropriate working distance are the following:

Category      Cal/cm²      Personal Protective Equipment

0                 1.2            Untreated cotton
1                 5               Flame retardant (FR) shirt and FR pants
2                 8               Cotton underwear, FR shirt and FR pants
3                 25             Cotton underwear, FR shirt, FR pants and FR coveralls
4                 40             Cotton underwear, FR shirt, FR pants, and double layer switching coat and pants

We must keep in mind, the purpose of the new rules is to keep people safe.  Yes, it is tedious, yes it costs money and yes, it can be a nuisance to prepare your company.  The purpose of the NESC is the practical safeguarding of persons during the installation, operation, or maintenance of electric supply and communication lines and associated equipment.  The organization does not create rules to be a nuisance.  Chuck Woodings, a member of the NESC SCC8 subcommittee states, “The intent of the rules is to protect the employee from catastrophic injury and minor injuries if a flash occurs.”

Here at Texso Instruments, our goal is to provide the necessary personal protective equipment for workers, and to help ensure companies are compliant with this deadline.   We offer many types of PPE, and all categories of clothing to protect from arc flash dangers.    A lot of confusion exists regarding proper protection and categories of clothing.  January 1, 2009 is quickly approaching, and compliance is mandatory, not a choice.  Let us help keep workers protected and ensure compliance.

Contact:

Gary Phillips
Texso Instruments
(760) 444-0032
http://www.texsoinstruments.com

In North Carolina, a local electric company sent a request for a replacement of a high voltage distribution switch for an underground system with another switch that included a disconnect on the load side.   The existing switch had only been in service for one year, but a new switch was needed, stemming from rapid growth of the area.  The new switch would allow the isolation of circuits on the load side independently of each other.

Shortly before 9:00am on a crisp spring morning, two electricians showed up to make the switch.  When they arrived, no one from the electric company was present.  They discussed whether or not the distribution switch was de-energized.  They opened the door of one of the cabinets, and one of the men started guiding a tic tracer.  He allowed it to make contact with a 23,000 volt source, sending 13,200 volts through the ground and into his body.  Paramedics arrived quickly on the scene, but he was pronounced dead at 10:20am.  The other worker received minor flash burns of the eyes and face and stated that he was “electrified,” shaken, and proceeded to run.

When the investigation of the incident was performed, it was determined the man who did not survive was not wearing the required personal protective equipment.  The system was not de-energized or properly grounded.  Written company work procedures require both of these factors.  To add to the tragedy, both workers were present at a safety demonstration that discussed the exact job being performed only two days prior to this incident.  Laws can be written and procedures outlined, but it is up to every individual to follow the rules and guidelines.  Personal protective equipment is designed to prevent accidents like this from happening.  It will do no good if it is not worn when needed.