CARLSBAD, CA October 17, 2008
/24-7PressRelease/ -- 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
About Texso Instruments
Texso Instruments is a leading distributor of Test and Measurement Instruments.
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