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Updated 2012 Classes
OSHA Fines
Burn Up the Myth
NFPA 70E Errata 70E-12-1
Arc Test Dates
ASTM D1048-12 Standard Alert
ASTM Tracking Alert
ESW 2013 Registration
Race for the Cure
Electrical Safety News
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 NOVEMBER 2012

Dear ArcLetter Member,

 

The ArcWear™ e-Hazard.com Electric Arc and Safety Newsletter provides a quick update on Arc Rated and Flame Resistant Clothing issues and news from OSHA and standards committees. The newsletter is FREE, reaches over 14,000 people and will bring you up to date on the issues that surround flame resistant clothing for flash fire hazards and the electric arc. For previous newsletters or to sign up, visit arcwear.com or e-Hazard.com.

Fines by OSHA on Electrical Hazards

 

Most citations include electrical hazards.

 

OSHA Logo  

 

 

View the citations and our commentary.  

 

Burn Up the Myth:  PPE Arc Ratings for Hi Vis and Rainwear

PPE:  Arc Ratings for Hi Vis and Rainwear

 

A customer at a utility had a question about wearing a Hi Vis vest or foul weather gear rated for HRC 1-- minimum of 4 calories but up to 7.9 calories-- when the arc flash assessment or company requirement is HRC 2, or minimum of 8 calories.

 

NFPA 70E - 2012 clearly states the clothing must meet or exceed the hazard to which the employee may be exposed.  The company's own requirement for arc rated clothing with a minimum rating of 8 calories (HRC 2) meets this requirement if it is matched to the hazard.  Most utility work is not covered by NFPA 70E but by NESC and OSHA 1910.269 but the principles are still the same.  Don't contribute to injury (like wearing a melting rainsuit that doesn't meet the standards.  I agree that, if a worker is wearing daily wear of a shirt and pants, or coveralls, that meet NFPA 70E HRC 2 and then adds a HRC 1 vest, this could be considered added protection, as long as that vest is arc rated and meets ASTM F1506.  You would still have that daily wear layer of the shirt and pants with HRC 2 protection.

 

The 2004 version of NFPA 70E originally allowed for layering of clothing to meet the adequate calorie rating, but this changed in the 2009 revision due to the inability to enforce under-layer clothing materials and the fact that under layers could at some point ignite causing greater energy.  Who would they get to be the underwear police?  Additionally some two layer systems are better than others.  We have some 8 cal + 8 cal systems which only give 8 cal protection (even with two layers because of how the materials react in the arc.

 

In order to ensure the employee was wearing arc-rated clothing sufficient for their hazard exposure, NFPA 70E changed the rule to match PPE to the hazard.  It is still "best practice" to wear layers of arc-rated clothing so no combustion takes place at all. 

 

I have spoken to many utilities and most require the Hi Vis vests and foul weather gear to be arc rated. At this time these arc-rated apparel are not readily available in HRC 2, 3 or 4.  Most high visibility rainwear products (meeting ANSI 107 and ASTM F1506) have an arc rating 4 to 7.9 calories; I personally have a Hi Vis vest and raingear with just under an 8 calorie rating. 

 

The ASTM F1891-06 Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear establishes applicable test methods, minimum physical  and thermal performance criteria, a suggested sizing guide, and suggested purchasing information for rainwear for use by workers who may be exposed to thermal hazards of momentary electric arcs and open flames.  It also requires that the material response characteristics for rainwear material, including afterflame time, breakopen, charring, dripping, electric arc ignition, embrittlement, melting, and shrinkage, shall be reported for two typical exposures at least equal to the arc rating and also for two typical exposures at least two times the arc rating.

 

There is an exception to the above answer, however, in the  NESC �(National Electrical Safety Code) 2012.  Under Section 41, General requirements, it states that employers must assess potential exposure to an electric arc for employees working on or near energized lines, parts, and equipment.  If the assessment determines that a potential exposure greater than 2 cal/cm2 exists, the employer then must perform a detailed arc hazard analysis to determine the effective arc rating of clothing to be worn.  The code requires employees "to wear clothing or a clothing system with an effective arc rating not less than the anticipated level of arc energy."

 

The EXCEPTION to this is:  If the clothing or clothing system required by this rule has the potential to create additional or greater hazards than the possible exposure to the heat energy of the electric arc, then clothing or a clothing system with an effective arc rating less than that required by this rule may be worn. 

 

Several notes follow this exception.  Note 1:  Assessments performed to determine potential exposure to an electric arc consider the affected employee's assigned tasks and/or work activities.  Note 2:  A clothing system (multiple layers) that includes an outer layer of flame resistant material and an inner layer of non-flame resistant natural fiber material has been shown to block more heat than a single layer.  The effect of the combination of these multiple layers may be referred to as the effective arc rating (e.g., EBT, ATPV).  Note 3:  Engineering controls can be utilized to reduce arc energy levels and work practices can be utilized to reduce exposure levels.  Rainwear wouldn't meet this exception. It is normally used for conductive clothing for HV work which may not meet the arc flash protection values but has another purpose to prevent shock.  -  Pat Stagno 

Pat Stagno

 

   

  
 
  


NFPA 70E Errata No:  70E-12-1
 
NFPA 70E� 
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace� 
2012 Edition
 
Reference: Various
Errata No.: 70E-12-1

The National Electrical Code Correlating Committee notes the following in the 2012 edition of NFPA 70E�, Standard for Electrical
Safety in the Workplace�. 
 
1. General Throughout the document: Wherever Annex B through Annex P have been referenced, add the word "Informative" before the word "Annex". Revise all references to "Informative Annex A" to "Annex A."

2. Page 70E-24 Table 130.4(C)(a): Revise 0.1 m in row 7, column 5 to 0.7 m

3. Page 70E-37 Note 3 to Table 130.7(C)(15)(a): Revise 130.8(C)(7) and 130.8(D) to 130.7(C)(7)(a) and 130.7(D)(1) respectively

4. Page 70E-37 Note 5 to Table 130.7(C)(15)(a): Revise the fifth sentence to read - Working distance was 18 in. (455 mm)

5. Page 70E-38 Note b to Table 130.7(C)(15)(b): Revise by deleting the phrase at the end of the note - ", and the rubber gloves chosen are required to be arc rated to the potential exposure level of the hazard/risk category"

6. Page 70E-40 Table 130.7(C)(16), Note 1: Revise Table 130.7(C)(9) to Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) and Table 130.7(C)(15)(b)

7. Page 70E-41 Title of 130.8: Delete "Uninsulated"

8. Page 70E-52 320.3(C)(3)(c): Revise 110.7(F) to 110.3(F)

9. Page 70E-62 C.2.1.2 Column 2: Revise "plus 102 mm (4.0 in.)" to read "plus 100 mm (4.0 in.)"

10. Page 70E-63 Table D.1: Delete row D.8 in its entirety

11. Page 70E-85 Table H.3(b), Category - Greater than 12 cal/cm2, , Other personal protective equipment, fifth row: Delete the words "Arc-rated gloves or" and capitalize the word "Rubber"

12. Page 70E-98 Informative Annex P: Revise OSHA 18001 to OHSAS 18001 
ArcWear™ Arc Testing Dates
ArcWear™ Testing
 
 Nov 26-30
Dec 10-14
2013
Jan 14-18
Feb. 18-23

 

ASTM F1959, ASTM F2178, ASTM F887 fall protection arc testing and mannequin testing are scheduled at the Kinectrics Lab in Toronto on the dates above.   

Ship materials or clothing to:   
Hugh Hoagland
ArcWear.com
13113 Eastpoint Park Blvd.
Suite E
Louisville, KY
40223
PH: 502-333-0510
[email protected]   
We must receive materials or clothing one week before the test date for sample preparation, or make arrangements to ship to the lab in Canada. New and non US/Canadian Customers must make payment before test date.  Testing is offered on a first come/first served basis with priority for consulting customers. 
Policies:
  • $100 per material for prep/washing and cutting panels; ($200 for items arriving less than 7 days before test date to cover preparation overtime)
  • $200 for shipping a signed hard-copy report internationally

No guarantee is made of when testing will occur; we do all in our power to test within one month of receipt.  

  

All ArcWear.com testing is performed at Kinectrics High Current lab in Toronto, Canada.  Kinectrics is an ISO 17025 accredited lab by the Standards Council of Canada.
                        
ASTM Standards Tracker Alert #1

ASTM International Logo

Newly approved is ASTM D1048 - 12 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets.  

 

This specification covers the acceptance testing of insulating rubber blankets that are used for the personal protection of workers from accidental contact with live electrical conductors, apparatus, or circuits. 

 

Two types of blankets, differing in chemical and physical characteristics, are provided and are designated as: Type I, made from properly vulcanized high-grade cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber compound of natural or synthetic origin that is non-resistant to ozone; and Type II, made of any elastomer or combination of elastomeric compounds that is resistant to ozone. Five classes of blankets, designated as Classes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, are assigned according to electrical protection characteristics. Styles of blankets are designated in accordance to construction characteristics, namely: Style A, blankets free of any reinforcements; and Style B, blankets incorporated with reinforcement(s). When evaluated in accordance with the test procedures detailed herein, the blankets shall adhere to the following property requirements: electrical properties such as phase-phase maximum use voltage, AC and DC proof-test voltages, AC and DC dielectric breakdown test voltages, and AC and DC clearances; and physical and chemical properties such as ozone resistance, moisture absorption, tensile strength, tension set, elongation, drape stiffness, flex stiffness, tear resistance, resistance to accelerated heat aging, and puncture resistance.

 

ASTM Standards Tracking Alert #2
ASTM International Logo New copies of the following ASTM Standards and Work Items descriptions are now available.

Just click on any new standard to view the document summary page and purchase the standard from ASTM.

New approved ASTM Standards:

F1958/F1958M - Standard Test Method for Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistant Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using Mannequins has been revised to F1958/F1958M-12 developed by Committee F18.65, ASTM BOS Volume 10.03.

 

F1959/F1959M - Standard Test Method for Determining the Arc Rating of Materials for Clothing has been revised to F1959/F1959M-12 developed by Committee F18.65, ASTM BOS Volume 10.03.

 

F2178 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Arc Rating and Standard Specification for Eye or Face Protective Products has been revised to F2178-12 developed by Committee F18.65, ASTM BOS Volume 10.03.

 

F2522 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Protective Performance of a Shield Attached on Live Line Tools or on Racking Rods for Electric Arc Hazards has been revised to F2522-12 developed by Committee F18.35, ASTM BOS Volume 10.03.

 

F2621 - Standard Practice for Determining Response Characteristics and Design Integrity of Arc Rated Finished Products in an Electric Arc Exposure has been revised to F2621-12 developed by Committee F18.65, ASTM BOS Volume 10.03.


 New ASTM Work Items:
 
 

ESW 2013 Registration Open 



Dates are March 11-15, 2013, in Dallas, TX.

The IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop provides a forum to enable and accelerate change in the electrical safety culture and push the envelope on what is possible in preventing workplace injuries from electrical hazards.

 

The IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop mission is more about path finding and creating the future in electrical safety by changing how we think about what is possible, or in other words, changing the electrical safety culture. 

Race for the Cure

In order to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, ArcWear/e-Hazard staff, friends and family took part in the 5k Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on October 13 in Louisville.

Komen Walk 10-13-12  


Electrical Safety News

 

11-30-2012 15:25:41 PM

Several maintenance workers from SP Ausnet in Wodonga were changing a transformer & came into contact with high-voltage power lines, suffering severe electric shock. Find out more from the BorderMail webpage dated 10/24/12....�

11-30-2012 15:22:19 PM

A Boston College electrician was shocked while performing work at Lyons Hall in Newton;  the injuries were non-life-threatening. Getting into the habit of wearing rubber insulating gloves when doing all electrical work prevents almost all these incidents.  What if we had low voltage gloves that were more comfortable, thinner and less costly?  Would workers wear [...]...�

11-30-2012 15:21:59 PM

An unidentified PSE&G lineman, working on a pole damaged from Hurricane Sandy, came into contact with an energized 13,000v line and suffered severe electrical shock.    Three police officers were able to revive the unresponsive utility worker;  his condition and name remain unknown. Find out more from NorthJersey.Com webpage dated 11/5/12....�

11-30-2012 15:20:58 PM

A contractor working in an area not open to the public suffered a fatal shock at the Marks and Spencer store in the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre in Tunbridge Wells, England.  Many workers are affected by electricity.  Some level of electrical safety training should be done with all workers. Read the details from This is [...]...�

11-30-2012 15:19:51 PM

An employee in Siparia, India, was killed at a bitumen plant that was purchased 2 months previous at an auction.  Doodnath Bhimull was wiring up the cables and checking to see that all the motors from the plant were running.  Testing was done the day before, and he came back today to verify that everything was [...]...�

11-30-2012 15:19:11 PM

Read the  article dated 10/30/12, written by Reza Tajali of Schneider Electric, that appeared in this month's Plant Engineering magazine: "There are five important steps that companies should take to reduce the occurrence of electrical accidents and better protect workers and employers from the physical, financial, and statutory consequences of electrical accidents. These steps are required [...]...�

11-30-2012 15:18:51 PM

Big Tex, the 52 foot cowboy overlooking the Texas State Fair for 60 years, burnt to a crips when an electrical short started a fire in his right boot. Dickies has FR.  Tex must not have done a hazard assessment! Was this an electrical fire also known as an electric arc?  This is what electric arcs [...]...�

11-30-2012 15:18:09 PM

History Construction Management LLC of Odell, IL, was cited $59.2k by OSHA for alleged serious violations including using flexible electrical cords as a substitute for fixed wiring and improperly altering electrical cords. Find out more from OSHA's News Release dated 11/1/12.  ...�

11-30-2012 15:15:36 PM

Oregon-based Craft Brew Alliance Inc. was cited $63.5k by OSHA at its Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth, NH, for workplace safety violations following the explosion & subsequent death of an employee using compressed air to purge liquid from the interior of a plastic keg.   Unrelated to the explosion were serious violations including incomplete procedures for locking [...]...�

11-30-2012 15:15:14 PM

John Scrimshaw was cleaning paint splashes from cables  at Hamworthy Combustion Engineering Ltd of Poole, England, when he suffered a shock & was thrown 5 metres to the ground.  The Health and Safety Executive found the cables, which powered an overhead crane used to move heavy industrial heating units, were bare and had not been [...]...�

 

Train the Trainer Class

E-Hazard offers 'Train the Trainer' courses several times per year.  This 3-or-4 day intensive training program is designed to prepare qualified trainers to deliver instruction to others based on NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements. e-Hazard started this training to "raise the bar" in the electrical industry.  Most of the safety training companies require you to hire their trainers.  We offer this but we also provide training materials and trainer "training" and coaching so you can develop in-house expertise without "breaking the bank". See what over 400 other trainers are saying about the e-Hazard TTT class and our materials.

 

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Sincerely,

Hugh Hoagland
ArcWear.com
13113 Eastpoint Park Blvd. Suite E
Louisville, KY 40223
Office: 502-333-0510