Electrical and Arc Flash Safety

OSHA inspectors identified deficiencies in the hazardous energy control program.  This program involves powering down and locking out machines’ power sources to prevent their unintended start up during maintenance.  Lockout procedures were not developed for tasks that resulted in recordable worker injuries, all lockout procedures were not inspected periodically and employees were not trained on lockout procedures. [...]

OSHA identified 11 serious violations with  $33,660 in fines that involvd failing to develop lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental startup duirng maintenance, provide locks or suitable hardware for the lockout/tagout process, and among others. and Violations also include several electrical hazards, such as damaged equipment, exposed live parts, uncovered openings in cabinets and boxes, and [...]

NFPA 70E announced today the first meeting date for the 2015 cycle.  Proposals due 6/22/2012 and meeting will be August 22-25, 2012 in Denver, CO. Click here to visit the NFPA 70E Next Edition Page

Caterpillar has not released details but is working with authorities following an electrical accident at the Peoria facility.  One of the victims is in the hospital with serious burns to his arm, leg and abdomen.  The other has been released.  The two victims were working for another company at the Caterpillar factory. Click here to read [...]

This is a classic good news/bad news story. Entergy’s Pallisades Nuclear Plant was shut down by an arc flash, electrical fault.  The good news is that “no workers were injured”.  In the past, a worker or two would have been hurt AND the plant would have  been shut down.  What might make spectacular news with [...]

Another grocery store arc flash. This is very sad and the lack of understanding is even worse.  It was a definitely arc flash but also a possible shock.  So many don’t realize the energy in 480V electrical systems in just about EVERY electrical room.  Grocery stores, malls etc. http://www.theday.com/article/20111208/NWS04/111209555/1047/nws

Not enough information in this article but with previous citations on electrical guarding, combustible dust and carbon black, it could be combustible dust explosion or arc flash or both. Sad thing is flame resistant clothing would have likely prevented most of the burns in either case.  Clothing which meets NFPA 2112 or ASTM F1506 will [...]

An IBEW electrical contractor working on the Caterpillar site sustained arc flash burns in an electrical incident.  Knowing IBEW rules and Caterpillar rules it is most likely he was wearing arc rated clothing and following most of NFPA 70E. http://www.pekintimes.com/mobiletopstories/x2019337075/Two-injured-at-Caterpillar  

Sharing arc flash information is the purpose of this blog.  We seek the best and least commercial information sources of arc flash. IAEI (International Association of Electrical Inspectors) Magazine has several articles on arc flash and has one page dedicated to helping find them. http://www.iaei.org/magazine/tag/arc-flash/

NEMA announced today that Kentucky adopted the NEC 2011 as law with no exceptions, this fundamentally makes Arc Flash Labels law in KY.  NEC gives adequate guide to how arc flash labels must be installed in Article 110.16. Read the NEMA Story on NEC adoption in KY.

Superior Glove Newsletter article on non-shock arc flash and other hazard gloves.  These are for operators or ground crews exposed to arc flash possibilities but with no shock hazard. Click here to read Hugh Hoagland’s arc flash glove hazard article.