Mark Saner of Workrite offers a nice overview of arc flash and flash fire clothing which needs to be highly visible.
Click here to read Mark’s article.

This paper is feared by some because Tom is calling us to really understand the arc.  What the real outcome of the paper is that faceshields and arc rated rainwear may be better protection than we realized and textiles might not be quite as good as we thought BUT ignitable clothing is NOT our friend [...]

PP&L has been in arc rated clothing for years.  They, like most electric utilities in the US have a strong arc flash program in place.  In cotton clothing, this worker would likely have never lived.  The right stuff makes a difference but doesn’t always full protect.
The NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) 2007 version requires utilities to [...]

Worker electrocuted rewiring a m0tor to remove combustible dust hazards.  Keeping focus on safety at all times is critical.
Click here to read the story.

I was excited when a search landed a “written program” for OSHA 1910.269 compliance from NYU. I have seen many government bodies which write nice programs. This is NOT one of them. No mention of arc flash, shock (except that if employees can be shocked they have to have a 4 min [...]

These types of incidents are covered by CALOSHA and NESC. PG&E has a great safety and training program. The investigation will be swift.
Read the article in the SF Chronicle online.
Another article on same fatality.
Another article, same fatality.
Another article, same story.
CalOSHA Confirms PG&E Death.

Operator’s are often the victims of electrocution. Actually in some studies more likely. They need to know the hazards too. NFPA 70E committee considering adding Operators to the list of covered in the 2012 standard. It is clear in the standard they are doing “electrical tasks” when operating disconnects etc. [...]

We reported this, another sad fatality of a seaman in the line of duty. This one is another one which was completely avoidable. Electrocution shipboard. Ships are specifically excluded from many of the standards BUT the Navy is one of the MOST electrically safe organizations. Give me a nuclear navy trained [...]

Another tool for utility workers to comply with the OSHA standards. This standard was promulgated in 1994 and was state of the art at the time. It has been superceded by the 2007 NESC but it is law so not following this is illegal. Still lots of fuzzy language but its intent [...]

See Mark Saner’s article on high vis ANSI 107/CSA Z96/EN 471 and flame resistance.
Mark surveys the requirements.
Click here to read the OH&S article.