Nfpa 16

"In 2009, NFPA 70E and the 2008 Canada Z462 is the consensus of the North American electrical safety standards. The standards require arc flash hazard warning labels to warn people of potential danger to nearby electrical equipment. The requirement arc flash hazard warning label is located in NFPA 70E Article 130.3 (C), Article 4.3.3.4 Z462, the National Electrical Code, Article 110.16, Part 1 of the CEC Article 2-306, and OSHA 1910,335 (b) (1) for general security risks.
There is much material in different ways has been marked, as there are engineers and electricians in the industry. Unfortunately many of the methods used are not correct. Incorrect labeling methods may actually reduce the safety of workers, while increasing the responsibility of a company in the event of an accident. Several concepts should be taken into account when developing a danger to an arc labeling program.
A labeling program should not be used to label for live work, but rather to warn against the potential hazard for each equipment. Labelling "evaluate" a danger, select the EPP levels, or perform live work on the basis of information provided on the label may cause employees to bypass security requirements such as work permits, procedures labor and employment briefings.
Arc flash hazard labels must always reflect the worst case energy or a requirement that equipment to the EPP as a standard working distance of 18 inches. Labelling for increased distance, like 24 or 36 inches can lead to a misapplication of the label for other work tasks, thereby increasing accountability.
All hazards arc labeling must conform to ANSI Z535.4 labeling formats. To deviate from this standard in the industry with customized labels led to increased training requirements and potential confusion for contractors and engineers offsite. In case of an accident involving litigation, custom labels open the door to increased liability.
Most software electrical and / or software provides ANSI Z535.4 arc labeling formats and output directly to the machinery industry label strength.
The following is a brief summary of do's and don'ts of danger to an arc labeling.
To Do
1. Do label "worst" case of energy "or the PPE level. Consider all possible modes of operation.
2. ANSI Z535.4 label Do
3. Do not label using a single color, orange or red alert for danger.
4. Do not standardize on a single working distance - preferably 18 inches for all labels in an institution.
5. Manage EPP levels using work permits indicating increased distances based on field work and security procedures.
6. Label to warn of potential danger, not for the purpose of working on equipment.
7. Do not use common sense in your risk of labeling.
8. Do implement NFPA 70E Article 130.1 of work permits for all work on, even if a label is present.
Don'ts
1. Do not label each bucket MCC breaker panel / fuse or plug-in (line).
2. Do not label using colors to the level of PPE.
3. Do not label with distances of several levels or PPE on the same equipment.
4. Do not make it complicated.
5. Do not replace the labeling for NFPA 70E Article 130.1 of the work permit.
appropriate risk arc labeling is not difficult if you have the proper software or electrical arc flash software to model your electrical system, and follow the directions above.

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