NFPA 70E Update: Key Changes You Need to Know to Assure Compliance

Transcription

1 NFPA 70E Update: Key Changes You Need to Know to Assure Compliance Presented by: Andrew Reisinger EHS International Inc. Thursday, August 22, :30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mountain 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific or For CD and other purchasing information, contact customer service at: or BLR and HR Hero Business & Legal Resources and HR Hero. All rights reserved. These materials may not be reproduced in part or in whole by any process without written permission. This webinar qualifies for Continuance of Certification (COC) credit. CSPs will earn COC points for attending this webinar. For further instruction on COC credit reporting, please visit

2 NFPA 70E Update: Key Changes You Need to Know to Assure Compliance Presented by: Andrew Reisinger EHS International Inc. August 22, 2013 Agenda The Following Elements Are Discussed Throughout The Webinar How does the NFPA 70E relate to OSHA Regulations Overview of the NFPA 70E Standards How does the NFPA 70E relate to OSHA Regulations Electrical Hazards Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Electrically Safe Work Conditions Energized Electrical Work Permit Flash Protection Boundary and Limits of Approach NFPA 70E Boundaries and Spaces Choosing Correct PPE Cost Effective Strategies for Compliance Outside Resources

3 OSHA & NFPA 70E How Do OSHA and NFPA 70E Relate? SEC 5 Duties per OSHA (a) Each employer shall furnish to each of their employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or other serious physical harm to their employees.

4 How Do OSHA and NFPA 70E Relate? Translated: OSHA requires that employers protect their employees from recognized hazards that could injure or cause serious harm or death to their employees. Where NFPA 70 E is concerned OSHA charges employers with using NFPA 70E 2012 as best practices or consensus standards and as such if an employer is not in compliance, OSHA can cite based upon the hazards created or employees are exposed to the hazards because the guidelines are not complied with. Therefore they can cite if not adhered to! Common OSHA Citations Area OSHA 29CFR 1910 NFPA 70 Suitability for safe installation and use in accordance with listing or labeling..303(b)(1) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings.305(b)(1) (a) Electrical Splices (b) Workspace about electrical equipment.303(g)(1) Guarding of live parts.303(g)(2) Disconnect and circuit identification.303(f) Reverse polarity.304(a)(2) Grounding.305(j)(2)(i) GFICs Grounding of fixed equipment.304(f)(5)(iv) Grounding of cord and plug connected equipment.304(f)(5)(v) Effective grounding path.304(f)(4) Flexible cord and cable uses permitted.305(g)(1)(i) Flexible cord and cable uses not permitted.305(g)(1)(ii) Flexible cord and cable splices.305(g)(2)(ii) Pull at joints and terminals.305(g)(2)(iii)

5 Electrical Safety 101 Three major hazards of electricity, which are: 1) electrical shock, 2) electrical arc-flash and 3) electrical arc-blast. A Qualified Person is defined as: One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. Unqualified Person is defined as: A person who is not qualified. The safest way to work on electrical equipment and circuits is to deenergize, lock, and tag them. Energized work is to be performed only as a last resort, when it is infeasible to de-energize. OVERVIEW

6 OVERVIEW What is Arc Flash? Arc flash results from an arcing fault, where the electric arcs and resulting radiation and shrapnel cause severe skin burns, hearing damage, and eye injuries. An arc flash is a dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electric arc. It may be accompanied by an arc blast. OVERVIEW Why are we so interested in Arc Flash now? Numerous workers are injured and/or killed each year while working on energized equipment. Many of these casualties are a result of arc flash. Working on energized equipment has become commonplace in many industries.

7 OVERVIEW Injuries that can result from an arc flash: Burns Respiratory system damage Hearing damage Skin penetration from flying debris Eye and face injuries OVERVIEW Skin damage will occur based on the intensity of the heat generated by an electrical arc accident. The heat reaching the skin of the worker is dependent on the following three factors: Power of the arc at the arc location Distance of the worker to the arc Time duration of the arc exposure

8 OVERVIEW The intent of NFPA 70E regarding arc flash is to provide guidelines which will limit injury to the onset of second degree burns. Inhalation Injuries OVERVIEW In addition to burns, an arc flash can cause inhalation injuries. More than a hundred known toxic substances are present in fire smoke. When inhalation injuries are combined with external burns the chance of death can increase significantly.

9 OVERVIEW The pressure of an arc blast is caused by the expansion of the metal as it vaporizes and the heating of the air by the arc energy. This accounts for the expulsion of molten metal up to 10 feet away. In addition, the sudden expansion of an arc blast creates loud sounds that can cause hearing damage. OVERVIEW Arc-related clothing Clothing selection should be determine by work tasks, voltage rating, Calorie burn per cm2 Annual Review Work practices NFPA 70E is a consensus industry standard and as such OSHA will use it to cite companies according. The NFPA 70E recommends annual reviews of your programs to ensure work practices are working to prevent any accidents. Reviews can be conducted by anyone as long as the purposed is to try and find any problems in the program Electrical Safety Program All employees should be aware of electrical hazards at work. A basic electrical safety program should cover those aspects of safety around electrical equipment, shock prevention, what to do in case of emergency and company policies and procedures for making equipment safe to work on. (LOTO)

10 OVERVIEW Underground Electrical Lines and Equipment More and more electrical services are being moved to underground facilities. Employees should be made aware of these facilities and where the power is coming from and going to. Also any employees that may dig in or around these facilities should be made aware of the proper way to locate these services and equipment. Electrical Safe Working Conditions To ensure all personnel who may work on circuits or equipment, a program of proper isolation of the equipment should be developed. This is known as a Lockout/Tagout program. All personnel should receive proper training for their level of involvement with the program. (Awareness, Affected, Authorized) OVERVIEW Energized Electrical Work Permit With the development of the latest revision to the NFPA 70E, a Energized Electrical Work permit has been developed. The permit consists of the following: Location of work Reason the work must be done energized Determining Flash and Arc Boundaries Recommended PPE Work procedures Emergency procedures Acceptance and authorizing of work

11 OVERVIEW Arch/Flash Boundaries Flash and Arc boundaries are the predetermined distant personnel must maintain to ensure safety when working on energized equipment. Flash Boundary is the distant that all personnel must maintain Limited Approach boundary is the distant that no un-qualified personnel can violate. Restricted boundary is the closest distance a qualified person may approach Prohibited boundary the same as being in touched with the energized circuit and can only be violated with proper equipment and PPE OVERVIEW Arch Flash Labeling The NFPA 70E requires that any equipment that could possibly be worked on energized should have an Flash and Arc Flash survey be conducted on it. The label is designed to inform employees of all the dangers working on that equipment. Selecting PPE Proper selection of PPE should be determined by using the information on the Arc and Flash labels. PPE is used to protect the worker by layering the clothing to minimizes the injury in the event of an arch flash.

12 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS Hazards of Electricity Electricity travels in closed circuits through a conductor. Electric shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit. Electric shock occurs in one of three ways: Body comes into contact with both wires of an electrical circuit Body comes into contact with one wire of an energized circuit and the ground Body comes into contact with a metallic part that has become hot by contact with an energized conductor

13 Hazards of Electricity Severity of Shock LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT MEAN LOW HAZARD!!! Voltage is a function of current and resistance. Current (amperes) determines the severity of electrical hazard. Direct Effects Indirect Effects Voltage itself does not determine the severity of electrical hazard. Hazards of Electricity Higher current (Amperage) are typically the most hazardous

14 Electric Shock Hazards of Electricity Refers to current passing over or through a human body or it s members and to the injuries that result. A person must become a conductor between two points that differ in electrical potential. Direct Effects Refers to specific damage to the body. Indirect Effects Electrical shock may cause muscles to contract causing a worker to lose his or her balance and fall. NFPA 70E CHANGES

15 NFPA 70E-2012 As a result of the injuries and deaths related to arc flash, changes/additions have been incorporated into the National Fire Protection Association publication number 70E, the most recent version being NFPA 70E Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Definitions in Article 100 Arc-Rated (AR) versus Flame-Resistant (FR) The edition explains that clothing considered Personal Equipment (PPE) has to be certified Arc-Rated (AR) not just Flame-Resistant (FR). Article 100 contains an expanded definition of Arc Rating. Arc Flash Protection Boundary is now Arc Flash Protection Boundary The word Protection was deleted and a new informational note was added. The note explains a second degree burn is possible with as few as 1.2 cal/cm2.

16 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E Definitions A definition for incident energy analysis was added. Arc flash protection boundary was replaced with arc flash boundary (AFB). on addresses intentional energized electrical con Changes to Article 110 Paragraph 110.1(C)(1) Relationships with Contractors The required meeting between host employer and external contractor now has to be documented Paragraph 110.2(C) Training Requirements for Emergency Procedures Employees who are electrically qualified or are responsible to respond to an electrical accident have another certification requirement. Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training shall be certified by the employer annually in addition to the prior resuscitation and CPR training Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 110 (continued) Paragraph 110.2(D)(1)(f) Qualified Person Training Compliance The employer shall use regular supervision or inspections on at least an annual frequency to determine employee compliance with the standard. Paragraph 110.2(D)(3) Employee Retraining In addition to retraining for non-compliance, new equipment, or unfamiliar procedures, retraining shall be performed every three years or more frequently.

17 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 110 (continued) Paragraph 110.2(E) Training Documentation The employer must now retain a description of training content in addition the employee s names and date of the training. Paragraph 110.3(H) Electrical Safety Auditing This new section requires the employer s electrical safety program be audited at least every three years. This audit is to include field work, not just a review or paperwork. If discrepancies are identified in the audit, appropriate changes in training or procedures shall be implemented. The audit shall be documented. Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 110 (continued) Paragraph 110.4(C) Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) Protection Wherever GFCI protection is required by other applicable standard, it is also required by 70E. Similar to OSHA requirements, outdoor use of portable equipment supplied by 125 volt 15-, 20- or 30-amp circuits shall be protected by GFCI s. With other outdoor equipment an assured grounding conductor program shall be implemented. [An example of a program is in the NEC 590.6(N)(2).] Paragraph Excavation of Underground Electrical Lines If there is a reasonable possibility that excavation could contact an electrical line or equipment, the owners of the equipment shall be contacted to determine and mark the location and hazards. Then a hazard analysis shall be performed for safety practices during the excavation.

18 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Paragraph Electrically Safe Working Conditions There were revisions in the arrangement of this Article. This paragraph could require placing the equipment into an electrically safe work condition more often. If the employee will be within the limited approach boundary, or the employee is interacting with equipment that has an increased chance of creating an arc flash, the equipment must be deenergized. An example is switching a circuit breaker that has not been properly maintained. Paragraph 130.2(B)(1) When an Energized Electrical Work Permit is Required Now the energized work permit will be required when an employee is working within the limited approach boundary or the arc flash boundary. This is still subject to the exceptions such as diagnostic work. Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Deletion of Former Paragraph Exception No. 1 The prior edition did not require arc flash hazard analysis for certain circuits 240 volt and less supplied by small transformers. This exception was rescinded. Now in Informational Note No. 5 it refers to the IEEE 1584 Standard for any details regarding these circuits. Paragraph 130.4(B) and (C) DC Shock Protection Boundaries DC shock protection information was added to the new table 130.4(C)(b). It has the same format as the AC table which is table 130.4(C)(a).

19 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Paragraph 130.5(B)(1) PPE Selection with Calculated Arc Flash Hazard Analysis A new sentence in the prior informational note refers to new Table H.3(b) for selecting PPE based on calculations of incident energy. This new table is included in Informative Annex H.3. This was added to clarify the difference between selecting PPE based on the table method versus the calculation method. Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Paragraph 130.5(C) Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Equipment Labeling The required labeling has significantly changed. The 2009 edition started the requirement for arc analysis equipment labeling. This prior edition only required field marking on equipment displaying available incident energy or required level of PPE. The new edition is more specific with the equipment requiring labels. Only equipment that would be worked on in an energized state requires the labeling. The labels have to include the following three lines of information: 1. At least one of the following: a. Available incident energy and the corresponding working distance or b. Minimum arc rating of clothing or c. Required level of PPE or d. Highest Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) for the equipment. 2. Nominal system voltage 3. Arc Flash boundary

20 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Paragraph 130.5(C) Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Equipment Labeling The one exceptions that if the labels were applied prior to September 30, 2011, they are acceptable if they contain the available incident energy or required level of PPE. The method of calculating and supporting data shall be documented. Paragraph 130.7(A) and (C)(15) Informational Notes 2 Safe Normal Operation of Equipment The informational note of 130.7(A) declares that properly maintained electrical equipment rated not more than 600 volts is not likely to present a hazard to workers. This contrasts with Informational Note 2 of section 130.7(C)(15) where the equipment is expected to change state. In this case the equipment closed doors do not provide enough protection without PPE. Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Paragraph 130.7(C)(5) Additional Requirement for Hearing Protection Employees shall wear hearing protection when working within the arc flash boundary. The existing requirement has been to wear hearing protection in HRC 0 or higher locations if performing a listed task. Paragraph 130.7(C)(9) Restriction with Arc Rated Clothing Systems Using the Clothing The rating of a clothing system cannot be increased by use of non-arc rated clothing.

21 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Paragraph 130.7(C)(10)(b) New Requirements for Head Protection An arc rated balaclava or arc rated hood shall be worn when the back of the head is within the arc boundary. An arc rated hood shall be worn when the hazard exposure is over 12 cal/cm2. Paragraph 130.7(C)(10)(d) Modified Requirements for Hand Protection The requirement for leather gloves or FR gloves was changed to heavy duty leather gloves or arc rated (AR) gloves. The Informational Note describes what is considered a heavy duty leather glove. Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) Hazard Risk Categories with AC Voltages This table name was changed from 130.7(C)(9) to 130.7(C)(15)(a). The content changed as follows: 1. The conditions of applicability were relocated from footnotes to the equipment headings. For example, a panel board with voltages >240 up to 600 has a maximum of 250kA short current available, maximum clearing time of upstream protection of 2 cycles, and a minimum working distance of 18 inches. If the equipment does not conform to the conditions, the calculations method must be used for incident energy analysis per 130.7(C)(15). (continued on next slide)

22 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) Hazard Risk Categories with AC Voltages 2. The equipment descriptions now include the arc flash boundary distance based on the conditions of applicability. 3. The hazard risk category (HRC) 2* was replaced with HRC 2. In essence HRC s 2 and 2* were combined and the stricter PPE requirements of HRC 2* now apply to the HRC The prior equipment category of Panel boards or Switchboards Rated > 240 V and up to 600 V was modified to Panel boards or other equipment rated >240 V and up to 600 V, deleting Switchboards. Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Article 130 (continued) Table 130.7(C)(15)(b) New Hazard Risk Categories with DC Voltages A new table for hazard risk categories was added for DC equipment. It is in a similar format as the AC equipment table. The maximum voltage range included is 600 volts DC. Guidance is given in Informative Annex D in section D.8 on calculating DC incident energy where the equipment is not covered in the new table.

23 Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Chapter 2 Safety Related Maintenance Requirements Section Single Line Diagram The added requirement states that, A single-line diagram, where provided for the electrical system, shall be maintained in a legible condition and shall be kept current. This is not requiring a single-line diagram, but if one is used, it has to be readable and be updated. Section Added Requirement for Overcurrent Protective Devices Maintenance tests, and inspections shall be documented. This pertains to the required maintenance in section Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E-2012 Changes to Informative Annex O Safety Related Design Requirements Section Arc Energy Reduction This informative annex suggests that where a circuit breaker can be adjusted for a trip level of 1,000 amps or more, additional controls be added. Most circuit breakers are not current limiting such as fuses and these circuit breakers can allow the release of tremendous amounts of incident energy. Some suggested modifications include: 1. Zone selective interlocking 2. Differential Relaying 3. Energy reducing maintenance switching capabilities with local status indicator

24 FLASH PROTECTION BOUNDARY & LIMITS OF APPROACH Flash Protection Boundary and Limits of Approach Definitions of Boundaries and Spaces The closer you approach an exposed, energized conductor or circuit part, the greater the chance of an inadvertent contact and the greater the injury that an arc flash will cause. NFPA 70E, Annex C defines approach boundaries and work spaces. The diagram on the next slide illustrates these.

25 Flash Protection Boundary and Limits of Approach Qualified or Unqualified Persons (if accompanied by Qualified Person) Restricted Shock Boundary Crossing this boundary is the same as coming into contact with a live part Equipment Limited Shock Boundary Qualified Persons Only. Prohibited Shock Boundary Shock boundaries depend on the system voltage level Flash Protection Boundary and Limits of Approach

26 Arc Flash Boundary and Limits of Approach Arc Flash Boundary When an energized conductor is exposed, you may not approach closer than the flash boundary without wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and personal protective equipment. Arc Flash Boundary and Limits of Approach Arc Flash Boundary IEEE defines Arc Flash Boundary as: An approach limit at a distance from live parts operating at 50 V or more that are uninsulated or exposed within which a person could receive a second degree burn.

27 Arc Flash Boundary and Limits of Approach How Does Flash Protection Boundary Relate to Working On Or Near Exposed Energized Parts? The radiant energy and molten material that is released by an electric arc is capable of seriously injuring or killing a human being at distances of up to twenty feet. The arc flash boundary is the closest approach allowed by qualified or unqualified persons without the use of arc flash PPE. Flash Protection Boundary and Limits of Approach

28 Flash Protection Boundary and Limits of Approach Typical Detailed Label NFPA 70E BOUNDARIES & SPACES

29 NFPA 70E Boundaries and Spaces Good safety practices minimize risk: Switch remotely if possible. Standing aside and away as much as possible during switching. Avoid leaning on or touching switchgear and metallic surfaces. Use proper tools and PPE. CHOOSING CORRECT PPE

30 Choosing Correct PPE Section 130.7(A) states that employees working in areas where there are electric hazards shall be provided with, and shall use, protective equipment that is designed and constructed for the specific part of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed. Choosing Correct PPE Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, for the arc flash is the last line of defense. It is not intended to prevent all injuries, but is intended to mitigate the impact of an arc flash, should one occur.

31 Choosing Correct PPE After the Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis has been performed, PPE is selected as follows: Clothing s ATPV or EBT (in cal/cm2) > Calculated Hazard Level (in cal/cm2) *ATPV can be obtained from clothing manufacturer Choosing Correct PPE

32 Choosing Correct PPE The tables in NFPA 70E provide the simplest methods for determining PPE requirements. They provide instant answers with almost no field data. The tables provide limited application and are conservative for most applications. Choosing Correct PPE

33 COST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES COST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES Hire a fully credentialed electrical engineer. Get a local survey of your own internal equipment that will actually be live when its worked on so you don t have to have to have every piece of equipment surveyed during the arc flash hazard analysis. Most companies that offer the analysis will offer to do the whole facility. This is often un-needed if you can determine with your own resources (internal qualified electricians) which equipment will need to be worked on energized. As a last resort if you can refer to the tables in the book, but you will still have to have the labels for your equipment made.

34 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Get the book! Any Questions? ehs International, Inc Portola Parkway, Suite 345 Foothill Ranch, CA Phone: (949) efax: (949) Web:

35 Disclaimers *This webinar is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information about the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. *This webinar provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been created. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. We recommend that you consult with qualified local counsel familiar with your specific situation before taking any action.

36 Speaker Biography Andrew Reisinger Andrew Reisinger is a Safety Professional with 14 years in the safety and risk industry. He has worked in many industries including manufacturing, construction, health care and hospitals, and other high hazard work environments. He is presently a safety and loss control consultant for EHS s International. His present assignment is with a general contractor that was overseeing the partial rebuild of Hydro-electric power plant for Southern California Edison---a very remote location and required 2572 helicopter flights utilizing 2 helicopters shipping material to the sight. They achieved 18,000 plus man hours on a high hazard construction site with 0 injuries. Andrew has been a trainer on various safety topics over his 14 year career, and this in depth training has translated into real world experience and a breadth of knowledge that is extremely thorough in a wide range of topics.