Today, in the conclusion of this series, I'll discuss labeling requirements associated with NFPA 70E. I'll also explain what services you can expect from a consultant hired to conduct an arc-flash hazard analysis.

Labeling

Labeling of equipment is not required by 70E. But it is an essential part of the Flash Hazard Analysis. It's useless to establish an arc-flash boundary and determine appropriate PPE if you don't communicate that information to the individuals working on or near the equipment with the hazard.

A label should be placed in a conspicuous location that will be seen by individuals before opening the equipment. Since 2002, the National Electrical Code ® (NEC) has required labeling of equipment to warn of potential flash hazards. Although the current NEC requirement doesn't specify the information to be provided on the warning label, future editions probably will. I recommend that at a minimum the following information should be included on a label:

• Maximum voltage in the equipment
• Arc-flash boundary
• Required PPE (Hazard/Risk Category or cal/cm²)

Consultant Services

If you have the arc-flash analysis conducted by a qualified consultant, you should receive more than just the results of the analysis. The consultant should review each location that has an arc-flash hazard requiring Category 2 fire resistant (FR) clothing or greater to determine if any changes can be made to reduce the hazard. For example, the consultant should assess the benefits of changing fuse types, breaker settings and other ways to reduce or eliminate the need for FR clothing. These recommendations could lead to substantial economic savings in FR clothing, as well as reducing or eliminating arc-flash hazards.

The consultant should provide one-line drawings of the electrical system evaluated and labels for all equipment having the potential of a hazardous arc-flash.

As part of the short circuit analysis the consultant should identify any problems in the interrupting capacity of protective devices. Inadequate interrupting capacity can result in the protective device exploding during a major fault, potentially causing injury to personnel and/or costly downtime.

The consultant should also make recommendations to improve any overcurrent coordination problems. The objective is for the interrupting device closest to the fault to open first. This minimizes the equipment affected in the event of a fault, improving operations and safety by limiting exposure to electrical hazards when troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Before purchasing FR clothing and requiring individuals to wear clothing that they may or may not need, follow these steps:

1. Complete an arc-flash hazard analysis;
2. Identify the equipment that has the potential to cause permanent injury or death from arc-flash; and
3. Evaluate opportunities to eliminate or reduce the hazard in lieu of using PPE.

Once you've pursued every feasible, realistic opportunity to reduce or eliminate arc-flash hazards, get the appropriate PPE and label the equipment properly. Make sure that all individuals who will be working on or near exposed energized components (including contractors and service personnel) know the hazards and the required PPE.

Finally, be sure you train qualified and affected personnel on how to recognize and avoid electrical hazards (shock and arc-flash).

EPILEPSY: THE MISUNDERSTOOD DISORDER

Long before Hippocrates theorized that the "Sacred Disease" of epilepsy was actually a neurological disorder, historical medical practitioners believed that each form of epileptic seizure was associated with a spirit or god - usually an evil one. Prescribed treatment, therefore, was of a spiritual nature. This supernatural misconception persisted for thousands of years, despite Hippocrates' findings to the contrary.

Myths about epilepsy persist today. Some of the most common ones:

Myth: You can swallow your tongue during an epileptic seizure.
Truth: It's physically impossible to swallow your tongue.

Myth: You should force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure.
Truth: Don't try it. You might chip teeth, puncture gums or break a person's jaw. Instead, gently roll the person on one side and place something soft beneath their head to protect from injury.

Myth: You should restrain someone having a seizure.
Truth: Let the seizure run its course; you can't stop it and restraints may cause injuries.

Myth: Epilepsy is rare.
Truth: Approximately 40 million people worldwide have the disorder. In Canada, there are more than twice as many people with epilepsy as there are with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined.

Joan of Arc: Agent of God, liberator of Orleans and sufferer of epilepsy.

Some of the world's great historical figures who suffered from epilepsy: Julius Caesar, Socrates, Joan of Arc, Ludwig van Beethoven, Charles Dickens.

Source: Epilepsy Canada

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