Since the release of IEEE-1584 in September 2002 and NFPA-70E, 2004 Edition, I have talked with hundreds of facility engineers concerned about NFPA-70E arc flash hazard compliance. NFPA, the IEEE Safety Committee, and other groups have done a great job of spreading the word regarding arc-flash hazards and the need to address this specific safety issue.

Unfortunately, most engineers I have spoken with are under the misconception that if they label equipment for arc-flash hazards, and enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) per the label, they are in compliance with 70E and OSHA requirements. Nothing could be further from the truth. Arc-flash hazard labeling and PPE compliance are only a small part of 70E compliance and even a smaller part of a properly defined safety program.

Very few facility engineers appear to understand the thought process behind 70E or the basis for the standard. If maintenance people are not informed why they must work within certain safety constraints, then the arc-flash label and PPE requirements become merely another task that can be sidestepped.

Safety as a principle

Gary McGuire, a safety manager for a large pulp and paper mill in the Northwest says,