NFPA 70E 2018 - what happened to PPE for less than 1.2 cal.cm2?

[dinos]

I am reviewing NFPA 70A 2018 for changes to various arc-flash study verbiage we use in our studies, and it appears that a section of Table H.3(a) in the 2015 code (moved to Table 130.5(G) in the 2018 code) has "disappeared". Specifically, in NFPA 70E 2015 there was PPE listed out for 'Incident energy exposures up to 1.2 cal/cm2"...that is no longer the case for NFPA 70E 2018.

Using software such as SKM, the calculated incident energy is often less than 1.2 cal/cm2.

Does anyone know why the 2018 code no longer specifically mentions PPE for less than 1.2 cal/cm2?

[wbdvt]

Article 130.7(C)(6) states that employees shall wear arc rated clothing wherever there is possible exposure to an arc flash above 1.2 cal/cm2. So the opposite of that is arc rating clothing is not required below 1.2 cal/cm2 so it is outside of arc rated PPE requirements. Since outside arc rated PPE requirements then all necessary PPE such as safety glasses, footwear, etc. would part of the normal safety PPE in use at the facility.

[Jraef]

Article 130.7(C)(6) states that employees shall wear arc rated clothing wherever there is possible exposure to an arc flash above 1.2 cal/cm2. So the opposite of that is arc rating clothing is not required below 1.2 cal/cm2 so it is outside of arc rated PPE requirements. Since outside arc rated PPE requirements then all necessary PPE such as safety glasses, footwear, etc. would part of the normal safety PPE in use at the facility.

Yes, basically they changed it from being called "PPE-0" to just saying "No additional PPE required". That doesn't mean you can wear your sexiest cutoffs and sleeveless AC/DC shirt, it just means that basic protective clothing suitable for the working environment is fine; non-incendiary long sleeve shirt and pants, safety goggles, closed toed shoes (safety if appropriate) etc. etc.