My question pertains to whether or not arc flash labeling that includes the incident energy level available or required level of PPE needs to be applied to electrical equipment when an arc flash analysis has not been performed. More specifically, if someone uses table 130.7(C)(9) of the NFPA 70E-2009 in lieu of an arc flash analysis, then does the label that is applied to electrical equipment need to have the incident energy level available or required level of PPE?
My employer says that only a generic label is needed; a label that only warns of the dangers of an arc flash or shock hazard. I say that the incident energy level available or the required level of PPE needs to be on the label.
When I read NFPA 70E-2009, 130.3(C) a little closer, I can kind of see why they interpret it that way.
This is directly from the NFPA 70E-2009, 130.3(C) :
(C) Equipment Labeling. Equipment shall be field marked with a label containing theavailable incident energy or required level of PPE.
After the arc flash hazard analysis has been completed, equipment must be labeled to provide sufficient information for a worker to select the necessary arc-rated protective equipment.
So, if an arc flash hazard analysis has not been done, and table 130.7 (C)(9) is used, then just a generic label can be used? The only reason why I say this is because in the note directly after 130.3(C), it says after the arc flash hazard analysis has been completed. So, if the analysis has not been done, does the label need to have the energy level or the PPE level on it, or not?
Don't get me wrong, I think it does need to be on the label (the energy level or the PPE level) but the higher ups at the company that I work for don't seem to think so.
My employer says that only a generic label is needed; a label that only warns of the dangers of an arc flash or shock hazard. I say that the incident energy level available or the required level of PPE needs to be on the label.
When I read NFPA 70E-2009, 130.3(C) a little closer, I can kind of see why they interpret it that way.
This is directly from the NFPA 70E-2009, 130.3(C) :
(C) Equipment Labeling. Equipment shall be field marked with a label containing theavailable incident energy or required level of PPE.
After the arc flash hazard analysis has been completed, equipment must be labeled to provide sufficient information for a worker to select the necessary arc-rated protective equipment.
So, if an arc flash hazard analysis has not been done, and table 130.7 (C)(9) is used, then just a generic label can be used? The only reason why I say this is because in the note directly after 130.3(C), it says after the arc flash hazard analysis has been completed. So, if the analysis has not been done, does the label need to have the energy level or the PPE level on it, or not?
Don't get me wrong, I think it does need to be on the label (the energy level or the PPE level) but the higher ups at the company that I work for don't seem to think so.