NFPA 70E

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Re: NFPA 70E

MJJBEE,
That means you could work on a 480 V system hot with no arc flash protection (by the new OSHA rules).
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Not really because OSHA can and has issued citations based on ANSI Standards such as NFPA 70E.
Don
 
Re: NFPA 70E

OSHA has different/special "rules" for utility workers.

Arc flash calculations should be performed at levels besides the maximum. By doing calculations at several realistic levels, it is possible to determine more reasonable incident energy values for PPE selection. Some utilities provide maximum fault levels for short circuit coordination, current system design levels and sometimes even the lowest levels possible.

I have a big problem with simply relying on the NFPA70E task table for choosing PPE. Based on the typical data supplied by utilities I find it hard to comply with 130.7(C)(9)(a) and the foot notes to the table. If I have a Square D I-Line switchboard as part of my 480V service entrance equipment lineup, I can never test for the presence of voltage at it if the utility says my fault current is greater than 25kA (footnote 1). But, if I want to check the 480V primary voltage of a step down transformer (mounted next to the switchboard) I evidently don't have to worry about the available fault current at all.
 
Re: NFPA 70E

Originally posted by jim dungar:
OSHA has different/special "rules" for utility workers.
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And they could work anything below 600 V hot by the new OSHA regs. Not that we will allow it but it could happen. They don't issue citations based upon the NEC & NFPA to utility's. Utilities are regulated by the National Electric Saftey Code. I was told by my saftey people that the regulations in the new OSHA rules are less restictive then the NFPA 70E.
 
Re: NFPA 70E

I was asking questions about this under safety, I should have checked here first.
Is it required to have a hazard analysis done at all or can you just follow the tables in 70E on PPE, if it is required who enforces it OSHA? I don't see it in the NEC.
 
Re: NFPA 70E

Only OSHA enforces OSHA rules. OSHA enforces their rules by relying on NFPA 70E. The local AHJ and NEC make no mention of NFPA 70E, which is a standard not a code. NFPA 70E states that if your situation falls within the notes at the bottom of the table, you can use the table without having to perform detailed calculations. Unfortunately, in order to determine if you fall within the criteria of the notes at the bottom of the table, you have to do calculations and apply to the protective device time current coordination curves for the equipment in the upstream circuit.

[ December 30, 2005, 10:19 AM: Message edited by: ron ]
 
Re: NFPA 70E

The NEC is intended for building and installations. NFPA70E deals with Electrical Safe Work Practices.

Who is primarily concerened with enforcing ESWP? My answer: lawyers.

Either those from your insurance company or those from your legal defense group.
 
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