PPE

[Joe Villani]

I would like a feel on how others approach the situation as follows:

Electrical room in which Motor Control Centers face each other. (Proper working clearance is provided)

Motor Control Centers have a Cat 2 or 3 (depending) rating.

The individual buckets are turned on and off thru network computers and such. Pumps are turned on automatically, etc.

Policy dictates when turning on and off buckets proper rated PPE must be worn. This is deemed interacting with the equipment.

As buckets are switched on and off automatically would someone need proper PPE when just walking thru the arc flash zone or say taking readings?

Theoretically one would not be "interacting" with equipment but as the equipment is started automatically, is it any different from turning on and off a bucket?

Thanks for the responses

Joe

 

[jim dungar]

Theoretically one would not be "interacting" with equipment but as the equipment is started automatically, is it any different from turning on and off a bucket?

You company is allowed to make whatever rules they want.

However NFPA70E mentions 'interacting in a manner that causes a fault'. It is the opinion of NFPA 70E technical committee that the routine operation of properly maintained equipment is not likely to cause a fault.

It is all about the risk (odds) that an arcing fault occurs.

 

[Joe Villani]

Thanks Jim.