A Brief Guide To Safety Standard 70 E, Section 130.2 Changes
OSHA changes in the NFPA 70E electrical standard identify further requirements for professionals in the field. Among these changes are those added to Section 130.2, which covers protective gear and enforcement of the standards. These items are covered more thoroughly in the arc flash training video.
What Has Changed
The changes in Section 130.2 address the requirements for wearing PPE in the work environment. It further identifies the requirements for all equipment to be maintained and installed properly, before work is performed. The changes explain that the risk isn’t likely when these conditions are met. However, it doesn’t and can’t guarantee that an arc flash won’t occur under these conditions.
The initial assessment is determined after the worker has ensured that there isn’t a clear sign of a potential failure. It also states that the equipment must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. OSHA and other federal agencies enforce laws that require manufacturers to remain compliant with safety standards. When these conditions are present, the circumstances are identified as normal operations.
All instructions for equipment maintenance is included in the manufacturer’s materials. Electrical workers are required to follow these requirements.
Identifying Impending Failures
Through the arc flash training powerpoint, electrical workers discover the new assessment associated with identifying impending failures. According to the latest edition of the standard, obvious signs of overheating, which could cause an arc is a clear indicator of an impending failure. Any visible damage or components which weren’t secured properly also could result in these failures. All workers are required in these instances to wear PPE without exception.
What is the Purpose?
The changes in the standard enforce the need for PPE in the work environment. This is to reduce the probability of injury or death due to unsafe working conditions. The protective gear was designed to prevent these injuries when worn properly. Changes are included with newer editions of the safety standard according to the results of incidents that occur in these environments. An assessment of these requirements is presented through arc flash programs for electrical workers.
Electrical workers, whether they’re employed by a corporation or work independently are required to maintain compliance with safety standards. As newer releases of the 70E standard are presented, these workers must acquire further certifications. The absence of these requirements could deem them liable in certain circumstances. All workers can acquire this requirement through arc flash safety training today.
