|
NFPA 70E - Arc Flash Hazards
Robert
Scoff, P.E.
Overview
On January 7, 1976 The
National Fire Protection Association, Inc. formed a committee to develop a
standard that would serve the needs of OSHA. The first edition was published in
1979. There were a number of editions, culminating with the 2004 Edition.
This particular course
emphasizes the Arc Flash Hazards that the standard addresses. This is one of
the most important issues facing the electrical industry today. The most
pertinent information was extracted from the document and put in an easy to
understand format.
This is not a complete
coverage of NFPA 70E. That would almost require copying the document, word for
word. The intention, instead, is to present enough information to get companies
and individuals started on a program where the requirements of NFPA 70E will be
implemented. Failure to do so could result in large fines. Any specific issues
need to be addressed by managers and engineers and handled on a case by case
basis. I strongly recommend that everyone who is affected by this regulation
have a copy of 70E for reference.
Some of the more well known
regulations such as ‘Lock Out – Tag Out’ were not covered. There are very few
places in the United States where lock out – tag out rules are not followed.
Chapters 3 and 4 are not
covered in any great detail. Chapter 3 covers special equipment such as
Electrolytic cells. Chapter 4 covers Installation Safety Requirements and is
similar to parts of NFPA 70, The NEC. There are also 13 annexes, labeled A
through M. The ones relating to Arc Flash Safety will be referred to in the
course.
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of
twenty (20) questions at the end of
this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and
skills:
-
Understanding of the Energy Levels Involved in an Arc Flash
- The
Four Limits of Approach
- Arc
Flash Problems at Different Voltages
- The
Required Personal Protective Equipment
-
Setting Up an Electrical Safety Program
-
Energized Electrical Work Permit
- Job
Planning and Planning Checklist
Course
Click on the following PDF attachment and review the document prior to taking a
quiz for credit.
NFPA 70E (47 KB)
Having Trouble Downloading the PDF File?
Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As..."
Then save on your desktop. To view the file, double click the icon on your
desktop and return to this page to take the quiz.
You may need Acrobat Reader to view this document.
Click on the link below to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.
To obtain PDH credits for this course, you will need to take a quiz for
credit. Click on the link below.
(To take the quiz,
your web browser must be set to accept cookies. See how to
check your cookie settings.)
 
|
