Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection for Electrical Workers

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection for Electrical Workers
An NFPA 70E – 2012 Perspective Joe O’Connor and Keith Williams

Summary of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
PPE Compliance/Advice OSHA 1910 General Industry Subpart S 1926 Construction Subpart K NFPA 70E OSH Act: General Duty Clause 5a(1) - Other The usual place one looks for direction with safety is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. And OSHA does have several regulations governing electrical safety. The basic regulations electrical safety for General Industry can be found in the 29 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 1910 Subpart S and the Construction standards in 1926 Subpart K. These regulations mandate precautions be taken when working with electricity. Unfortunately, they do not specify the PPE to be worn. On the other hand the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established NFPA 70E the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. It details the PPE necessary and procedures to determine the same. The relationship between the OSHA regulations, enforcement and NFPA 70E is interesting. NFPA 70E is a consensus standard. OSHA cannot directly cite contractors for not following the practices prescribed. But, OSHA has used it as reference for justification for General Duty citations. Under the General Duty clause, employers are required to provide a safe workplace. The prudent course of action to take for electrical contractors is to understand and follow the precautions prescribed in NFPA 70E There are other regulations on specifications for, or work practices associated with, electrical safety such as Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution for General Industry. However, the scope of NFPA 70E does not generally include installations under the exclusive control of an electric utility. NFPA 70E should be consulted for applicability to the work to be performed. Basically NFPA 70E applies to those installations governing by the National Electric Code (NEC). © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

To assist NECA members in understanding the PPE selection prescribed by NFPA 70E they have developed the NFPA 70E Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selector. It is provided as a field guide or interactive CD. This PowerPoint is part of the CD version of the guide and was developed to train electrical contractor employees in understanding and selecting the appropriate clothing and equipment. The content is based on the NFPA 70E requirements in Article 130 Work Involving Electrical Hazards. The purpose of this training is to provide basic information on PPE Selection. It is not designed as a replacement for the NFPA standard, OSHA regulations nor site and company specific procedures.

PPE Selector – – Objectives Objectives
Explain why electrical contractors should follow the precautions set forth in NFPA 70E List the three hazards which demonstrate why an arc flash hazard analysis is needed. Describe the restrictions associated with the boundaries defined in NFPA 70E. Identify two methods for determining the appropriate PPE for a given task Given the Hazard Risk Category of a task select the appropriate PPE. Objectives Explain why electrical contractors should follow the precautions set forth in NFPA 70E List the three hazards which demonstrate why a Arc Flash Hazard analysis is needed. Describe the restrictions associated with the boundaries defined in NFPA 70E. Identify two methods for determining the appropriate PPE for a given task Given the Hazard Risk Category of a task select the appropriate PPE. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2008 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – Summary of NFPA 70E Standard
Chapter 1 - Safety- Related Work Practices Chapter 2 - Safety-Related Maintenance Requirements Chapter 3 - Safety Requirements for Special Equipment. NFPA 70E is a National Fire Protection Association standard. It has been in existence since It is constantly reviewed and updates released every five years. It applies to all installations covered by the National Electrical Code (NEC). The purpose is to provide safe work practices to employees who work on these installations and includes those requirements critical to employee safety. With the release of the 2004 and 2009 editions there has been an increase in awareness for the need to use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on energized electrical conductors and equipment. A major influence for this was its use by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for enforcement. The 2012 version of NFPA 70E is sure to bring more attention to all of its requirements. NFPA 70E 2012 consists of three chapters: Safety- Related Work Practices; Safety-Related Maintenance Requirements; and Safety Requirements for Special Equipment. Chapter 1 Safety-Related Work Practices contains the basic safety requirements. It mandates coordination between host and contractor, employee training, and sets the criteria for working on electrical conductors or circuits. Hosts and employers must document information shared on the hazards, personal protective equipment/clothing used, work practices, and emergency procedures. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – Assessment
As part of determining the criteria for working on energized electrical conductors and circuit parts, an Electrical Hazard Analysis must be performed. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Protect Employees Working on or Near Live Parts Justification Safe Practices for Working Hot Personal Protective Equipment Generally this leads to the need for an Energized Electrical Work Permit. The permit must be in writing and includes many elements including a justification for working hot. An example of the Energized Electrical Work Permit can be found in Annex J of the standard. Exceptions to the need for a permit include tasks such as testing, troubleshooting, voltage measurements, etc. However, the appropriate safe work practices and personal protective equipment must be provided and used. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Sound Waves (Sample Test 141.dB at 2 ft) Molten Metal Intense Light 35,000 0 F The analysis is a critical part of the permit and safe practices. It involves a focus on arc flash hazards. As identified in the photo there are many dangers associated with a flash hazard. Therefore, both a shock hazard analysis and an arc flash hazard analysis must be performed on any electrical part that has not been placed in an electrically safe work condition (i.e., one that has not been locked/tagged out.) The shock hazard analysis is used to determine exposure voltage, approach boundary requirements and Personal Protective Equipment to reduce shock. The arc flash hazard analysis will determine both an Arc Flash Boundary (AFB) and the Personal Protective Equipment that employees must use when they are working inside the AFB. Pressure Waves (Sample Test 2160 lbs/ft2) © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

1. Introduction to Electrical Safety
PPE Selector – Assessment 1. Introduction to Electrical Safety Assess Hazards - Electrical Hazard Analysis Shock Hazard Analysis - Table 130.4(C)(a) Limited (3 ft 6 in) Restricted (1 ft) Prohibited (1 in) System Voltage = 750 v When determining these boundaries it is important to know the various boundaries and what they mean. The Limited Approach Boundary is an approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which a shock hazard exists. Unqualified persons are restricted from entering this area unless supervised and their actions directed by a qualified individual. The Restricted Approach Boundary is an approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which there is an increased risk of shock, due to electrical arc over combined with inadvertent movement, for personnel working in close proximity to the energized electrical conductor or circuit part. The Prohibited Approach Boundary is an approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which work is considered the same as making contact with the electrical conductor or circuit part. Only a qualified person who is insulated or guarded from the energized electrical conductors or circuit parts may enter this area and no uninsulated part of their body may cross this boundary. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Assess Hazards - Electrical Hazard Analysis Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Arc Flash Boundary = Dc = [2.65 x MVAbf x t]1/2 or Dc = [53 x MVA x t ]1/2 The AFB is the distance from exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts within which a person could receive a second-degree burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur. Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment inside the AFB will help ensure that employees do not receive second-degree burns. The standard provides options for employers to perform arc flash hazard analysis. Employers can do arc flash hazard analysis by either performing detailed engineering calculations or by referring to the simplified tables found in the standard. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Assess Hazards - Electrical Hazard Analysis Arc Flash Hazard Analysis = Distance at which Incident Energy Equals 1.2 cal/cm2* SEE Table D.2 *(Fault clearing time slower than 0.1. seconds) Arc Flash Boundary The 2012 version of NFPA 70E requires an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis be performed. The Arc Flash Boundary is the distance at which the incident energy equals 5 J/cm2 (1.2 cal/cm2). © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Incident Energy Levels The AFB determined the distance where the incident energy level would be 1.2 cal/cm2. Within this area the incident energy will increase and the appropriate PPE should be selected based on the potential incident energy level where the work will be performed. If the incident energy calculation reveals levels above 40 cal/cm2, work is prohibited. Alternate methods must be used to complete the work such as using hot sticks to increase distance from the arc source. If the incident energy is below 40 Cal/cm2, PPE can be selected based on the Hazard Risk Category established by NFPA 70E. These range from 0 to 4 and can be seen in the table. The equipment/clothing selected will need to be rated for these levels as identified by their Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV) also listed in this table. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector - Selection
Calculation Method Calculate Incident Energy Level (cal/cm2) Select the Hazard / Risk Category using Table H.3(b) (Match PPE Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) to incident energy calculation) Select clothing and PPE for task from the table Determine the need for V-rated gloves and tools One method for the selection of PPE is to perform calculations for the Incident Energy Analysis. The formulas can be found in Annex D of NFPA 70E. There are other formulas and commercial software that can assist in these calculations. Once the Incident Energy Level is determined clothing and equipment can be selected from the tables, Employees shall use insulated tools and/or handling equipment when working inside the Limited Approach Boundary of exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts where tools or handling equipment might make accidental contact. Employees shall wear rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors where there is a danger of hand injury from electric shock due to contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Employees shall wear rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors and rubber insulating sleeves where there is a danger of hand and arm injury from electric shock due to contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Rubber insulating gloves shall be rated for the voltage for which the gloves will be exposed. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Table Method Look up the task to be performed in the NFPA 70E Tables Alternating Current (AC) Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) Direct Current (DC) Table 130.7(C)(15)(b) Identify the Hazard / Risk Category Classification and need for V- rated gloves and tools associated with that task Look up the Hazard Risk Category in 130.7(C)(16) Select clothing and PPE associated with that level An alternate method for selecting the PPE needed is to use the tables in section They identify various Tasks Performed on Energized Equipment and the Hazard Risk Category as well as whether or not V-rate gloves and tools re needed. Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) contains tasks for alternating current and Table 130.7(C)(15)(b) direct current tasks. From these table you simply identify the Hazard Risk Category associated with the Task and look up the appropriate PPE associated with that level in Table 130.7(C)(16). © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

5. Personal Protective Equipment
PPE Selector - Selection To simplify your task even further NECA’s PPE Selector Guide offers a flow chart in the manual and interactive flow chart on the CD to lead you to a pictorial guide of PPE needed. Each page will identify the Hazard Risk category at the top of the page along with the ATPV. The number in the right corner indicates category and whether V-rated gloves and tools are need. As seen here Hazard Risk Category 0 only requires a nonmelting Shirt (long sleeve) and Pants (long), Safety glasses or safety goggles, and Hearing protection (ear canal inserts). Leather gloves should be used as needed. It should be noted that when PPE is selected one considers everything from head to toe. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector - Selection Here is the protection needed for Hazard Category 1. Again, if V-rated gloves or tools are needed they would be displayed. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Basic Rules of PPE Layering Coverage Fit Maintenance When selecting clothing and equipment to provide protection from shock and arc flash hazards several factors should be considered. Here are some basic rules. Layering - The clothing and equipment is required for the degree of exposure. This can be accomplished by wearing a single garment rated alone for the exposure or integrated with flammable, nonmelting apparel. The arc rated clothing is required to cover associated parts of the body as well as all flammable apparel while allowing movement and visibility. Coverage - Make sure clothing covers all potentially exposed areas as completely as possible. Shirt sleeves need to be fastened at the wrists, and shirts and jackets closed at the neck. Garments that are not arc rated cannot be used to increase the arc rating of a clothing system. Fit - Tight-fitting clothing is to be avoided. Loose fitting clothing provides additional thermal insulation because of air spaces. Care should be taken to ensure the fit is not too loose that it would interfere with work. Maintenance - All personal protective equipment shall be maintained in a sanitary and functionally effective condition. OSHA standards by way of various consensus standards (ASTM, ANSI, etc.) mandates a specific schedule for certain types of PPE. Consult these regulations as needed. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – Tools and Equipment
Ancillary Protective Equipment Tools Temporary grounds Rubber insulating equipment Barriers Inspection and maintenance Personal protective equipment items will normally be used in conjunction with one another as a system to provide the appropriate level of Protection. Make sure all equipment is used as needed such as Tools, Temporary grounds, Rubber insulating equipment and Barriers. Be sure to inspect and maintain all equipment. Consult appropriate regulations for the schedule of required testing and maintenance. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – Summary NFPA 70E Requirements
Complete Energized Electrical Work Permit Perform Hazard/Risk Analysis Select PPE © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – Summary Exceptions to Work Permit by Qualified Person
Testing Troubleshooting Voltage Measuring © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector - Summary PPE Required within the Arc Flash Boundary
Based on Arc Flash Hazard Analysis as well as other hazards Includes head to toe protection © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector - Summary Ancillary Protective Equipment Tools
Temporary grounds Rubber insulating equipment Barriers Inspection and maintenance © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – Review Questions
1. A prudent course of action for electrical contractors is to observe the PPE requirements in NFPA 70E because: a. NFPA 70E is the equivalent of an OSHA standard b. NFPA 70E serves as an industry guideline for safe practices and may be referenced by OSHA c. NFPA 70E should not be used 1. A prudent course of action for electrical contractors is to observe the PPE requirements in NFPA 70E because a. NFPA 70E is the equivalent of an OSHA standard b. NFPA 70E serves as an industry guideline for safe practices and may be referenced by OSHA c. NFPA 70E should not be used Correct: b. NFPA 70E serves as an industry guideline for safe practices and may be referenced by OSHA © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – – Review Questions
2. List at least three hazards which demonstrate why a Arc Flash Hazard analysis is needed _______________________________________ Electric Shock Hazard Extreme Temperatures Molten Metal Debris Intense Light Sound waves Pressure 2. List the three hazards which demonstrate why a Arc Flash Hazard analysis is needed Electric Shock Hazard Extreme Temperatures Molten metal debris Intense Light Sound waves Pressure © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

3. A distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which a shock hazard exists is: a. Arc Flash Boundary b. Limited Protection Boundary c. Prohibited Boundary 3. A distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which a shock hazard exists is: a. Arc Flash Boundary b. Limited Protection Boundary c. Prohibited Boundary Correct: b. Limited Protection Boundary © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

4. The only method for determining the appropriate PPE is to perform a Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and Incident Energy Level calculation using appropriate formulas. True False 4. The only method for determining the appropriate PPE is to perform a Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and Incident Energy level calculations using appropriate formulas. True False Correct: False – NFPA provides tables for specific tasks and associated Hazard Risk Categories and required PPE. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

Which of the following would you not expect to be need for a Hazard Risk Category 0? a. Arc-rated face shield or flash suit hood b. Hearing c. Rubber Gloves Which of the following would you not expect to be need for a Hazard Risk Category 0? a. Arc-rated face shield or flash suit hood b. Hearing c. Rubber Gloves Correct: a. Arc-rated face shield or flash suit hood © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

PPE Selector – Resources
As described in this presentation, the appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing must be worn. To determine the PPE needed the National Electrical Contractor’s Association has developed the NECA NFPA 70 PPE Selector. It is offered as a field guide or interactive CD and can be purchased from NECA by calling or visiting the NECA Store on NECA’s website at The CD guides you through selection and contains this PowerPoint as a training tool for employees. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

In addition to the PPE Selector, NECA has developed a field manual and CD for Lockout/Tagout. They are also available from NECA by calling or visiting the NECA Store on NECA’s website at The Manual contains an Overview of the NFPA Standard, a flow chart for determining the energy control to be used, step by step LOTO instructions, a LOTO Device Checklist and a glossary of terms. The CD contains all of the contents found in the field manual as well as sample documents for LOTO programs as well as this PowerPoint. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

All of the materials described here are also part of the eSafetyLine NECA Safety Expert System subscription. eSafetyLine offers materials on most safety topics needed for an Electrical Contractor Safety Program. A toll free number is available for more assistance. A subscription can be purchased through NECA for only $200/year. © 2009, 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc. © 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association and Intec, Inc.

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