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Arc flash boundary poster3/8/2024 If live electrical work may be performed on these systems, the risk of accident and injury exists. Many employers are also labeling bus ducts and other electrical equipment not specifically called out in 110.16. Consequently, most employers are simply labeling all the appropriate equipment, regardless of when it was installed. More importantly, from a safety standpoint, the hazard is the same regardless of when the equipment was installed. At least one OSHA representative has stated that he considers changing a fuse or a breaker to be a modification that would require labeling. However, labeling does need to be applied if the equipment is ever modified or upgraded in any way. Since the provision took effect in 2002, equipment installed before then technically does not need to be labeled. The labeling requirement is the responsibility of the employer, not the manufacturer or installer of the equipment. The NEC states that any of the following types of electrical equipment located in manufacturing and commercial establishments (other than dwelling occupancies) must be field marked with a warning label if subject to examination, adjustment, service or maintenance while energized: The requirement, covered under Article 110.16, was updated and expanded in the 2005 version of the NEC. In addition, the National Electric Code (known as NFPA 70, which is different than NFPA 70E) added a requirement in 2002 mandating that potential arc flash hazards be labeled to warn of the hazard. The information is then used to define a flash protection boundary around the potential source, and to determine the level of flame-resistant apparel and other personal protection equipment required when employees cross the boundary while they work on or near exposed live parts. NFPA 70E instructs employers to conduct an arc flash analysis to determine the amount of thermal energy that could be generated in an arc flash incident. For guidelines on best practices for protecting employees, OSHA refers employers to the NFPA 70E standard, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.” The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now citing and fining employers for failure to protect employees from the dangers of arc flash.
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