Q: What do you mean "electrical release methods"?
A: Proper means to free someone from an electrical contact. In some cases a worker’s muscles can become locked onto an electrical circuit. The worker is then energized so touching them can be deadly. Workers must be trained in proper methods of release. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: "How do you calculate the DC Arcing Current" for the NFPA 70 E DC table? We have DC Tables but how do you properly use them?
A: This is an engineering problem. There are several classes on how to do this. . Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: Exactly what signage is needed for electrical panels?
A: NEC requires a warning sign and points to NFPA 70E. Our white paper on this is found at http://ehazard.com/white-papers/Best-Practices-for-Arc-Flash-Labels-White-Paper.pdf
Q: Where would you apply for a energized work permit? And what is the time frame to receive it from what agency?
A: It is applied for from the manager in charge at your plant. The requirements are in NFPA 70E-2012 130.2 (B)
Energized Electrical Work Permit. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: After how many washes will even the most durable fabric treatment show degraded results under the same IE?
A: Depends on the fabric. Most that we have tested will take 100 washes before degrading the Arc Rating but this is very minimal even at 200 washings. The critical lifesaving effects are non-ignition. Rating numbers are not nearly as critical as ignition. We like to say HRC 0 to HRC 1 is life-changing, HRC 1 to HRC 2 is academic. Hugh
Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: What are requirements for operation of welding equipment?
A: Operation of welding equipment is not “arc flash” from the NFPA 70E perspective. Most welding standards require material which is flame resistant and non-melting. Good to get something that sheds molten metal too. No quality standard on welding which gives much guidance on clothing. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: What are the risks if you turn lights on that are in a breaker box?
A: Risk is low but it is there. Should do a hazard assessment using the NFPA 70E standard and usually the
Tables in 130.7(C)(15)(a) are adequate for lighting. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: Is Arc Flash Clothing required/recommended once you have locked out a cabinet, but you are hooking up a meter to verify the electrical energy is isolated?
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2060 North Kolmar Avenue • Chicago, IL 60639 • Ph: 800.444.8010 • Fax: 773.384.6677

A: Yes. Until an “electrically safe work condition” is complete, you must wear the proper shock and arc flash protection for the hazard. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: So, what do we have to state to our employees that they wear under their Arc Flash coveralls? Or should we be telling them what they can't wear underneath? If that is the case what can't they wear underneath?
A: Must wear arc rated clothing or nonmelting clothing. “Cotton, wool, leather or silk” is allowed by the standard.
Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: So, do we have to require cotton underwear and cotton tee shirts?
A: No, but you cannot allow melting materials. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: This may be off topic, but are you aware of an organization that can conduct 70E training in Spanish?
A: We offer the training in Spanish at e-Hazard.com. We have a partner who translated NFPA 70E into Spanish.
Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: Are EH rated boots a requirement of NFPA70E as to 130.7(B)(8)??
A: Not required but recommended. If you know you have step potential, you should use DI boots or overshoes.
See our White Paper on Shoes http://e-hazard.com/white-papers/Electrical-Shoes-White-Paper.pdf
Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: When is the next 70E revision going to be released?
A: 2015 but will come out in 2014 Fall.
Q: We have an emergency medical response team in our facility but not all of our electricians are on the medical team. Do all of our electricians need to be on the medical team or is our current team sufficient?
A: If they can respond in 4 min. That is all that is required. We find few teams can respond that quickly. Basic training on CPR and electrical release methods is recommended. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: What is the definition for troubleshooting? Just visual and using test meter? Does that mean we don't have to use energized work permit until we actually begin work within the prohibited boundary?
A: That is normal. There are specific other operations in the standard. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: Is there a better risk assessment tool available?
A: NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584 and ArcPro are in all our toolbox. We also use several software programs for doing fault current and coordination studies. Other risk assessment can be used such as the ANSI 690 series. Hugh
Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: Is this OSHA enforced?
A: OSHA has recognized NFPA 70E in abatement and has said if a company is in compliance with NFPA 70E they are in compliance with OSHA electrical safety requirements. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com

Q: Is this an OSHA standard?
A: It is not an OSHA standard. It is a national consensus standard which is used by OSHA in abatements for electrical safety and part of the 2000 version is used by OSHA on safe wiring.
Q: The embroidery companies we deal with do not use Nomex thread and use regular thread for company logos.
Are the garments with regular thread useable?
A: Yes. ASTM F1506 (required by NFPA 70E allows normal thread on embroidery as long as it isn’t large (say covering the back of a garment).
Q: A control cab with knife switch disconnect placed in the off position using proper PPE after placed in the off position can PPE be removed or does it have to remain on because power in top side of breaker?
A: This is a complicated question that requires doing a risk assessment. The hazard is still there but the risk is reduced in most cases. It can’t be answered without looking at the equipment, the work environment and the work practices and task being performed. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: Hugh: you talked about how to properly throw a disconnect so that you would not receive injury. Can only a qualified employee wearing proper PPE be allowed to pull a disconnect switch? I have been told that under normal operation conditions the door to the control panel protects against exposer so that an employee does not need arc flash PPE to pull a disconnect switch, is this true.
A: This is NOT true as a blanket statement. A properly installed and properly maintained switch is low risk but being trained on how to operate electrical devices is important. Only your risk assessment can make this determination. I can tell you for certain that disconnect switches have led to many deaths. Hugh Hoagland, e-
Hazard.com
Q: Is PPE required to open a breaker panel to reset a tripped breaker
A: Normally, yes. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
Q: What is the life span of treated FR garments?
A: Most materials today are good for the life of the garment if properly cared for. Normally they will last about two to three years before they look like rags. Most of the materials will be FR when they are rags. Hugh Hoagland, e-
Hazard.com
Q: it was mentioned that higher rated gloves may not provide proper protection, why would this be?
A: Gloves do not have arc ratings at this time so you should do some due diligence on gloves. A standard is being voted on in April 2013 which should solve this issue. Hugh Hoagland, e-Hazard.com
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2060 North Kolmar Avenue • Chicago, IL 60639 • Ph: 800.444.8010 • Fax: 773.384.6677