By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA In response to the numerous questions and comments from my article: Performing the Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, listed below are responses to ten commonly asked questions. What is NFPA 70E? What is the difference between NFPA 70 (NEC®) and...
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA Do your electrical workers (qualified persons) perform electrical work on energized electrical conductors? If so, appropriate electrical protective clothing is needed to protect your employees from the risks associated with an electrical...
An interview with W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
During the last 20 years I’ve taught quite a few courses on NFPA 70E. By far, the biggest area of pushback and resistance deals with my recommendation that qualified persons wear hazard risk category (HRC) 2 arc-rated flame resistant (FR) clothing as daily wear. The...
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA; Workplace Safety and Hugh Hoagland: e-hazard.com Due to the potential of an electric arc flash, many employees who perform work on energized conductors (qualified persons) are exchanging flammable...
While conducting electrical safety training one day I had an electrician complain that he hated the electrical insulated gloves he was wearing: “I can’t work with these gloves—they don’t fit and they're uncomfortable!” Electrical rubber insulating...
Racking circuit breakers is a common task performed by electrical workers. Unfortunately, this task is responsible for numerous serious electric arc flash incidents. The main reason is the moving of parts that must be aligned properly to engage the breaker. Many times...
When assisting clients with electrical safe work practices for employees I am continually asked – does OSHA enforce NFPA 70E® (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®)? The short answer is no, because NFPA 70E® is not Incorporated by Reference in 29...
Arc Flash Safety – Distance is your Friend When I began taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (bjj) lessons, I remember my instructor telling me the key strategy in Brazilian jiu jitsu was all about managing the distance from your opponent – either by being safely...
I recently spoke with a major local hospital concerning electrical safety recommendations while undergoing a major building expansion. Listed below are the significant recommendations I made that should be done prior to completion: Arc Flash Study: Since this is a...