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New Proposed EPA NRR Change

EPA will soon announce its decision to try to make the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of hearing protection more in line with real-world usage. The current method for measuring NRR is performed in a laboratory setting and has not been consistent for measuring attenuation. Under the proposed changes the new rating will still be referred to as the NRR but instead of a single number it will be a two number range. The two numbers will represent an estimated protection by minimally-trained users versus well-trained users.

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NESC 2012

NESC-2012 change proposals have been published and are available for comment through May 1, 2010. The main change proposal includes a requirement for employers to determine potential electric arc exposures for employees who work on or near lines, parts or equipment 50- 1000 volts. NESC-2007 does not specifically require employers to perform an arc hazard analysis on low voltages systems so this will be a major change for 2012.

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SET Solutions providing tomorrows safety, environment, and training answers, today!

"Today's Solutions," published by Set Solutions LLC Fall Issue 2009.









 

NESC 2012 Change Proposals

NESC-2012 change proposals have been published and are available for comment through May 1, 2010. The main change proposal includes a requirement for employers to determine potential electric arc exposures for employees who work on or near lines, parts or equipment 50- 1000 volts. NESC-2007 does not specifically require employers to perform an arc hazard analysis on low voltages systems so this will be a major change for 2012.

A new table 410-1 has been added for low voltages (50 to 1000 volts) to offer employers the option of using tabulated values for clothing and clothing systems in lieu of performing an arc hazard analysis. The table identifies three operating voltages including, 50-250V, 251-500V and 501-1000V, and is based on maximum fault current of 51 kA. Arc exposures indicate clothing and clothing system requirements of 8-60 cal/cm2 for metal clad switchgear and motor control centers and 20-30 cal/cm2 for self contained meters, pad mounted transformers and panels and cabinets over 250V.

The new table (410-1) uses an 18-inch worker separation, which is unlike the existing higher voltage tables that use a 15-inch worker separation. The employee working distance is based on the incident energy on the worker's face and body not on the hands and arms.

Other proposed changes include but are not limited to a specific requirement to conduct a job briefing, an addition of MAD (minimum approach distance) tables, further comments on using IEEE 516-2009 for updated MAD distances and some added notes on temporary protective grounding methods.

To read and comment on the proposed changes, IEEE offers for purchase change proposals for the 2012 edition. All comments must be submitted electronically through the following website: standards.ieee.org/nesc/rp/welcome.html

IEEE 516 Is Now Available

IEEE 516-Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energized Power Lines was approved on May 13, 2009 and is now available for purchase. The new standard includes updates on Minimum Approach Distances (MAD) and other safe recommendations when working on energized lines. The updated standard introduces new MAD terms to include Minimum Air Insulation (MAID), Minimum Tool Insulation Distance (MTID), Minimum Approach Distance for Tools (MAD for Tools) and Minimum Helicopter Approach Distance (MHAD). MAD tables have been updated to include all of the listed MAD values measured line-to-ground and line-to-line. These updated MAD values are different than presently required by OSHA and NESC and if used as a standard will change many utilities' work processes. The new standard is available for purchase through the IEEE Standards Store.

DOE Funds Are Available for Electric Utility Workforce Training

The US Department of Energy has announced a funding opportunity for workforce training for the electric power sector. The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to facilitate the development of a well-trained, highly skilled electric power sector workforce which is vital to implementing a national clean-energy smart grid.

This FOA covers two broad topics. Topic A is Developing and Enhancing Workforce Training Programs for the Electric Power Sector. Topic B is Smart Grid Workforce Training. This FOA supports the development and deployment of Training Program(s), as well as the actual training of personnel.

DOE seeks applications that will support and greatly expand job creation and career advancement opportunities within the utility industry and the electric power system equipment manufacturing sector. Job categories include technicians and skilled workers, as well as utility energy efficiency program staff, cyber security experts, transmission planners, and system operators.

This is an important funding opportunity to help meet the training needs of many utilities. Our staff has the ability to work with utilities to develop and implement training processes to ensure these goals are met. For more information contact Pam Tompkins

ASTM Standard Updates

• New ASTM Standard-Standard Specification for Flame Resistant Rainwear for Protection Against Flame Hazards (ASTM F2733-09)
• New ASTM Standard-Standard Test Methods for Rigid Sheet and Plate Materials Used for Electrical Insulation (ASTM D229-09a)
• Revision of Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment (ASTM F887-05e1)

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SET Solutions providing tomorrows safety, environment, and training answers, today!

"Today's Solutions," published by Set Solutions LLC Summer Issue 2009.









 

NESC –2012 Comment Period Opens

The comment period for the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) 2012 will open September 2009. The proposed standard will address arc flash requirements for secondary voltages. The 2007 edition of NESC allowed clothing rated at 4 cal/cm2 to limit the likelihood of clothing ignition for secondary voltages below 1 kV if engineering controls and work practices were evaluated to reduce energy levels. The 2012 edition will address arc issues for voltages less than 1 kV. All utilities should review the proposed changes and comment as appropriate for your utility. For more information on commenting refer to the NESC website at http://standards.ieee.org/nesc or contact SET Solutions.

IEEE 516-2009 Finalized (MAD Updates)

The IEEE 516 “Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energized Power Lines” has been approved and is scheduled to be published July 2009. The update addresses changes in MAD (Minimum Approach Distances) along with other industry practices. The purpose of IEEE 516 is to outline basic methods and equipment for safe work on energized lines, address standards and other documents for the inspection, care, and use of required tools and equipment and to provide practical guidance for establishing an appropriate work area. IEEE 516 reviews many accepted practices specifically in the form of a guide for establishing methods and procedures for maintenance of energized power lines. Visit http://standards.ieee.org for more information.

OSHA Reopens Comment Period for Electric Utility Standards

OSHA will reopen the comment period for the Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment standards June 2009. The comment period will be reopened to solicit comments for MAD (Minimum Approach Distances) which were revised in the new IEEE 516 standard finalized on May 13, 2009. OSHA will reopen the comment period in June 2009 with knowledge that IEEE 516 will be available for review before the comment period closes. OSHA’s reopening will address only revised MAD distances. This should be the last reopening prior to the final promulgation of the Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment standards. For more information please contact one of our specialists.

Utility Work Ahead

Typical work zones consist of large crews, last for a long duration and require detailed traffic control plans. Utility work zones are essentially different because they consist of smaller crews and typically are for a much shorter duration of time. Utility work crews will typically operate in several work zones each work day making it impractical to develop a detailed temporary traffic control plan for each site. Therefore it is necessary for utility companies to follow the intent of those guidelines and standards to ensure the safety of not only its employees but the safety of the public. The Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides general guidelines and standards for utility work zones but gives no specific rules or requirements to cover the entire range of utility work zone situations. Because there are no set guidelines for utility workers there is no uniformity in how utilities design these work areas, making workers and the public more at risk. The Utility Work Zone Traffic Control Guidelines were published in May of 2008 and focus on typical daily work zone activities conducted by utilities. These guidelines were designed to give utilities more guidance for designing work zones than the MUTCD. These guidelines along with training materials can be found at www.workzonesafety.org/wsu_ttcp/overview. Contact one of our specialists today to receive more information on utility work zones.