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

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









 

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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

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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.

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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

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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)