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Toolbox Talk: Electrical Safety in Hazardous Locations (NFPA 70 & 70E)

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to provide employees with the knowledge and understanding necessary to work safely in hazardous locations where electrical equipment is used, in accordance with NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) and NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace). This includes identifying hazards, implementing control measures, and following safe work procedures to prevent electrical incidents [1].

Introduction

Electrical safety in hazardous locations is critical to prevent fires, explosions, and electrical shocks. Hazardous locations contain flammable gases, vapors, dusts, or fibers that can ignite if exposed to electrical sparks or heat. Understanding and adhering to NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E standards is essential for ensuring a safe working environment [1].

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Hazardous Location Classification: Understand the different classes, divisions, and zones used to classify hazardous locations based on the type of hazard present [2].
  • Equipment Approval: Ensure all electrical equipment used in hazardous locations is approved and marked for the specific class, group, and temperature rating [2].
  • Safe Work Practices: Follow safe work practices outlined in NFPA 70E, including lockout/tagout procedures, arc flash protection, and the use of appropriate PPE [3].
  • Wiring Methods: Use appropriate wiring methods, such as threaded conduit, to prevent the escape of sparks or flames [1].
  • Documentation: Ensure proper documentation is available for all hazardous locations, including classification and equipment specifications [2].

Hazard Identification

Common hazards related to electrical work in hazardous locations include:

  • Ignition of Flammable Materials: Electrical sparks or hot surfaces can ignite flammable gases, vapors, dusts, or fibers, leading to fires or explosions [1].
  • Electrical Shock: Contact with energized electrical equipment can cause electrical shock, burns, or electrocution [2].
  • Arc Flash: An arc flash event can cause severe burns, blindness, and hearing loss due to the intense heat and pressure [3].

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

The hierarchy of controls should be followed to minimize risks:

  • Elimination: Eliminate the hazardous substance or process if possible.
  • Substitution: Substitute a less hazardous substance or process.
  • Engineering Controls: Use purged and pressurized enclosures for electrical equipment to prevent flammable materials from entering [4].
  • Administrative Controls: Implement safe work procedures, such as hot work permits, and provide training on electrical safety in hazardous locations [2].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE, such as flame-resistant clothing, safety glasses, and insulated gloves, to protect against arc flash and electrical shock [3].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Hazard Assessment: Conduct a thorough hazard assessment before starting any electrical work in a hazardous location [2].
  2. Permitting: Obtain necessary permits, such as hot work permits, before commencing work.
  3. De-energize and Lockout/Tagout: De-energize electrical equipment and follow lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental energization [2].
  4. Use Approved Equipment: Ensure all electrical equipment is approved for the specific hazardous location [2].
  5. Monitor the Environment: Continuously monitor the environment for the presence of flammable materials [1].

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Flame-Resistant Clothing (FRC): Wear FRC that is appropriate for the potential arc flash hazard [3].
  • Safety Glasses or Face Shield: Use safety glasses or a face shield to protect against arc flash debris and chemical splashes.
  • Insulated Gloves: Wear insulated gloves that are rated for the voltage of the electrical equipment being worked on [5].

Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance.

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the potential ignition sources in our work area?
  2. What types of flammable materials are present in our work area?
  3. What can we do to improve electrical safety in hazardous locations?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Evacuate: Evacuate the area immediately if a fire, explosion, or electrical shock occurs.
  2. Call for Help: Call emergency services (911) and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency.
  3. Administer First Aid: If it is safe to do so, administer first aid to injured personnel.
  4. Report the Incident: Report the incident to your supervisor and safety department.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions.

Provide answers to common questions related to the topic.

  • Q: What does it mean for equipment to be "approved" for a hazardous location?

A: It means the equipment has been tested and certified by a recognized testing laboratory to be safe for use in the specific class, group, and temperature rating of the hazardous location [2].

  • Q: How often should we inspect our PPE?

A: PPE should be inspected before each use to ensure it is in good condition and provides adequate protection [3].

  • Q: What should I do if I see damaged electrical equipment in a hazardous location?

A: Immediately report the damaged equipment to your supervisor and remove it from service until it can be repaired or replaced [1].

Summary

  • Electrical safety in hazardous locations is critical to prevent fires, explosions, and electrical shocks [1].
  • Understanding hazardous location classifications is essential for selecting appropriate equipment and implementing safe work practices [2].
  • Always follow lockout/tagout procedures before working on electrical equipment [2].
  • Use appropriate PPE, including flame-resistant clothing, safety glasses, and insulated gloves [3].

Action Items

  1. Review the hazardous location classifications in your work area [2].
  2. Inspect your PPE before each use [3].
  3. Report any electrical hazards or damaged equipment to your supervisor [1].

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Work safely and look out for one another.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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5 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2107

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules Division 2 ## NFPA 101-2006 Life Safety Code. NFPA 496-2003 Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment. NFPA 497-2004 Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas. NFPA 505-2006 Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Conversions, Maintenance, and Operation. NFPA 820-2003 Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities. NMAB 353-1-1979 Matrix of Combustion-Relevant Properties and Classification of Gases, Vapors, and Selected Solids. NMAB 353-2-1979 Test Equipment for Use in Determining Classifications of Combustible Dusts. NMAB 353-3-1980 Classification of Combustible Dust in Accordance with the National Electrical Code. [46 FR 4056, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 7, 1981; 55 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 6, 1990; 72 FR 7221, Feb. 14, 2007] Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) and 656.726(4). Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 through 654.295. Hist: OR-OSHA Admin. Order 2-1991, f. 2/4/91, ef. 4/1/91. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 4-2007, f. 8/15/07, ef. 8/15/07.

[2] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2049

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Division 2 - (3) Other sections of this subpart. All applicable requirements in this subpart apply to hazardous (classified) locations unless modified by provisions of this section. - (4) Division and zone classification. In Class I locations, an installation must be classified as using the division classification system meeting paragraphs (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this section or using the zone classification system meeting paragraph (g) of this section. In Class II and Class III locations, an installation must be classified using the division classification system meeting paragraphs (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this section. - (b) Documentation. All areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations under the Class and Zone system and areas designated under the Class and Division system established after August 13, 2007 shall be properly documented. This documentation shall be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electric equipment at the location. - (c) Electrical installations. Equipment, wiring methods, and installations of equipment in hazardous (classified) locations shall be intrinsically safe, approved for the hazardous (classified) location, or safe for the hazardous (classified) location. Requirements for each of these options are as follows: - (1) Intrinsically safe. Equipment and associated wiring approved as intrinsically safe is permitted in any hazardous (classified) location for which it is approved; - (2) Approved for the hazardous (classified) location. - (i) Equipment shall be approved not only for the class of location, but also for the ignitable or combustible properties of the specific gas, vapor, dust, or fiber that will be present. - Note to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section: NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, lists or defines hazardous gases, vapors, and dusts by 'Groups' characterized by their ignitable or combustible properties. - (ii) Equipme…

[3] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 482

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (5) Overhead lines . If work is to be performed near overhead lines, you must deenergize and ground the lines, or provide other protective measures before work is started. If the lines are to be deenergized, you must make arrangements with the person or organization that operates or controls the electric circuits involved to deenergize and ground them. If protective measures, such as guarding, isolating, or insulating, these precautions must prevent employees from contacting such lines directly with any part of their body or indirectly through conductive materials, tools, or equipment. - (6) Unqualified persons . When an unqualified person is working in an elevated position, or on the ground, near overhead lines, the location must be such that the person and the longest conductive object he or she may contact cannot come closer to any unguarded, energized overhead line than the following distances: - (a) For voltages to ground 50kV or below--10 ft.; - (b) For voltages to ground over 50kV--10 ft. plus 0.4 inch for every 1 kV over 50 kV. - (7) Qualified persons . When a qualified person is working in the vicinity of overhead lines, whether in an elevated position or on the ground, the person must not approach or take any conductive object without an approved insulating handle closer to exposed energized parts than shown in subsections (3) and (4) of this section unless: - (a) The person is insulated from the energized part (gloves, with sleeves if necessary, rated for the voltage involved are considered to be insulation of the person from the energized part on which work is performed); or - (b) The energized part is insulated both from all other conductive objects at a different potential and from the person; or - (c) The person is insulated from all co…

[4] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2050

Open source document

Source excerpt

Division 2 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division - (A) Equipment of the nonheat-producing type, such as junction boxes, conduit, and fittings, and equipment of the heat-producing type having a maximum temperature not more than 100º C (212º F) need not have a marked operating temperature or temperature range; - (B) Fixed lighting fixtures marked for use in Class I, Division 2 or Class II, Division 2 locations only need not be marked to indicate the group; - (C) Fixed general-purpose equipment in Class I locations, other than lighting fixtures, that is acceptable for use in Class I, Division 2 locations need not be marked with the class, group, division, or operating temperature; - (D) Fixed dust-tight equipment, other than lighting fixtures, that is acceptable for use in Class II, Division 2 and Class III locations need not be marked with the class, group, division, or operating temperature; and - (E) Electric equipment suitable for ambient temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F) shall be marked with both the maximum ambient temperature and the operating temperature or temperature range at that ambient temperature; and - (3) Safe for the hazardous (classified) location. Equipment that is safe for the location shall be of a type and design that the employer demonstrates will provide protection from the hazards arising from the combustibility and flammability of vapors, liquids, gases, dusts, or fibers involved. - Note to paragraph (c)(3) of this section: The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, contains guidelines for determining the type and design of equipment and installations that will meet this requirement. Those guidelines address electric wiring, equipment, and systems installed in hazardous (classified) locations and contain specific provisions for the following: wiring methods, wiring connections; conductor insulation, flexible cords, sealing and drainage, transformers, capacitors, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, motor c…

[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1967

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 2-2017 Division 2 ASTM F1826-00 (2011), Standard Specification for Live Line and Measuring Telescoping Tools. ASTM F1891-12, Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear. ASTM F1958/F1958M-12, Standard Test Method for Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistant Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using Mannequins. ASTM F1959/F1959M-12, Standard Test Method for Determining the Arc Rating of Materials for Clothing. IEEE Stds 4-1995, 4a-2001(Amendment to IEEE Standard Techniques for High-Voltage Testing), IEEE Standard Techniques for High-Voltage Testing. IEEE Std 62-1995, IEEE Guide for Diagnostic Field Testing of Electric Power ApparatusPart 1: Oil Filled Power Transformers, Regulators, and Reactors. IEEE Std 80-2000, Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding. IEEE Std 100-2000, The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms Seventh Edition. IEEE Std 516-2009, IEEE Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energized Power Lines. IEEE Std 524-2003, IEEE Guide to the Installation of Overhead Transmission Line Conductors. IEEE Std 957-2005 IEEE Guide for Cleaning Insulators. IEEE Std 1048-2003, IEEE Guide for Protective Grounding of Power Lines. IEEE Std 1067-2005, IEEE Guide for In-Service Use, Care, Maintenance, and Testing of Conductive Clothing for Use on Voltages up to 765 kV AC and ±750 kV DC. IEEE Std 1307-2004 IEEE Standard for Fall Protection for Utility Work. IEEE Stds 1584-2002,1584a-2004 Amendment 1 to IEEE Std 1584-2002), and 1584b2011 (Amendment 2: Changes to Clause 4 of IEEE Std 1584-2002), IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations. IEEE C2-2012, National Electrical Safety Code. NFPA 70E-2012, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

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