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February 3, 2023
The Importance of Hazard Assessment in NFPA 70E Compliance
February 5, 2023
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E is a workplace electrical safety standard that provides instructions for lowering the risk of electrical hazards. The categorization of electrical dangers into multiple hazard risk categories is one of the standard’s essential components. In this article, we will go through the various hazard risk categories in NFPA 70E and how they affect workplace electrical safety.
Hazard Risk Classification (HRC) 0 or N/A (less than 1.2 cal/cm2: This category includes electrical risks that do not exist. In other words, there are no arc flash or arc blast threats, and no Arc-Rated PPE is necessary. When staff are conducting maintenance or repair work on electrical equipment, this category is frequently utilized.
Hazard Risk Category 1 (1.2 – 4 cal/cm2):
This category includes electrical dangers that are present but provide a minimal risk of harm. Electrical shock threats exist in these conditions, although the possibility of an arc flash or burn hazard is negligible. When working on electrical equipment in this category, employees may need to wear minimum PPE, such as rubber gloves.
Hazard Risk Classification (HRC) 2 (4.1 -8 cal/cm2):
This category refers to electrical risks that are present, with a modest risk of harm. Electrical shock, arc flash, and burn threats are prevalent in these scenarios, and personnel may need to wear more substantial PPE, such as protective garments, face shields, and balaclavas.
Hazard Risk Classification (HRC) 3 (8.1 -25 cal/cm2):
This category refers to electrical dangers that are present and provide a significant risk of harm. Electrical shock, arc flash, and burn dangers exist in these conditions, and personnel must wear a complete spectrum of PPE, including protective clothes, hardhats with flash hoods, and arc flash suits.
Hazard Risk Classification (HRC) 4 (25.1 -40 cal/cm2):
This category refers to electrical risks that are present, with a high potential of harm. Electrical shock, arc flash, and burn dangers exist in these scenarios, and personnel must wear a complete spectrum of PPE, including protective clothes, face shields, arc flash suits, and other protective equipment, such as hardhats with flash hoods and arc flash suits.
It’s crucial to remember that the hazard risk category might alter depending on the sort of job being done, the voltage of the electrical equipment, and other considerations. As a consequence, before commencing any electrical activity, it is critical to evaluate the hazard risk category and verify that staff are wearing the proper PPE depending on the hazard risk category.
Finally, recognizing the various hazard risk categories in NFPA 70E is crucial for lowering the risk of electrical dangers in the workplace. Organizations may guarantee that their personnel are protected against electrical shock, arc flash, and burn dangers by analyzing the hazard risk category before performing any electrical activity. Furthermore, by adhering to the NFPA 70E recommendations, companies may establish a safe and efficient work environment, lowering the likelihood of electrical accidents and limiting the effect of electrical risks on people and equipment.
NFPA 70E / ARC FLASH – Electrical Safety / Arc Flash Training (Onsite Instructor-Led)
