| ng the appropriate levels of protection in your | | | | proactive step in this labeling and doing it now to |
| workplace environment starts with you and your | | | | insure maximum safety procedures are followed. |
| employer. It is the employer’s | | | | One of the most important pieces in this safety |
| responsibility to insure that safety procedures are | | | | protocol is the none other than the label. These |
| followed and set into place. However, it is also | | | | labels warn of danger, making it easier than ever |
| your responsibility as a professional to insure | | | | to specify the appropriate rating of apparel and |
| those regulations and policies are followed, | | | | tools necessary to guarantee a safer working |
| maintained, and updated regularly. Arc flash | | | | experience. The label will allow the employee to |
| equipment is an important part of your career or | | | | see the appropriate personal protection equipment |
| occupation if you work around live electricity or | | | | or PPE required. Not following the guidelines will not |
| stored electricity. One wrong step and you can | | | | only cause possible injury, but not following |
| lose more than your job; you could lose your life. | | | | regulations and policies will cause severe fining by |
| NEC and OSHA are heavily citing businesses and | | | | the industry. |
| companies that are violating current policies. | | | | There are a variety of labels available today. |
| However, with these policies being relatively new | | | | There are the basic labels which are a warning. |
| to the industry, it is important that you keep up | | | | These are made of B-302 polyester which is quite |
| with what is new and what is going to make your | | | | durable and has an over-laminate. In addition, the |
| life safer. Employers are responsible for labeling | | | | basic labels must have that adhesive that is |
| the equipment and area where arc flash | | | | industrial grade. The write-on labels are |
| equipment is necessary. | | | | constructed of B-933 vinyl that allows it to be |
| Employers and not the installers or manufacturers | | | | written on with a marker or pen. |
| are responsible for insuring they comply with the | | | | When it comes to labeling, you will discover that |
| labeling requirements set forth by the NEC. Panel | | | | the labels are inexpensive if not thoroughly cost |
| boards, motor control centers, industrial control | | | | effective. This is one of the greatest resources |
| panels, and switchboards have to be labeled | | | | you have at your disposal. However, there is one |
| according to the National Electric Code’s | | | | tool that is better than all else. That one tool, the |
| 2002 edition. However, many companies are | | | | one tool that is revealed as being your greatest |
| choosing to mark or label disconnect switches, | | | | asset is you. When you take a conscious stand in |
| conduits, and other types of tools or equipment. | | | | your own safety, you will find your workplace |
| Any type equipment installed must be labeled if | | | | environment is simply safer. |
| installed post-2002. If you have tools or | | | | Having the right arc flash equipment is vital, but |
| equipments that were installed pre-2002, and if | | | | being a smarter more educated individual when it |
| that equipment or tools are modified, repaired, or | | | | comes to taking an active role in your own |
| upgraded post 2002, they must have the | | | | safety is the number one key to insure you |
| appropriate labeling. Those employers that care | | | | maximize your days in a safe and healthy manner. |
| and have intelligence are actually taking a | | | | |