Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: ken44, Location: Austin, TX
Asked on: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:11 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:07 am EDT
Question: I have a question regarding the NFPA 70E Compliance Guide, I have a Thermography Crew who scans electrical equipment in the 600 Volts or less category, however, this is accomplished by removing the panel covers. Under the 600 Volt Class Switchgear section, the guide list an HRC 2 for PPE concerning the performance of Thermography, however, a little further down the list, it shows an HRC 4 to remove bolted covers, which is necessary for the Thermography Crew to perform the Thermography scans. If I am reading this correctly, it is a two process job, first step is to suit up for Category 4 and then remove the bolted covers of the 600 Volt Class Switchgear, then the second step allows to move to Category 2 PPE for the actual Thermography scanning which occurs outside the restricted approach boundary, then reverse the procedure to complete the job. Does this sound correct?, I would appreciate any insight.
Yes, your understanding of the NFPA 70E Compliance Guide is correct.
Step 1: Remove Bolted Covers (Category 4)
To remove the bolted covers of the 600 Volt Class Switchgear, you will need to suit up for Category 4 PPE, as indicated by the HRC 4 in the guide. This is because removing bolted covers is considered a high-risk activity that could result in an electrical arc flash.
Step 2: Perform Thermography Scan (Category 2)
Once the bolted covers are removed, you can move to Category 2 PPE for the actual Thermography scanning. This is because the Thermography scan is conducted outside the restricted approach boundary, where the risk of an electrical arc flash is lower.
Step 3: Reverse Procedure to Complete Job
After completing the Thermography scan, you will need to reverse the procedure to complete the job. This means putting on Category 4 PPE again to replace the bolted covers and then removing the Category 4 PPE once the covers are secured.
Additional Considerations: Ensure that all necessary safety precautions are taken, such as lockout/tagout, grounding, and visual inspection. Use properly calibrated Thermography equipment. Train the Thermography Crew on the proper procedures and PPE requirements. Conduct regular job hazard assessments to identify and minimize potential hazards. Flag for review