Protective equipment

[vennivivi]

Good day,

I work in a food manufacturing company and we have our own generating plant 15 MW and twelve sub-stations supplying equal number of motor control centres @ 400 V 50 hZ. There are quite frequent interventions on the MCC by the electrical team. There is a demand from the electricians for special protective shoes. I would like to know what are the relevant US and EU requirements regarding protective shoes for electricians ?

Thanks.

Grundig

 

[Eleceng01]

I can only speak for the US, but the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) defines the requirements in the NFPA70E. They also work in conjunction with the IEEE and follow IEEE standards. One that most likely affects you is NFPA70E & IEEE-1584 (assuming you are in the US). The NFPA70E states the minimum requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) - not just shoes.

You should talk to someone experienced in arc flash protection analysis from the sound of your facility. My understanding is that OSHA will begin enforcing the NFPA70E sometime next year (I believe).

Good luck - if there is anything I can do to help you just ask.

 

[Zogzog]

Yep, refer to the NFPA 70E for all of the PPE requirements. ASTM DF2413-05 lists the requirements for EH (Electrical Hazard) rated footwear, I assume that is what you are looking for.

Eleceng01, The new OSHA standard that includes the NFPA 70E is already out and goes into effect on 8/13/07.

 

[alehman]

Zog,
Do you have a link for the new OSHA requirements?

 

[jraef]

Uh, guys, 400V 50Hz? I seriously doubt he is in the US!
(Another hint: centres vs centers)

I think for other countries it might fall under IEC 60895

http://www.toscadoc.co.uk/s-60895-1.html

Can't tell for sure though, that standard may apply to much higher voltages. maybe some of our overseas brethren will have a better idea.

 

[Zogzog]

Alehman, here is the link

http://www.epowerplus.com/Safety.htm/