Arc flash safety and thermal imaging
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace has come a long way regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for thermographers (people using thermal cameras).
In the 2018 edition of NFPA 70E, the if the person removing the panel covers wore full arc-rated clothing and PPE, the thermographer could elect to not wear arc-rated clothing and PPE if:
- They did not cross the restricted approach boundary,
- Break the plane of the enclosure; and
- Did not interact with the equipment in any way.
What NFPA 70E means for thermographers
Here are a few more important points to know about these PPE recommendations for thermographers:
- NFPA 70E represents minimum arc flash safety practices, not best safe work practices. Any qualified person about to perform a task that exposes them to electrical hazards must perform a full risk assessment, including a shock risk assessment and an arc flash risk assessment.
- Once the panel covers are off, the area secured and inspected for possible hazards that may not be clear, then the thermographer can enter and perform the scan, wearing appropriate PPE for that level risk.
Equipment condition is a critical part of arc flash PPE assessment. As an example, see the table below, which is a partial table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a).
| Task | Equipment Condition | Arc Flash PPE Required |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of battery intercell connector covers | All the following: The equipment is properly installed The equipment is properly maintained Covers for all other equipment are in place and secured There is no evidence of impending failure |
No |
| One or more of the following: The equipment is not properly installed The equipment is not properly maintained Equipment doors are open or not secured Equipment covers are off or not secured There is evidence of impending failure |
Yes | |
| Opening hinged door(s) or cover(s) (to expose bare energized electrical conductors and circuit parts) | Any | Yes |
| Perform infrared thermography and other noncontact inspections outside the restricted approach boundary. This activity does not include opening of doors or covers. | Any | No |
Courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association
Also, be aware that even where the task of infrared thermography in Table 130.7 (C)(15)(A)(a) states “No PPE Required” in any condition, technicians cannot knowingly put themselves at risk, which is why the risk assessment is so critical.
Whether to wear arc-rated clothing and PPE for infrared thermography may in some cases now be a personal decision. Be aware that OSHA directs employers to supply required PPE and for employees to wear the supplied PPE, if hazards exist. A risk assessment can indicate whether such PPE is needed, and the assessment needs to be properly documented.
Source – FLUKE
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