What should be included on labels for electrical equipment that require examination while energized?

Labels for electrical equipment that require examination while energized must convey crucial information about the potential electric shock and arc flash hazards present when working on or near the equipment. Including the arc flash boundary and site-specific personal protective equipment (PPE) level on these labels is essential.

The arc flash boundary indicates the distance from the equipment within which a person could be exposed to a dangerous level of incident energy if an arc flash were to occur. This helps workers understand the safe distances to maintain when working near energized equipment. The site-specific PPE level informs workers of the appropriate protective gear they must don to mitigate the risks associated with the specific tasks they might perform on or near that equipment. This guidance is foundational to ensuring the safety of personnel in compliance with electrical safety standards, particularly those outlined in NFPA 70E, which aims to reduce the risk of electrical hazards in the workplace.

In summary, having this information readily available on equipment labels enables workers to assess the hazards and prepare adequately to protect themselves, thus fostering a safer work environment.