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HOW TO READ LABELS
Click on sections of the label to learn more about it.
Header
NFPA 70E recommends identifying those situations in which there is a hazard to the worker. A commonly used guideline is to use “Warning” below 600V or “Danger” in red over 600V or when the incident energy is over 40 cals/cm2.
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Specific Hazards
Shows the specific hazard and appropriate steps to take.
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Incident Energy at Working Distance
When working within the shown distance, this is the estimated incident energy that a worker would be exposed to in the event of an arc flash. This is the incident energy level used to determine PPE ensemble rating.
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Arc Flash Boundary
Distance from an exposed live part at which an unprotected worker would likely receive a second-degree burn in the event of an arc flash. Both qualified and unqualified workers may cross the Arc Flash Boundary as long as they are wearing proper arc flash PPE, as specified in NFPA 70E. Unqualified persons must be escorted by a qualified person to cross this boundary.
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Nominal System Voltage/ Shock Hazard
This is the voltage that a worker would be exposed to if shocked.
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Limited Approach Boundary
Distance from an exposed live part at which a shock hazard exists. Both qualified and unqualified workers may cross the Limited Approach Boundary as long as they are wearing proper shock hazard PPE, as specified in NFPA 70E. Unqualified persons must be escorted by a qualified person to cross this boundary.
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Restricted Approach Boundary
Distance from an exposed live part at which there is an increased risk of shock from arc-over or inadvertent movement. Unqualified workers may not cross this boundary. Qualified workers must wear PPE appropriate to the voltage they are exposed to, as specified in NFPA 70E. At a minimum some form of documentation is required to cross this boundary, often an approved work permit is required.
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Required PPE
This indicates the type of PPE ensemble that is required to perform work on this equipment. The Arc Rating (AR) level should be consistent with the incident energy levels shown on the label.
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Glove Class
ASTM Glove Classes are 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, which correspond to increasing voltage applications.
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Date/ Latest Code
Previous versions of NFPA 70E had different requirements for arc flash labels. For example, the 2004 edition only required a general warning that an arc flash hazard was present. Under the 2018 edition of NFPA 70E, an older arc flash label may be kept in place as long as the label complied with the requirements in effect at the time it was applied and the label's information remains accurate (this information must be reviewed at least once every five years).
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Minimum Arc Rating of PPE
The arc rating determines the protective characteristics of the fabric to exposure to an electrical arc discharge. The higher the arc rating value the greater the protection. An arc rating is based on the “arc thermal performance value” (ATPV). The arc rating is expressed in calories/square centimeter (cal/cm2), and should be matched to the type of exposure.
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