This section of the label provides voltage information which can be used to quickly assess the potential shock hazard of the system.

Site specific PPE: details the PPE a particular facility has deemed necessary on a case-by-case and facility-specific basis.

Minimum Arc Rating (AR) of Clothing: AR numbers are printed on clothing labels by PPE manufacturers and identify the heat energy tolerance of the protective clothing.

Each number represents an increased risk of danger and requires a higher level of PPE.

Arc Flash PPE Category: NFPA 70E identifies 4 PPE categories related to incident energy analyses.

Available incident energy: Defines the thermal energy (cal /cm²) at a given working distance from an arc fault.

PPE requirements can be expressed in one of four methods on an arc flash label: This section of the label provides information about the PPE needed to safely work on the equipment. The level of PPE required at a given location is based directly on the calculated incident energy (the amount of thermal energy at a distance from an electrical arc event). If a person is located closer than the established working distance, the worker could be at extreme risk.

When it comes to arc flash – working distance can mean the difference between life and death. Incident energy increases dramatically as working distance decreases. Accepted work distances are primarily based on equipment type and are published in the IEEE 1584. Typical work distances range from 18-36 inches but can vary. IEEE 1584 defines the working distance as “the dimension between the possible arc point and the head and body of the worker positioned in place to perform the assigned task.” The working distance is based on a calculation of the level of incident energy (cal/ cm²) at a workers’ head and torso from the potential arc source. Any employee within this boundary must be wearing appropriately arc-rated PPE. The energy at this boundary line would be equivalent to 1.2cal/ cm² or 5 Joules of heat energy. The arc flash boundary identifies the distance from the equipment at which an unprotected person would receive second-degree burns in the event of an arc flash. Ultimately this distinction is made on a site-by-site basis as requested by site personnel but should be consistent across the site. The regulation does not provide guidance on distinguishing between the use of ‘Danger’ or ‘Warning’ on the header, however it is common to have ‘Warning’ labels applied in lower risk scenarios (i.e.: 40cal/ cm²). Each of these components is discussed in further detail below to help you understand each component of the warning label.Īrc flash labels must use an ANSI Z535 compliant header with the word ‘DANGER’ in white letters on a red band or the word ‘WARNING’ in black letters on an orange band. The label shown here is marked with letters A – I each of which highlights an important component of the arc flash label. The NFPA 70E regulation states that workplace electrical equipment that is likely to be serviced should be marked with a cautionary label. Arc flash studies are a requirement of NFPA 70E, while arc flash labeling requirements are specifically defined in section 130.5(H) of the regulation. The information on an arc flash label (sometimes referred to as an arc flash sticker) is based directly on the results of the arc flash study. The regulation helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities.

The goal of this regulation is to protect personnel by reducing exposure to major electrical hazards. Arc flash labelling requirements are defined by the newly updated NFPA 70E 2021 standard. NFPA-70E was developed at OSHA’s request and sets the standards for electrical safety in the workplace. Arc flash labels are designed to keep people safe.

Arc flash boundary warning