08.26.09
Arc Flash Labels
I’ve been talking a lot about arc flash labels recently. The new NFPA 70E 2009 code has resulted in nearly everyone needing to review their existing labeling program and bring their arc flash labels into compliance with the new code. If you had been using the pre-formatted DuraLabel arc flash die-cut labels, with the arc flash software that comes with DuraLabel printers, your labels are okay. Of course, this also means that if you need to do arc flash labeling, getting a DuraLabel printer is the best way to go. Why?
One reason is because only DuraLabel printers give you four options for making arc flash labels.
1. Print die-cut arc flash labels, using the arc flash software included with DuraLabel printers, using pre-formatted die-cuts designed specifically for making standardized arc flash labels.
2. Print die-cut arc flash labels using blank die-cuts (with color headers) and using either the DuraLabel arc flash software, or other software such as MS Word or Excel.
3. Print SUPER-SIZED (up to 6.8″ x 10.5″) arc flash die-cut labels for greater visibility, or to serve as signs on cabinets and doorways.
4. Print arc flash labels using two-color vinyl. This provides a white label with a color strip at the top — such as an orange stripe for a warning label. Labels can be make to any required width. Any software (including ETAP, ESA & SKM) can be used for printing this type of label. The DuraLabel printer does not limit you on software that can be used.
5. Print arc flash labels using single color vinyl. This provides the greatest flexibility as there are no formatting limits on the label.
Ooops… that’s five options for printing arc flash labels using a DuraLabel printer. More options that even I thought were available!
08.12.09
130 Page Arc Flash Solutions Handbook
It’s not often that you can get a handbook like this free… but that’s the offer from graphic Products. You can get the latest edition of the Arc Flash Solutions Handbook… FREE… with no purchase required.
This 130+ page handbook is a complete resource for arc flash safety. It will take you through all of the steps needed for establishing an arc flash assessment program, and incorporating it into your overall safety program requirements. It provides practical information that helps improve staff safety, plant profitability and compliance with arc flash codes.
The topics covered include:
- Planning For An Arc Flash Hazard Program
- Arc Flash Calculation Methods
- Practical Steps To Arc Flash Calculations
- Limiting Arc Exposure
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Arc Flash Hazard Program
Use the link above to request your free copy.
Related Past Posts
New Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices
New 2009 Arc Flash Labeling Requirements
Saving Families With Arc Flash Labels
07.25.09
Fun, Fun, Fun – Arc Flash!!
We’ll have fun, fun, fun until her daddy takes the T-Bird away.
Yes, it’s summer time. Time to have fun. But not a good time to let safety move to the back-burner. A safety issue that can spring out of nowhere and seriously injure or kill someone is arc flash. Step one in preventing arc flash injuries is to be sure all electrical equipment is properly labels so that people will be aware of the hazard. Most arc flash injuries happen to people who did not know they faced a serious hazard.
An excellent guide to arc flash labeling is the Graphic Products Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices Guide. It provides complete information on making arc flash labels, including using DuraLabel PRO printers for making arc flash labels.
The Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices Guide is available free.
Related Past Posts:
New 2009 Arc Flash Labeling Requirements
Saving Families With Arc Flash Labels
New Arc Flash Web Site Launches
03.21.09
New 2009 Arc Flash Labeling Requirements
We’re finishing up the first quarter of 2009 and most people are aware of the new arc flash labeling requirements. The new NFPA 70E code includes a new section, 130.3(C), which requires “Equipment shall be field-marked with a label containing the available incident energy or required level of PPE.”
Many facilities may have already included this information on their arc flash labels. If you’ve been using a DuraLabel printer and DuraLabel die-cut labels, you most likely already have fully compliant labels. In other cases there may be a need to review existing labels for compliance with NFPA 70E 2009 and possible replacement.
When looking at replacing arc flash labels DuraLabel printers offer options not available with other printers. For example, there are a variety of material options available, including pre-formatted die-cuts, unformatted die-cuts, two color continuous vinyl, and single color continuous vinyl. In addition, with a DuraLabel printer die-cut arc flash labels as large as 6.8″ x 10.5″ can be printed.
While you probably only need one or two of these arc flash options, the versatility of a DuraLabel printer means it can be used for a wide range of other labeling and sign making projects. This means your DuraLabel printer is used more giving you a better return on your investment. Combine this with the lower cost of DuraLabel supplies, and you get an unbeatable value! Call 1-800-788-5572 today tp learn more about DuraLabel printers and how they will save you money.
Past posts about arc flash labeling:
Removing Old Arc Flash Labels
New Arc Flash Web Site
10.16.08
Lean Manufacturing & Free Safety Guides
Graphic Products offers a variety of free gifts to people employed in industry, government, the military, non-profits and medium to large businesses. Visit their free gift page at: Lean Manufacturing and Safety Tools.
They offer five lean manufacturing guides that cover 5S, Kaizen, Kanban and TPM (Total Productive Maintenance). They also offer safety related guides and resources including a 130 page Arc Flash handbook and an Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices Guide. Other safety guides cover topics such as safety inspections, pipe marking, valve tags, RTK labeling, WHMIS labeling, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Both the lean manufacturing and the safety guides are available free. There is no cost, no shipping fee, and no obligation to purchase anything. Some of the guides are available for immediate downloading, such as the Best Practices Guides (pipe marking, valve tags and arc flash labeling). Others are printed and will be mailed to you. You will need to supply a legitimate business address as these guides are not sent to home addresses.
Graphic Products is the manufacturer of the DuraLabel brand of label printers. They currently make the DuraLabel PRO, DuraLabel PRO 300 and the DuraLabel 7000. If you’d like to see the high quality of the labels and signs these machines make, ask for some free sample labels.
08.22.08
New Arc Flash Web Site Officially Launches
I announced this previously, but now the site is fully completed. The new arc flash web site, that provides in-depth information about arc flash and preventing arc flash injuries, is put out by the folks who make the DuraLabel printer. Although the web site is only partially about labeling, it includes some labeling information as well as a lot of arc flash information in general. The web site is called:
The Arc Flash Information Resource (www.arcflash.me)
Here are the details. The web site covers topics such as:
- Introduction To Arc Flash (What is arc flash and how can it be prevented?)
- Arc Flash Regulations
- Arc Flash Safety
- Arc Flash Safety Devices
- Arc flash labeling codes, label materials and label printers
- and a reference to other on line arc flash resources
The home page features news and update information and the latest post in the Graphic Products’ arc flash blog.
Free arc flash related gifts: Two arc flash related free gifts are available. A one page reference to arc flash labels, and a free copy of a 130 page book called The Practical Solution Guide To Arc Flash Hazards. There are also links on the web site that provide a free copy of the Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices Guide.
07.18.08
Saving Families With Arc Flash Labels
Arc flash happens suddenly. The only warning is a small label on a panel door… if there is a label. The problem is that most arc flash hazards are not labeled. Electrical workers have no idea they are being exposed to a hazard that could kill them or put them in the hospital for months. According to the NFPA/NEC code, equipment with as little as 50 volts can present an arc flash hazard.
The result of an arc flash is that a family loses a parent and provider.
A simple step that can prevent most arc flash injuries, is to label all equipment that represents an arc flash hazard… and train workers so they understand and act on the information on the label.
You can learn about arc flashing labeling from a free Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices Guide. This is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the initial facility inspection, to maintaining arc flash labels after they have been installed.
Nearly 80% of electrical equipment that needs an arc flash label, does not have an arc flash label. Risking serious injury or death is not a risk worth taking. Get a copy of the Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices today, get your staff trained, and get your electrical equipment labeled to identify and warn employees about the arc flash danger.
Don’t put it off. Do it today.
