Arc Flash Labels

Arc flash labels are critical to safety in your facility... whether it is an electric power plant or an office building. Arc flash has injured people in retail stores and in coal mines. If there is electricity, there is the potential for an arc flash.

The problem is that people are in many cases not aware of the danger. That's why arc flash labels are so important. They warn people about the hazard and inform workers about what needs to be done to protect themselves. This helps prevent someone from working on the source of a potential arc flash, without the proper PPE.

But, arc flash labels must be correct and this usually requires that an arc flash analysis be done. The Arc Flash Solutions Handbook provides the detailed information needed to make your workplace save from arc flash hazards. Graphic Products makes a copy of this handbook available free. Use this link to request your copy: Free Arc Flash Solutions Handbook.

Related Past Posts:
Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices
NFPA 70E Labeling Web Site
CSA Z462 - Canadian Arc Flash Standard

Time For A DuraLabel

You don't have a DuraLabel printer yet? Why not?

If you need industrial quality safety signs and labels, you need a DuraLabel printer.

You say you need to make large signs? That's not a problem for DuraLabel printers. The DuraLabel 9000 has even been used to make green highway signs. Now that's a BIG sign! Plus DuraLabel printers have large size supplies that no one else has, such as jumbo fixed 8.8" X 12.8" die-cut arc flash labels (plus RTK labels are also available). When you need BIG, durable OSHA safety signs, the DuraLabel 9000 delivers.

You say you have some surfaces labels won't stay stuck on? Not a problem for DuraLabel printers. With more types of specialty labeling supplies than any other printer, DuraLabel printers get the job done and get it done right. Whether the surface is hot or cold, oily or rusty, irregular or low-energy plastic, DuraLabel has the right supply to make labels that stay stuck... unless you want the label to come off. Yes, DuraLabel also makes removable labels, magnetic labels and even static cling labels.

Call 1-888-326-9244 today to find out which DuraLabel printer is right for you.

Arc Flash Labels

Arc flash incidents happen so infrequently that people can forget about the danger.

Arc flash incidents happen so frequently, and are so severe, that they are a serious hazard and common cause of workplace injuries.

Are these statements contradictory. Not at all. They are both true. Electrical equipment can run for years with nothing apparently wrong. Then seemingly out of nowhere an arc flash happens. That's one reason why arc flash is so dangerous. It is also a major reason why arc flash labels are so important.

Arc flash labels remind anyone who gets close that an arc flash danger exists. If you use DuraLabel SUPER-SIZED arc flash labels, people don't even need to get close to read the label and know the danger is real.

Don't think that equipment must be energized with 480v or more in order to be an arc flash danger. Arc flash labels are required on equipment operating at as low a level as 50 volts, because the potential for an arc flash exists even at that low of a voltage. That means proper procedures must be followed and the proper PPE used... and arc flash labels provide that information.

When you need arc flash labels turn to the experts, DuraLabel. The DuraLabel brand of label printers and supplies provide unsurpassed quuality, ease-of-use, and customer support -- all combined into a value packaged package. That means you also save money with DuraLabel because DuraLabel supplies cost less than supplies from other major brands. But that doesn't mean you'll be scrimping on quality. The extensive testing DuraLabel puts all their supplies through ensure you get only the best quality.

Plus, with DuraLabel you get versatility. No other supplier... I'll repeat that because it's not just marketing talk... no other printer has as many types of supplies available as do DuraLabel PRO printers. With over 41 different types of supplies you get extreme versatility with DuraLabel. You may buy yuor printer to make arc flash lbels, but you can use it for everything from shrink tube wire labels to making reflective traffic control signs.

DuraLabel gets the job done... and it gets the job done right. Call 1-888-326-9244 today.

Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices

Labeling arc flash hazards in accordance with NFPA 70E 2009 is required. It is a task that can no longer be put off.

To help you get started Graphic Products has produced an Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices that summarizes NFPA 70E 2009 and describe what is involved in making arc flash labels. This best practice guide is available free. It provides everything you need to know from an initial facility inspection through maintaining labels after they are installed.

The Arc Flash Labeling Best Practices is part of a series of best practice guides published by Graphic Products, and covering subjects such as pipe marking and making OSHA Safety Signs.

Past Posts Related to Arc Flash Labeling
Arc Flash Labeling
OSHA And Arc Flash Labels

CSA Z462 - Canadian Arc Flash Code

CSA Z462 is the code that specifies the Canadian Arc Flash requirements. It parallels NFPA 70E 2009.

When you need a label printer that makes CSA Z462 compliant arc flash labels, the right way to go is with a DuraLabel printer. Why? Because with a DuraLabel printer you get quality, durability, and versatility... all backed by unbeatable customer service. Plus you get innovation that has resulted in the industry leading DuraLabel brand of label and sign printers. Innovation targeted at solving problems and making your job easier.

How does that innovation help with arc flash labeling?

DuraLabel is the inventor of two-color continuous vinyl. Two color continuous vinyl allows you to create arc flash labels in sdizes other than the standard 4" x 6" die-cut label. You can size your arc flash labels to be the appropriate size for the information they need to communicate.

By the way, do you need larger arc flash labels? DuraLabel is the inventor of the super-sized arc flash die-cut. With dimensions of 6.8" x 10.5" the super-sized DuraLabel arc flash label can easily be seen from a distance and it has plenty of room for all the information you want t include. In addition to labeling, these extra large die-cutsare excellent for making signs for doors, cabinets and equipment that is viewed from a distance.

When you are ready to make your CSA Z462 compliant labels, get a Duralabel printer. It'll get the job done right... and be available to do a lot more for you.

Related past blog posts:
ANSI Sign Making Standards
Safety Labels and Signs (Arc Flash)
Arc Flash Labeling

OSHA And Arc Flash Labels

When OSHA was asked about using arc flash labels to be in compliance with NFPA 70E-2004, here is what they said:

Question: "When work must be performed on energized electric equipment that is capable of exposing employees to arc-flash hazards, does OSHA require the marking of the electric equipment to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc-flash hazards — i.e., as required by NFPA 70E-2004?

OSHA's Reply: OSHA has no specific requirement for such marking. A requirement to mark equipment with flash hazard warnings was not included in the 1981 Subpart S revision. However, paragraph (e) of §1910.303 requires employers to mark electrical equipment with descriptive markings, including the equipment's voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary. OSHA believes that this information, along with the training requirements for qualified persons, will provide employees the necessary information to protect themselves from arc-flash hazards.

Additionally, in §1910.335(b), OSHA requires employers to use alerting techniques (safety signs and tags, barricades, and attendants) . . . to warn and protect employees from hazards which could cause injury due to electric shock, burns or failure of electric equipment parts. Although these Subpart S electrical provisions do not specifically require that electric equipment be marked to warn qualified persons of arc-flash hazards, §1910.335(b)(1) requires the use of safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags to warn employees about electrical hazards (e.g., electric-arc-flash hazards) which may endanger them as required by §1910.145.

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While they do not specifically require arc flash labels, they do require arc flash label and signs. NFPA 70E and the NEC, which OSHA would most likely use to determine if there is proper labeling, requires that the following be labeled, using labels that are large enough to be read outside the hazard boundary:

• Fuse Panels
• MCC (Motor Control centers)
• MCC Buckets
• Breaker Boxes and Switches
• Meter Sockets
• Hard Wired Disconnects
• Machine control Disconnects
• Electrical Panels That Might Be Serviced In An Energized Condition

4" x 6" labels are typically large enough to be seen from outside the hazard area. Information about arc flash labeling is available from the Arc Flash Information Resource Center.

Safety Labels & Signs

Meeting OSHA requirements for safety labels and signs is important, but it misses the point. The point is SAFETY. If safety means going beyond what is required, then that is the right thing to do. Sounds expensive? Not if you make the right choices.

Let's talk about arc flash labeling. There are many suppliers offering printers and supplies for making arc flash labels. Who can you trust? Who should you buy from? What is the best value? What supplies will give you the longest lasting labels?

We've been talking about label quality and how the thickness of the vinyl impacts label life. The basic rule of thumb is that the thinner the vinyl, the longer the label life. Look at vinyl specs and you'll see that 7-year vinyl is typically 2 mil and 5-year vinyl is typically 3 mil.

There is another factor that effects vinyl life, and that is physical damage. That's why, for example, that DuraStripe Floor Marking Tapes are 30 mil and thicker. Floor marking tapes are subject to a lot of physical abuse. But arc flash labels are not in locations in which they are subject to physical abuse. That means their durability is directly related to vinyl thickness.

We use 2.0 mil vinyl for our die-cut arc flash labels. It is not practical to use a thinner vinyl, so this provides maximum durability. The thinner vinyl has a smaller edge profile. It is the height of the label edge that determines the life of the label. The thicker the edge, the easier it is for air and moisture to begin to get under the label and dry out the adhesive.

When purchasing arc flash labels, check on the thickness of the vinyl. As the first step in being sure you are getting the most durable labels possible, look for 2.0 mil die-cut vinyl labels. There are other factors the effect the quality of the label, such as the quality of the vinyl, surface finish, and the quality of the adhesive. But, if you are not getting thin vinyl to start with, you've already lost the game.

For a free guide explaining the information typically found on arc flash labels, visit our Arc Flash Information Resource web site. You can order a free copy of the label guide, and learn a lot more about arc flash hazards and labeling.

Arc Flash Labeling

A labeling issue that is growing is that of arc flash labeling.

Arc flash is a hazard that results from the rapid release of energy resulting from an electrical arc. An arc flash vaporizes metal and creates a violent explosion. An arc flash happens when dirt, debris builds up or a tool falls to create a short circuit.

Every potential source of an arc flash must be labeled to warn of the danger and supply information about that danager.

There is an excellent web site and blog that provides information about arc flash labeling. The blog in particular is good as it provides topic specific information, as well as current arc flash news. The blog allows you to subscribe to receive email copies of postings, so you'll receive the latest arc flash news in your inbox.