The Hazard / Risk Category method was introduced with the 2000 Edition of NFPA 70E. Many years have passed since then and it seems the trend for PPE selection has migrated towards incident energy calculations.

This week's question:

Do you still use the Hazard / Risk Category table method for PPE selection?

• Yes
• No
• Sometimes

Stories and comments are always welcome!

I would be surprised if anyone uses the tables anymore. For labeling if you use the HRC tables, you have to list the highest one which could be a real problem to implement.

As a contractor you often have to use the tables if the facility has not conducted an arc flash study. The hard part is training your field crew to understand how to figure out if the equipment falls within the limit sof the tables.

I know the tables have risk involved with the HRC depending on the task but it is still always difficult to explain to someone why calculations give you only 1 answer and the tables may give you 3 different answers.

We use IEEE to calculate the incident energy.

We don't do math, the Safety department just makes blanket policies. PPE to change 3 VDC battery.

We use the tables when gathering data for arc flash studies. This is somewhat of a problem, however, because before we gather the data and model the system, we don't usually know the fault current levels and interrupting times.

Same here. There is only so much you can do when you don't have enough info. Something is better than nothing.

I've had contractors use the tables but when I mention the limitations they give me the deer in the headlights look.

Jim, GREAT QUESTION!
I am on the "other" end of the spectrum. Workrite provides the clothing specified, but many contractors {who are allowed} to use the tables do so incorrectly due to missing information. My experience has been that companies who specify the appropriate level of clothing are the same companies who have performed the appropriate level of arc flash hazard analysis. These same reputable companies will then enforce their own standards or allow acceptable higher levels of protection from their contractors. In the eyes of OSHA, both the a)host employer and b) contractor are responsible for doing the work safely. Both will be fined in the event of an accident. This is well documented. GOOGLE OSHA's "multi-employer citation policy" for reference to their position.