When doing the scan on < 600v mcc cb and starters are these one piece cape type ppe rated for the task. Each hinged cover has to be removed to perform the work and sometimes it's a one man team . At one time they use 2* ppe for the work.
If this is done once a year do we need a permit.

There has been no arc flash study on any equipment to date.

What is the rating of the PPE? It needs to meet the HRC requirements if you are using the table method.

If your written policy permits IR scanning as routine work, and you provide periodic training on how to perform it safely, then you do not need the permit. If its not in your policy, and its not considered routine, then you do.

Long coat designs are protection concerns. For more information please see attached....

Haze, could I ask for a reference on this. I suppose you base this on a statement somewhere in the NFPA 70E. I acquired the NFPA 70 pdf only a few days ago, and have not had time yet to read it. Thank-you if you could refer me to the basis for this practice.

130.1(B)(1) Commentary in Handbook. "Permits that cover routine work tasks to be performed by trained and qualified employees can be written to cover a long period of time...."

Aren't certain items exempt from the permit process; troubleshooting, voltage testing, etc.? Would a permit even be required for opening a hinged panel and performing an IR inspection?

Depends on the client you work for as well.. One of the clients I work with requires the permit to be noted ENERGIZED or DE-ENERGIZED. If it is energized LOW RISK (as defined in their HSE Matrix) then you have to have another electrician to sign the permit as a "Technical Authority". If it is not low risk you need a higher level of approval. They built a standard permit for troubleshooting, as most hazzards are similar, and it also includes voltage testing, amp checks, etc. I believe they even built a standard permit for IR scanning.

130.1(B)(3) ...If the purpose of crossing the Limited Approach Boundary is only for visual inspection and the Restricted Approach Boundary will not be crossed, then an energized electrical work permit shall not be required.

Of course appropriate PPE is required.