Hello All.
I recently took a nationally accredited NFPA 70E training class that stated that PPE is required in the Limited Approach Boundary.
My companies safety training states that PPE is required in the Restricted Approach Boundary and the Arc Flash Boundary but not in the Limited Approach Boundary.
When I questioned the instructor as to where 70E recommends PPE for the Limited Approach Boundary he said it is implied in Article 130.4.
I looked at Article 130.4 Shock Risk Assessment (F) Limited Approach Boundary and Article 130.7 Personal and Other Protective Equipment (C) Personal Protective Equipment (1) General.
The former article does not mention PPE, for the Limited Approach Boundary, and the later article states -When an employee is working within the Restricted Approach Boundary the worker shall wear PPE in accordance with 130.4. When an employee is working within the Arc Flash Boundary, he or she shall wear protective clothing and other PPE in accordance with 130.5.
With no mention of PPE in the Limited Approach Boundary.
In addition Informative Annex C Limits of Approach C.1.1 unqualified persons are allowed in the Limited Approach Boundary if continually escorted by a qualified person, (with no mention of PPE) and C.1.2.2 states - For a person to to cross the limited approach boundary and enter the limited space, a person should meet the following criteria :
(1) Be qualified to preform the task
(2) Be able to identify the hazards and associated risks with the tasks to be performed.
C.1.2.3 To cross the Restricted Approach Boundary and enter the restricted space, qualified persons should meet the following criteria:
(2) states - Use personal protective equipment (PPE) that is rated for the voltage and energy level involved.
I don't see where 70 E requires PPE for the Limited Approach Boundary but would appreciate your thoughts and opinions regarding the need for PPE when crossing the Limited Approach Boundary.

Thanks

Pete Sears
Sentinel Power Services

It depends on the type of work. If you are working in the restricted boundary, arc rated PPE and shock protection is required. Let's say you are working in the limited approach boundary. A good example is thermography: while shock protection is not required, arc rated PPE MAY be required, depending on the arc flash boundary distance. If the AFB is < than the limited approach in the example, then arc rated PPE may not be required. If the AFB > than the limited approach, then it is most likely required. Risk assessment would determine if PPE is required in the latter case, although I don't know of many thermography tech's who don't wear arc rated PPE when taking shots regardless.

Mike

I understand that if the Arc Flash Boundary extends beyond the Limited Approach Boundary that arc flash PPE is required when in the Limited Approach Boundary.
My question was more focused on shock PPE being required when working in the Limited Approach Boundary.
The training course I recently attended stated that shock PPE was required when crossing the Limited Approach Boundary to which I cannot find and collaborating statement in NFPA 70E.
Since unqualified persons cannot enter the Limited Approach Boundary unless escorted by a qualified person the question is the unqualified/qualified person required to wear shock PPE when in the Limited Approach Boundary and not crossing into the Restricted Approach Boundary.
For example if an unqualified person was wanting to inspect a piece of electrical gear, for proper labeling or reading a display, would they be required to wear shock PPE if they were only within the Limited Approach Boundary and the Arc Flash Boundary did not extend into the Limited Approach Boundary.
I agree that it is safer to err on the side of caution by wearing PPE whenever you are around electrical equipment. Just because the particular piece of equipment you are working with may have a IE rating at or below 1.2 cal/cm2, other adjacent equipment may have a rating that has the Arc Flash Boundary encompassing your position.

Pete Sears
Sentinel Power Services

In your example, the unqualified person is:

1) not working on the equipment
2) not in the restricted approach

I would say shock protection in that scenario is not required.

Mike

Pete, your interpretation is my interpretation. When performing a Shock assessment, assuming 480 volts for arguments sake, rubber gloves and leather protecters are required when entering the Restricited Approach boundary. Limiited Approach is the Qualified Worker boundary..............JD