Arc flash labeling remains a major problem, with most equipment that represents an arc flash hazard remaining unlabeled.

Steve Hudgik, Internet Marketing Manager for Graphic Products reports that "A recent survey by the NEC Digest revealed that 'only 14% of the equipment installed before 2002 had arc flash warning labels, while 52% of equipment installed in 2002 and later had them.' This tells us that industry and facilities are far from complying with the labeling requirements of the NEC code."

The new NEC 2008 electrical code is now available. One of the big questions concerned whether the new code would change arc flash labeling requirements. The previous code only required that an arc flash label be used. This has not chanbged in the new code. You must label devices that pose an arc flash hazard, but there is no requirements concerning what information needs to be on the label.

Although there are no specific requirements, failing to mark equipment with arc flash labels that include appropriate information can still result in OSHA fines and lawsuits on the generic basis that the injured person was not adequately informed about the hazard.

The new DuraLabel PRO printer can help to solve this problem.

The DuraLabel PRO can create custom arc flash labels in a variety of styles and with whatever information you want to include. There are three basic types of DuraLabel PRO supplies available for making arc flash labels:

Die-Cut Supply:

If the incident energy has been determined for a device, the Flash Label Software provides a database application for creating, printing and storing arc flash labels. The Flash Label software prints on 4"x6" die-cut labels that have either a WARNING or a DANGER header pre-printed on the label. Labels can be printed in three languages: English, Spanish and French.

Two-Color Continuous Vinyl:

An option that provides greater customization is the two-color continuous vinyl tape available in three sizes. This tape is white with an orange stripe at the top. The DuraLabel PRO can print a signal word or phrase in the stripe, such as DANGER or WARNING. The white area, which makes up most the label, is used to print whatever other information or pictograms are desired. In addition to making arc flash labels, this material may be used to make other types of warning label.

Continuous Vinyl:

A third option DuraLabel PRO supplies provide is to use solid color continuous vinyl tapes. These tapes, available in over 30 colors, allow total flexibility in label design. Pictograms and text, in any language, can be combined to create custom arc flash labels and signs.

For more information about the DuraLabel PRO printer visit: http://www.duralabel.com/. For more information about DuraLabel PRO arc flash supplies visit: http://www.labelprinters.org/arc-flash-labeling-supplies.html

Labels: Arc Flash Labels

posted by Steve Hudgik - 7:52:00 PM - - Permanent Link to This Article

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