I have a question hopefully you can help me with. I have several machine operators that are required to lockout a machine before servicing it or performing a changeover. These machines are 480vac and 230. During the process of throwing the disconnect the enclosure door is closed. My question is when an operator throws a disconnect to lockout a machine are they required to wear catagory 0 PPE, and if they are can they wear a lab coat. Several of the facilities are in the south so the tempetures are hot during the summer and if I asked them to wear a long sleeve shirt and pants all the time I will have a bunch of unhappy workers. I want to protect them but at the same time allow them to do their job while being as comfortable as possible.

Thanks

If you are using the tables, and if you are within the limits of the tables they need to wear the HRC from the tables. Or more may be required depending on your system.



A long sleeve non melting labcoat worn over non melting short sleeve shirt and long pants would meet the HRC requirement in my opinion, even though that is not spelled out clearly in the 70E.



Welcome to the wonderful world of 70E. Have you considered remote switching devices so they can be operated outside the arc flash boundary? That would solve your PPE and heat issue.

Remote switching device?

Could you provide an example of a "remote device" that would satsify LOTO requirements?
Last I knew, pressing in a remote "E-stop" button does not meet the requirement . That is all that I can think of at this time?

I meant a remote device for throwing the disconnect.

non conductive stick?

Depending on the style of disconnect, could a fiberglass pole with a hook on the end be used? You stand outside of the flash protection boundary to change the position of the disconnect handle. Sounds like it would work while I am sitting in the office but not sure if it will work in the field that well.