Known as a “testing laboratory” with a strong regional presence in the Midwest, High Voltage Testing and Safety Products (HV) was purchased by Irby in February of 2007. At the time HV was implementing a new strategy to reposition and re-brand itself in the market place. With the acquisition, we were able to implement our new strategy of being a one-stop, complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplier with the goal of establishing ourselves nationally. Since the purchase we have been working with Irby marketing, sales and branch operations to integrate our products and services to an expanded network of customers and branches.

HV currently has two primary locations — Fargo, North Dakota, which serves as the main warehouse / testing laboratory and Minneapolis, Minnesota which operates as a sales office. In addition to these locations, HV supports and provides all testing services, PPE clothing systems and related products to all the Irby branches nationally.

High Voltage Value Model

The HV value model is based on a three-layered approach to electrical safety and protection. The three layers are (1) Rubber Insulating Gloves and Equipment (2) Arc Flash Protection (3) Flame Resistant (FR) Clothing. This is shown in the “safety triangle” diagram that was developed based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and being “actualized” or in your case “safe” from an electrical discharge of energy. The goal being to communicate that if you are missing any one of the layers, then you are at risk from an electrical shock or arc flash blast. This PPE value model is supported by our NAIL Certified Testing Laboratory where we follow stringent ASTM and ANSI standards. The value model has application across all markets including Utility, Industrial, Contractor and Commercial business segments.

Standards and Regulations Driving the Industry

Safety requirements and regulatory issues will continue to significantly impact the electrical industry as enforcement and compliance become more stringent. Many of them have been recently updated or are in the process of revisions. These standards affect all electrical workers across all industries and utilities.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E and Arc Flash

NFPA 70E is one of the various documents comprising the National Electric Code published by the National Fire Protection Association. Its intent is to protect workers in every industry around any device capable of generating an arc flash or electrical shock.

  • Arc Flash is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high voltage gap exits and there is a breakdown between conductors. An arc flash gives off thermal radiation and bright, intense light that can cause burns. Temperatures have been recorded as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. An arc flash can be spontaneous or result from inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object. Other causes may include dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or corrosion.
  • High voltage arcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a blast. The pressure burst can hit a worker with great force and send molten metal droplets from melted copper and aluminum electrical components great distances at extremely high velocities.

It is important that you establish an electrically safe work condition before working on a circuit or any energized equipment. To create an electrically safe work condition you should:

  1. Identify all power sources
  2. Interrupt the load and disconnect the power
  3. Visually verify that the disconnect opened the circuit
  4. Lock-out and tag-out the circuit
  5. Test for voltage
  6. Ground all power conductors

All these steps require the use of appropriate PPE for shock and arc flash protection including voltage rated gloves, Flame Resistant (FR) work clothes, arc-rated face shield, flash suits with hoods and safety glasses.

National Electric Safety Code (NESC) 2007

The 2007 National Electric Safety Code has given power and communications utilities until January 1, 2009 to determine the potential exposure to energy and electric arcs for employees who work on or near energized electrical lines and equipment. Employees are required to wear clothing or clothing systems with an effective arc rating greater than the anticipated level of energy. Furthermore, if the potential employee exposure is greater than 2 cal/cm2 the employer shall require employees to wear clothing or clothing systems with an effective arc rating. In order to comply, utilities must determine the expected levels of potential arc energy for employees performing the work and choose appropriate PPE to match the arc energy requirements.

New OSHA Ruling regarding PPE

As of May 15, 2008 all employers should be in compliance with the new OSHA rule that all PPE must be provided by the employer at no cost to the employee. The final rule clarifies OSHA’s requirements regarding payment for employee-owned PPE and replacement PPE and indicates it must be provided to the employee at NO COST.

Who is responsible for Safety?

  • Employer - responsible for complying with OSHA requirements, the Electrical Safety Program, Safety Policies / Procedures and Safety Training
  • Employee - responsible for adhering to the procedures
  • Owner - responsible for contractors on their jobsite Safety Facts (From WH Salisbury)
  • Electrical Safety is the most over-looked employee work hazard
  • An estimated 30,000 non-fatal electrical shock accidents occur each year or 3.5 per hour
  • 600 people die from electrocution each year
  • Electrocution is 4th in work related fatalities with the majority of these incidents occurring at 600 volts or less
  • Approximately 3,000 reported flash burn incidents are reported annually from an arc flash and ignition of flammable clothing
  • 350 deaths related to arc flash or blast occur each year How can HV help ensure that I comply with electrical safety standards?

HV offers a complete one-stop safety solution for all your electrical PPE and training needs. Based on our three-layered approach to complete electrical safety coverage, supported by our certified testing service, we can help ensure the safety of your electrical workers.

HV services include:

Testing Services

High Voltage Testing and Safety Products is accredited by North American Independent Laboratories (NAIL) for protective equipment testing and we are capable of testing with voltages from 500 to 100,000 volts. All equipment is tested according to the latest American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. We test all types of rubber insulating gloves, sleeves, blankets and line hoses. We can also test all types of tools such as hot sticks, grounding equipment and jumper cables. It is important that you re-test your equipment according to the schedule below.

Type of Equipment and When to Test

  • Rubber insulating Gloves - Before 1st issue and every 6 months at maximum
  • Rubber insulating Sleeves - Before 1st issue and every 12 months at maximum
  • Rubber insulating Blankets - Before 1st issue and every 12 months at maximum
  • Rubber insulating Line Hose - When dirty or insulating value is suspect, usually every 12 months
  • Other Rubber insulating Cover - When dirty or insulating value is suspect, usually every 12 months

Arc Flash Suits and Flame Resistant (FR) Daily Wear Clothing

The type of PPE you provide your workers is determined by the type of electrical work you perform, your overall safety program and whether you use sub-contractors for some of the work.

As a general guideline, you should consider the following:

  • All under garments should be of natural fibers such as cotton, wool or silk
  • Flame Resistant (FR) daily wear shirts and pants are recommended for qualified and un-qualified workers if there is a high or constant level of exposure to energized equipment
  • Use Arc Flash suits and hoods for higher levels of safety or if you will be testing, de-energizing or turning equipment back on.

It is critical from a safety standpoint that the appropriate PPE be worn at all times when working on or near energized equipment. All electrical work should be done by qualified personnel and an assessment of the electrical hazard level performed. All PPE should have labeling identifying the cal/cm2 rating or hazard risk category (HRC) of each item.

Rubber Insulated Gloves and Equipment

Rubber insulating equipment is your first line of defense from electrical shock. HV carries a complete line of rubber insulating gloves, sleeves, blankets and line hoses. If something fails during the testing process we can provide a replacement immediately. We can replace a single glove or a pair. Your life depends on your rubber protective equipment. The level of protection that rubber gloves provide depends on their condition. It is the responsibility of the user to maintain their gloves and other insulating equipment in good condition.

HV \ Irby Tools

Utility contractors and customers can count on HV\Irby Tools and Services to have the products they need to get the job done and the service expertise to keep them working properly. When it comes to tool repair and service, Irby is authorized by the industry’s top manufacturers. You can trust Irby to get the job done right the first time.

In addition to tools and repair, Irby offers you product testing, demonstrations and training to keep your tools industry standard certified and to help ensure proper selection and application. Custom designed grounds and jumpers are built to your specifications. They can be built and shipped the same day you place your order! No matter what the task demands, a call to HV\Irby is the fastest and easiest way to get the right tools to get the job done on time.

NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training

Need help in interpreting the various standards in the industry, providing training to your employees on electrical safety or selecting the proper PPE? HV can coordinate training at your site or our branch. You can also earn CEU training credits!

The course content typically involves the following key areas:

  • Electrical Safety Regulations and Standards
  • Hazards of Electricity
  • The Shockings Facts
  • Equipment Arc Flash and Blast Boundaries and Hazards
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Arc Flash Calculations
  • Training Recommendations
  • Working with Contractors

In addition, a on-site training session may involve a preliminary review of your electrical system, equipment and help with formulating one-line diagrams.

What should be your next step to get compliant and ensure the safety of your electrical workers?

  • Contact your local Irby branch or sales representative to setup a meeting to review options for Electrical Safety Training and/or selection of Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Check your existing equipment, especially focusing on your rubber glove certification dates. If they are out of compliance (date is over 6 months old), remove them from service and send to HV for testing and recertification.
  • Request an HV Testing and Safety Products Catalog to become more familiar with our complete products and service offerings.
  • Schedule NFPA 70E training for yourself and your employees.
  • Order NFPA 70E or NESC 2007 Standards Booklets as a reference or to get up-to-date with the various standard changes.

For more information or questions call 1-800-742-8054 or your local Irby branch.