Hugh Hoagland is among the world’s foremost experts on arc testing and electrical safety. He is a senior partner and co-founder of e-Hazard, a leading electrical safety training and consulting firm, and the founder of ArcWear, which does 90% of the world’s arc flash testing of protective apparel.
His career change began with safety testing at LG&E Energy; later, he worked as R & D Director for NASCO, a manufacturer of protective outerwear solutions. He has helped develop most of the arc-resistant rainwear used in the world today, as well as creating the first face shield to protect against electric arcs.
Hugh worked for Cintas developing their strategy for meeting the needs of OSHA 1910.269 and NFPA 70E standards. He has helped development of legislation and standards in both the US and Europe. He sits on several industry committees and is a featured speaker at safety conferences and events.
e-Hazard was established in 2004. Its services include electrical safety training, arc flash hazard assessment, written electrical safety program development and review, and auditing.
OSHA proposes to update references to include the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z87.1-2010, and to change the language in the standards for construction to match the language in both maritime and general industry.
Similar but different - How to tell the difference Between Arc Rated (AR), Flash Fire Rated (FFR) and Flame Resistant (FR). In 2012, NFPA 70E changed the terminology referencing personal protective equipment (PPE); what was formerly referred to as FR (flame resistant) clothing is to be called Arc Rated or AR, according to the standard change.
It's a reasonable question. If you don't know what it is, how can you know if you need it or not? Arc flash testing is the process of determining the arc rating for materials and equipment to be used in electrical hazardous environments. Arc ratings are important in assisting companies and manufacturers in staying compliant with OSHA regulations and in keeping their workforce safe in a potential arc flash situation.
Q. With the new head protection requirement according to the changes in OSHA standard 1910.269 and 1926.960, I am curious to know what qualifies as adequate protection in an arc hazard situation. Would a balaclava/goggle be considered adequate protection as an arc flash hood?
Changes to NFPA 70E and NESC (ANSI C2) will impact the workplace for flame resistant, arc rated clothing and work practices for electrical safety like no year in recent history.
Most of industry as well as government agencies now are required to comply with OSHA regulations, but some parts of the CFR apply only to specific industries. Standards like 1910.269 have specific arc flash requirements, but it only applies to electric utilities in certain work situations.
