Electrical Safety, the NFPA and PLC Safety

As a professor responsible for teaching the principles of PLC programming, the presenter has always considered it a responsibility to train students to be aware of the general rules for constructing an electrical control panel. Both general practice and rules that have become part of the OSHA requirements have been taught. The present state of electrical control has outdistanced what was considered acceptable practice as little as 10 to 15 years ago. New initiatives such as ArcFlash, NFPA 70E and the European initiatives for safety in the manufacturing environment have significantly changed what is accepted or legal. The purpose of this paper is to distinguish what areas should be discussed and the depth of that discussion. It is not enough to just introduce students to these concepts but in the case of the PLC courses and electrical safety, a more thorough discussion is required. Students may be introduced to the real world as employees of large companies with committed safety programs in place. These new employees will quickly be introduced to the newest rules and changing practices of electrical safety. Smaller companies may be as committed to safety but many lack the resources to keep up with the rapidly changing environment of electrical and process safety. Students should be armed with enough information so that no matter which environment they are employed, they will have the tools to thrive.