It is critical to learn and identify arc flash hazards in your facilities, train employees in safe work practices, and use labels and other awareness aids to keep the message in the forefront and reinforce the desired behavior. Here is a guide to what needs to be on your arc flash labels.
The NEC requirement provides information that refers to ANSI Z535.4-1998, Product Safety Signs and Labels, for guidelines on the design of warning labels. Thus, the header, message and pictogram, if used, must reflect the ANSI standard.
Most arc flash labels at least instruct employees to wear the proper personal protection equipment. Many also take the opportunity to warn of electrical shock.
While the NEC does not dictate whether to use a Danger or Warning header, the employer can decide. Some companies use Warning, some Danger. Some use Danger when the voltage is over 600v or when the incident energy is over 40 cal/cm², and Warning when it is under that threshold. Regardless, the employer should be consistent throughout the plant.
