I started working at a factory a few weeks ago. My new boss warned me that they had a strict "Arc Protection" procedure in place and it would I soon be enforced. Apparently the existing electricians laughed it off. Being the new guy, I suspect I'm about to be the "example", the guy punished for failing to comply.
The rule is that whenever an electrician opens a cabinet that has the potential of having a voltage greater than 50 volts present (that's right 50 - fifty) he must where a hard hat with a flash guard, rubber gloves, a cotton shirt (as well as cotton undergarments - so much for my sexy Speedo's) and erect a barrier around the panel to protect onlookers. The onlookers would no doubt be curious to see what was going on with the guy dressed up like a freak.
Has anyone had to deal with this situation before? They can't be serious!. I told the boss it would take 15 minutes to do that for every job I went on, and I probably open a cabinet 20 times a day. He said it didn't matter. Fifteen minutes times 20 events certainly ought to matter! Is anybody anywhere doing this?
Somebody help me.
Frank the frazzled (but not fried) electrician.