NETA Safety and PPE 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NFPA 70E, what is the minimum incident energy threshold that triggers mandatory use of arc-rated PPE?
- 0.5 cal/cm²
- 1.2 cal/cm² (Correct answer)
- 4 cal/cm²
- 8 cal/cm²
Correct answer: 1.2 cal/cm²
NFPA 70E defines the arc flash boundary at 1.2 cal/cm², which is the incident energy level that causes a just-curable second-degree burn and mandates arc-rated PPE.
Question 2: Which lockout/tagout step must be performed FIRST when preparing to de-energize electrical equipment?
- Apply lockout devices to energy isolating points
- Notify affected employees
- Identify all energy sources (Correct answer)
- Verify zero energy state
Correct answer: Identify all energy sources
Identifying all energy sources (electrical, stored, mechanical) is the mandatory first step in a lockout/tagout procedure before any isolation actions.
Question 3: What type of PPE is required when working within the restricted approach boundary of exposed energized conductors?
- Standard work gloves and hard hat
- Insulated tools only, no PPE upgrade needed
- Shock protection PPE appropriate to the voltage (Correct answer)
- Arc-rated PPE only, shock protection not required
Correct answer: Shock protection PPE appropriate to the voltage
The restricted approach boundary requires shock protection PPE (insulated gloves, insulated tools) appropriate to the system voltage.
Question 4: Which ASTM standard governs the performance requirements for arc-rated face protective products (face shields and hoods)?
- ASTM F1891
- ASTM F1506
- ASTM F2178 (Correct answer)
- ASTM F2621
Correct answer: ASTM F2178
ASTM F2178 covers the performance requirements for eye or face protective products used in electrical arc flash environments.
Question 5: A technician discovers that a ground fault has made the equipment enclosure energized at 480V. What is the correct immediate action?
- Continue working with rubber gloves
- De-energize the system and report before touching (Correct answer)
- Notify a coworker and continue testing
- Apply a temporary ground to the enclosure
Correct answer: De-energize the system and report before touching
An energized enclosure is an uncontrolled hazard; the technician must immediately de-energize and report before any further contact.
Question 6: What is the purpose of equipotential bonding when working on high-voltage substation equipment?
- To increase test voltage accuracy
- To eliminate voltage differences between nearby conductive objects that could cause shock (Correct answer)
- To provide a current path for test equipment
- To reduce capacitive coupling noise
Correct answer: To eliminate voltage differences between nearby conductive objects that could cause shock
Equipotential bonding eliminates hazardous voltage differences between conductive objects, preventing step and touch potential shocks.
Question 7: Which document must a NETA technician review before performing field testing to identify site-specific safety hazards?
- Equipment nameplate only
- Job hazard analysis (JHA) or site safety plan (Correct answer)
- Test equipment calibration certificate
- Manufacturer's installation manual
Correct answer: Job hazard analysis (JHA) or site safety plan
A job hazard analysis (JHA) or site-specific safety plan identifies unique hazards at each location and must be reviewed before work begins.
NETA Safety and PPE 3
According to NFPA 70E, what is the minimum incident energy threshold that triggers mandatory use of arc-rated PPE?