Plant Services - August 2008 - (Page 13) UP AND RUNNING Arc Flash Research Collects Contribution Project targets increased safety through sensible codes he Arc-Flash Collaborative Research Project, organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has received a contribution of $500,000 from Cooper Bussmann, St. Louis. The platinumlevel sponsorship will help expand knowledge of the electric arc-flash phenomena with the objective of advancing codes and standards for greater workplace safety. Arc flash, an electric current that is passed through air when insulation or isolation between energized conductors can no longer withstand the applied voltage, can cause severe injury, and accounts for more than 2,000 workers being admitted to burn centers for extended treatment every year. The IEEE and the NFPA joined forces on this initiative to fund research and testing to increase the understanding of arc flash. The results of this collaborative project will provide practical safeguards for employees in the workplace, as well as statistical data for improving electrical safety standards and predicting the hazards associated with arcing faults (and accompanying arc blasts). The multiyear project is estimated to cost a total of $6 to $7 million. Cooper Bussmann offers products and services that address electrical safety issues. These range from current-limiting fuses (that minimize the arc flash hazard) to engineering services that perform arc flash analysis to electrical safety training and development of electrical safety programs. T Arc flash accounts for more than 2,000 workers being admitted to burn centers for extended treatment every year. “Electrical safety and knowledge of the hazards associated with arc flash has come a long way since arc flash tests were initiated in 1996 at the Cooper Bussmann Gubany Center for High-Power Testing,” says Kevin Stein, president, Cooper Bussmann. “That groundbreaking research led to the award-winning IEEE paper, ‘Staged Tests Increase Awareness of Arc-Flash Hazards in Electrical Equipment,’ and has since improved arc flash understanding exponentially. Cooper Bussmann has led the industry with our Safety Basics electrical safety training program, so it is only natural that we continue to lead as a Platinum-Level contributor for the latest round of electrical safety research.” o you think you have the oldest Mitsubishi forklift truck still in operation today? If so, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks wants to hear from you. The company announced the launch of its inaugural “Keeps on Running” contest, inviting owners to showcase their Mitsubishi forklift trucks that have withstood the test of time. To qualify, contestants must own and currently operate a small internal-combustion, cushion-tire Mitsubishi forklift truck with a capacity range of 2,000 lbs to 6,500 lbs. Contestants will be able to upload photos and share fun facts about their forklift trucks, including its company-given nickname August 2008 Win a Free Forklift Truck D and interesting details about how the forklift truck has been used. Photos and applications can be submitted online. All contestants have a chance to win, whether their truck is 20 years old or brand new. Prizes will be awarded to 20 applicants, with a grand prize winner of the oldest truck receiving a brand-new FGC15N-FGC33N Mitsubishi forklift truck. Runners up will be chosen at random from the entrants and will receive a complimentary year of Planned Maintenance (PM) service. To enter or to see complete rules and details, visit the contest Web site at www.mit-lift.com/keepsonrunning. 13 www.PLANTSERVICES.com http://www.mit-lift.com/keepsonrunning http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com
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