6.5. ERMUSR 01-09-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Municipal Utilities 13069 Orono Parkway phone:763.441.2020 Elk River,MN 55330 Fax:763.441.8099 January 3, 2007 To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Jerry Takle John Dietz Jim Tralle From: Bryan Adams Subject: Clothing Approximately 16 years ago, the electric industry started requiring flame resistant clothing to protect against electric arc flash. At that time we started using Nomex clothing for our operational employees. All of our employees at that time were involved in the electric area and were furnished Nomex clothing. Now, many of our operational employees are not in the electric department such as water operators, locators etc. and they do not need the more expensive Nomex clothing. The difference in prices from Nomex to non Nomex (Carhart) is approximately$700.00 per person. Section 31 of our employee handbook states: "The Utilities will, after and initial issue of five denim long sleeved shirts and five denim short sleeved shirts per outside employee, replace annually. The Utilities will also replace as needed: Nomex IIIA lined bib overalls,Nomex IIIA lined parka and hood, Nomex IIIA lined bomber jacket, and hats with the appropriate emblems and identification. The policy also includes the following additional items: lineman's climbing boots, summer work boots or shoes, rubber boots, rubber overshoes, insulated winter boots, and coveralls (used for maintenance on trucks). It is expected that the employee wear these items during working hours. Worn out items to be turned in. The Utilities will issue a check to the supplier for the covered items." Staff recommends we start furnishing non Nomex clothing for the operational people whose job duties do not require Nomex. On a related issue, the arc flash rules are being reviewed by OSHA &NESC and are in the process of becoming more stringent. At our meeting, Glenn Sundeen will update us on the proposed arc flash rules.