Updates and changes that came with the recent CSA Z462:24 update

Jim Roberts

Jim Roberts brings over 43 years of experience in the electrical field. A graduate from the Georgian College Electrical Engineering program, he started his career at Toronto Hydro Electrical Systems as a High Voltage Underground Cable Fault Technician then proceeded to Toronto Transit Commission where he obtained his red seal 309A el...

Updates and changes that came with the recent CSA Z462:24 update

By Jim Roberts,

The CSA Z462:2024 update for Canada introduces significant revisions to enhance workplace electrical safety. Here are some of the key changes:

  • Arc Flash PPE Selection: The arc flash PPE category method has been removed. Instead, minimum arc rating requirements are used, classified by ATPV, EBT, or ARLIM. This means PPE selection now focuses on specific arc ratings rather than categories.
  • New Annexes and Content Updates:
    • Annex W: Introduces guidelines for working with capacitors, addressing safety-related requirements for capacitors and providing extensive content, figures, and tables.
    • Annex F: Updated to include new battery risk assessment guidelines and factors affecting the likelihood of arc flash incidents.
    • Annex K: Expanded to include additional electrical hazard classifications such as thermal energy and blast pressure energy.
  • Safety-related Work Practices: Several clauses have been updated or added to address new safety practices, including:
    • Use of lasers and power electronic equipment.
    • Enhanced requirements for verifying an electrically safe work condition, requiring each phase conductor to be tested for the absence of voltage at each point of work.
  • Protectors for Gloves: The term "leather protectors" has been replaced with "protectors," allowing for the use of new materials that offer enhanced protection, such as cut resistance. A new standard ASTM F3258 covers these non-leather protectors.
  • Battery and Capacitor Safety: New thresholds and requirements for safety practices related to batteries and capacitors have been added, including specific terms and conditions related to capacitors.
  • Energized Electrical Work Permit: New exemptions have been added for scenarios where this permit is not required, streamlining the safety compliance process in certain conditions.

These changes are designed to improve overall electrical safety in the workplace, align with the latest technological advancements, and provide clearer, more detailed guidelines for employers and workers in managing electrical hazards.

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