6.5. ERMUSR 01-09-2007 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.