Arc Flash Hazards and Why They Need To Be Addressed
Arc Flash Hazards and Why They Need To Be Addressed
Arc Flash Hazards and Why They Need To Be Addressed
Arc flash hazards can result from many factors, including dropped tools, accidental contact with electrical systems, build up of conductive dust, corrosion, and improper work procedures. An arc is produced by flow of electrical current through ionized air after an initial flashover or short circuit, resulting in a flash that can cause significant heating and burn injuries to occur. The electrical and safety industries are acknowledging that arcing faults can:
Release dangerous levels of radiant heat energy capable of causing severe burns and ignition of clothing, which can result in treatment requiring years of skin grafting, rehabilitation and even death.
Spray droplets of molten metal, with the explosion distributing the molten metal and shrapnel produced by the arc over a large area.
Produce blast pressure waves that have thrown workers across the room and knocked them off ladders.
Cause hearing loss from the sound blast related to the arcing fault.
The cost of treatment can exceed $1,000,000/case, along with potential litigation fees, fines, and escalation of insurance. Process losses can also be incurred.
Historically, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other safety codes have been primarily concerned with protection from fire, electrocution, and shock hazard arc flash hazards were not addressed. This is changing the 2002 NEC contains requirements for warning labels and the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70E, 2009 and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)-1584, 2002, provide guidance on implementing appropriate safety procedures.
Although OSHA has not specifically addressed arc flash, existing and new provisions impact how it is addressed:
OSHA 1910.132(d) and 1926.28(a). The employer is responsible to assess the hazards in the work place, select, have, and use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and document the assessment.
OSHA considers NFPA 70E a consensus industry standard for assessing arc flash standards.
OSHA considers Arc Flash assessments that follow NFPA 70E, in compliance with OSHA requirements and the accepted practice to protect workers from electrical safety hazards.
Landmark agreement has been forged between OSHA, IBEW and NECA contractors to use NFPA 70E to protect electricians in Columbus, Ohio, which could set the trend for the nation.
A Few of the Benefits of a Comprehensive, Coordinated Arc Flash Hazard Program
Developing and implementing an ongoing Arc Flash Hazard program (AFH) that meets the new regulations noted in NFPA 70E, IEEE-1584 and the current OSHA Standard 29 can be challenging.
It is important to identify and implement cost effective solutions that will protect your company employees. An experienced arc flash engineering consultant can suggest solutions based on recognized industry standards while helping prevent costly over-protection, which can result in thousands of dollars of additional protective gear investment and annual worker productivity losses.
Facility engineers can also implement their own electrical arc flash hazard safety program by using the proper electrical software or arc flash software to model their electrical system. Arc flash software is available that not only creates and models your entire electrical one-line, but also provides arc flash work permits, short circuit calculations, protective device settings, and many other features such as electrical design.
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