Tackling invisible hazards through arc flash analysis
Tackling invisible hazards through arc flash analysis
Ensure compliance and safety in your facility with electrical safety audits from TÜV SÜD Global Risk Consultants (GRC). Our engineers perform short-circuit, protective device coordination and arc flash risk analysis to identify electrical hazards. We are licensed throughout the United States and our team of highly skilled electrical engineers can identify code or electrical safety violations during the survey. We will also work with your team to develop a training program to prepare your employees to operate safely and prevent accidents.
Arc Flash Assessments are Required in the Following Scenarios:
An arc flash risk assessment is required by government regulations like OSHA, NFPA 70E and NFPA 70. Those regulations can be difficult to follow, so here is a handy breakdown:
NFPA 70E provides guidance on safety requirements for workers engaging in the installation, inspection, operation, maintenance, and demolition of electric conductors and other equipment. It requires an arc flash analysis to determine the proper boundary and safe work processes. It also requires that each panel be marked with an Arc Flash Hazard Warning Label.
NFPA 70 has been adopted in all 50 U.S. states as the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection. It addresses PPE, labeling, and electrical handling procedures.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1584 provides formulas and methods for determining arc flash boundaries and incident energy.
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910 requires that an employer conduct an assessment to determine if hazards are present which necessitate personal protective equipment (PPE). It also requires that employees wear appropriate PPE for protection and use insulated tools or handling equipment.
An arc flash analysis or arc flash assessment identify code or electrical safety violations in your facility. Supplying a short circuit analysis, a protective device coordination study, and a one-line electrical diagram to offer you a robust picture of your arc flash risks. The most effective assessments provide a short circuit analysis, a protective device coordination study, and a one-line electrical diagram. The assessment determines the incident energy to which a worker may be exposed and how to protect the worker from an arc flash accident and other electrical hazards.
A short-circuit study determines the thermal energy and magnetic forces that are released into the electrical system which can cause insulation and conductor melting as well as explosions contributing to major equipment burn‐downs. Magnetic forces can bend bus bars and cause violent conductor whipping and distortion. These conditions have grim consequences on electrical systems and equipment. Each equipment within the electrical distribution is evaluated to determine the short-circuit withstanding rating.
A protective coordination study, sometimes called a selectivity study, is performed to improve the reliability of the electrical distribution system. A poorly coordinated system can cause power outages that can escalate into major blackouts. That results in dangers to onsite personnel and loss of production.
1. Phase 1 – Field Survey
2. Phase 2 – Electrical One-line
3. Phase 3 – Data Entry/Analysis
4. Phase 4 – Draft/Final Reports
5. Phase 5 – Arc Flash Label Installation/Requirements
An arc flash assessment is performed by experienced risk engineers who identify electrical hazards, determine its likelihood and severity, and determine what safety measures to put in place. They can identify hidden risks lurking in your electrical systems, provide arc flash labels, and determine proper personal protective equipment and boundaries.
An arc flash assessment is required every five years. It is also required if you have made major additions or modifications to your facility, if your equipment is greater than 50 volts, your state adopted the 2017 edition of NFPA 70, or you can’t de-energize equipment remotely.
Arc flash studies are required under codes and standards like NFPA 70E, NFPA 70, IEEE 1584, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.
An arc flash analysis identifies electrical safety violations, hazards, and non-compliance in your facility. The assessment determines the incident energy to which a worker may be exposed and how to protect the worker from an arc flash accident and other electrical hazards.
Electric shock, arc flash, and arc blast are three hazards to watch out for. They can lead to temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the surface of the sun. They can injure workers and even lead to fatalities.
An arc flash study uncovers electrical hazards in your facility that can cause fires, explosions, injuries, death, and significant downtime.
Find out if your facility requires an arc flash assessment under NFPA 70E and NFPA 70
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