In less than a second, an Arc Flash is initiated from a phase-to-ground or a phase-to-phase fault resulting from accidental contact with the electrical systems, the buildup of conductive dusts, corrosion, dropped tools, or improper work procedures.
Required by OSHA and NFPA 70E as a part of an Electrical Hazard Assessment, Arc Flash Hazard Assessments are a serious life safety issue and an essential part of a safe and comprehensive electrical safety program.
The Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, NFPA 70E states in Article 130.5 that an Arc-Flash Safety Study will be reviewed every five years or whenever there is a significant change in the electrical system; the five-year interval is a straightforward requirement.
Monroe Infrared helps clients stay safe and meet the OSHA & NFPA 70E mandatory 5-year Arc Flash Hazard Assessment.
An Arc Flash Hazard Assessment or Study is a calculation & analysis performed by a Professional Engineer to determine the thermal incident energy found at each location which determines the various Arc Flash Boundaries and what personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used in approaching each boundary within a facility.
Per NFPA 70E if you work on live equipment operating at 50 volts or more you must perform an Arc Flash Hazard Assessment. Even if the equipment is always de-energized before working on it, an Arc Flash Hazard Assessment should be performed to determine the type of PPE to use when verifying that power is off.
OSHA, the NESC, and NFPA 70E require an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis be performed before anyone approaches exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts that have not been placed in an electrically safe work condition.
An arc flash can cause injuries minor and major including third-degree burns and potential fatality. It can also cause other injuries including blindness, hearing loss, nerve damage, and cardiac arrest. Fatal burns can occur when the victim is within even several feet from the arc or explosion. Serious burns are common at a distance of up to 10 feet.
On average, there are 30,000 arc flash incidents every year resulting in a total of 7,000 burn injuries, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 400 fatalities.
