3 Steps to Arc Flash Compliance

Arc Flash Recertification

An engineered Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Study

The following steps are required to conduct an Arc Flash Risk Assessment in compliance with NFPA-70E and using the IEEE Method 1584 calculations:

  1. Conduct an Arc Flash Risk Assessment -Falcon Power Consultants will verify your existing single line diagram, or walk down the distribution system and sketch one, if necessary.  The utility provider will be contacted to obtain the available utility fault current and upstream protection to establish a starting point for the study.  A short-circuit analysis will be conducted to obtain the worst-case available bolted-fault current at each point in the distribution system.  An Overcurrent Protection Device Coordination Study  will be conducted to ensure protective devices will interrupt current in an orderly fashion to protect both affected workers and equipment.Finally, Falcon Power Consultants will provide an Arc Flash Risk Assessment report for your facility generated using IEEE-1584 Method calculations to determine the appropriate Arc Flash Boundary, Incident Energy, Hazard Risk Category and associated required Personal Protective Equipment.
  2. Label Facility and Make PPE AvailableFalcon Power Consultants will label your equipment with the appropriate Employers must purchase and make available the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for affected workers
  3. Train your Employees Employers are required to provide Arc Flash Risk Assessment training to affected employees to ensure their understanding of the required PPE and procedure for affecting work in an NFPA-70E Compliant workplace.

According to the NFPA-70E® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2015 Edition, Article 130.5 (2): “The arc flash risk assessment shall be performed and shall: Be updated when a major modification or renovation takes place. It shall be reviewed periodically, at intervals not to exceed 5 years, to account for changes in the electrical distribution system that could affect the results of the arc flash risk assessment”.

Top 10 Arc Flash Statistics Every Employer Should Know

Data gathering for single line verification

Did you know?

  • 5 to 10 arc flash accidents occur every day in the U.S.
  • More than 2,000 people are treated annually in burn centers with arc flash injuries
  • 1-2 deaths occur per day from an arc flash incident
  • $1.5M average cost of medical treatment
  • 8-12 months away from work and possibility of permanent disability
  • $10-15M average litigation cost for general industry incident
  • Two-thirds of all electrical injuries result from inappropriate action of a worker
  • Arc Flash can reach temperatures upwards of 30,000ºF (hotter than the surface of the Sun)
  • Arc Blasts can produce a pressure wave greater than 2,000 lbs/sqft
  • 480 volts often times has a greater Arc Flash potential than medium voltage gear (4,160V and above)

 

Do you know the Five Common Misconceptions about the Table Method?

Complete the form below to receive our PDF “Five Common Misconceptions about the Table Method” Learn more about the limitations of NFPA 70E Table Method when calculating incident energies and associated PPE for an arc flash study.

Five Common Misconceptions about the Table Method

 

Do you know the Five Common Misconceptions about the Table Method?

Complete the form below to receive our PDF “Five Common Misconceptions about the Table Method” Learn more about the limitations of NFPA 70E Table Method when calculating incident energies and associated PPE for an arc flash study.