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ARC-FLASH STUDY |
| Phase I - Data Collection A Representative(s) will visit your facility to collect the electrical data necessary to prepare an arc-flash hazard analysis of your facility. Data will be collected on the electrical system from the electric utility service point through your electrical system to the equipment where the arc-flash hazard risk is reduced to a Level 1 or less. Data may not be collected on those circuits and equipment where the arc-flash hazard is below a hazard risk level one. The collection process will include recording nameplate and setting information from circuit breakers, fuses, relays (over-current and ground-fault), switchboards, and transformers; as well as feeder conductor sizes and lengths. To accomplish this, our Representative(s) and/or your Facility Representative(s) may be required to remove panel covers and open disconnects enclosures exposing energized components and conductors. In most cases data collection can be accomplished without disruption to facility operations. However, in the unusual circumstance where the data cannot be collected do to safety concerns or without disrupting the operation of the facility, the facility may elect to collect that data at a later time of their choosing. During the data collection process, Representative(s) will in the course of opening panels and removing covers, report any electrical concerns observed to the Facility Representative. (Examples include improper over-current protection, grounding concerns, broken latches, broken disconnects and similar concerns.) (To be provided by your facility)  Simple floor plan of the facility, drawn to scale. The floor plan will be used to estimate the length of feeder circuits. Identification of all disconnects, circuit breakers, switchboards, motor control centers and transformers. Man-lift and/or ladders, as needed to collect data on electrical equipment such as disconnects, circuit breakers or transformers. If the facility has a qualified electrician or engineer available, we request that one accompany and assist in the data gathering, increasing the overall safety and efficiency of the data gathering. Availability of existing data sheets and/or drawings that provide information on the existing electrical system.Phase II - Engineering Analysis Data collected from Phase I and/or data provided by the facility will be used to complete the engineering analysis, which includes a short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination analysis, and the arc-flash hazard analysis. From these analyses the facility will receive: A report of the available short-circuit current at each buss evaluated. The report will identify problems and make recommendations where facility equipment does not have adequate interrupting ratings. Devices without the proper rating pose a serious safety and fire risk to personnel and equipment. A report of protective device coordination charts for each buss evaluated. The report will identify problems and make recommendations where over-current devices should be replaced or settings changed to provide proper coordination. Implementing the recommendations will improve safety by limiting exposure during troubleshooting to the least amount of equipment and will improve operational efficiencies by limiting the amount of equipment effected by an over-current trip. A report of the arc-flash hazard at each buss evaluated. The report will provide the arc-flash boundaries for the respective equipment. The report will provide the incident energy in calories/centimeter2 at a working distance of 18 inches. The report will identify the appropriate arc-flash hazard risk level for selection of personal protective equipment. The report will make recommendations of practical changes that can be implemented to reduce the arc-flash boundary and hazard risk level. Often times the hazard risk can be greatly reduced or eliminated completely by implementing recommended changes. A one-line electrical diagram will be provided on that portion of the electrical system which was analyzed. Warning labels will be printed for all electrical equipment evaluated.Phase III - Presentation of the Results of the Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis, Affixing Labels, and Development of Electrical Safety Programs The results from Phase II – Engineering Analysis will be documented and provided to the facility in a report format. A facility may request an on-site presentation of the results of the analysis; if requested, the cost of this presentation is included in Phase III. Some facilities prefer we take responsibility for affixing the warning labels, which are printed as part of Phase II, to the appropriate equipment; if requested, the cost of this service is included in Phase III. Consulting services are available to assist in developing Electrical Safety Programs and Policies, and assisting in selection of appropriate personal protective equipment (clothing, gloves, and tools); if requested, the cost of these services are included in Phase III. Phase IV - Electrical Safe Work Practices Training The Electrical Safe Work Practices Program is designed for all personnel who work on or near any type of exposed energized equipment. Electrical Hazards, proper electrical work practices and procedures, and the safe installation of electrical equipment will be discussed. You will be introduced to the rules and regulations as required by the OSHA Electrical Safety Related Work Practices standard 1910.331-1910.335. You will also learn how the NFPA 70E requirements work in conjunction with the OSHA requirements. This program is designed to keep workers safe and provide them with life saving information. |
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