Arc Flash Safety
 Preventing arc flash accidents or minimizing their impact requires a comprehensive safety program involving both electrical workers and management. The following steps should be taken to ensure worker safety:
<> Perform an electrical hazard analysis. Use the guidelines in NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 to identify and assess electrical shock and arc flash risks throughout your facility.
To
ensure you have a safe workplace, and that you are meeting
NEC, OSHA, IEEE, and NFPA 70E requirements, use specialized
arc flash software to calculate protection boundaries.
These include the Flash Protection Boundary, Limited
Approach Boundary, Restricted Approach Boundary and
the Prohibited Approach Boundary.
<> Use
Lockout/Tag-out
procedures to ensure equipment is de-energized, or
live components are isolated.
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<> Identify
equipment and components that have a potential arc flash
hazard. The NEC code identifies the following equipment as requiring arc flash labels.
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Switchboards
-
Panelboards
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Industrial control panels
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Meter socket enclosures
-
Motor control centers
In addition, many companies choose to label electrical busses and other equipment that may require workers to approach exposed live elements.
<> Ensure
all potential arc flash hazards are properly labeled.
Pre-printed arc flash labels, such as those shown on this
page, can be used. Or use a label
printer to create custom labels that include specific
information such as available energy, approach distances, or required Personal
Protective Equipment.
Labels should be kept legible and up-to-date, since arc flash hazard levels can change any time your electrical system is modified, including changing settings on circuit breakers.
 <> Provide
employee training. Be sure all employees are trained
so they are aware of the dangers of arc
flash; understand the warning labels and signs;
and know how to select and use the appropriate PPE. Everyone
working on electrical equipment should be fully trained
and qualified for the job.
Intro to Arc Flash Hazards
Arc Flash Safety
Arc Flash Labels
NFPA 70E Safety Standards
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Current Limiting Fuses
Arc Flash Blog
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