Labeling or just stating PPE and FRC will not eliminate the arc flash and arc flash hazards. Arc flash hazards and accidents are avoided and lives are secured and safer working atmosphere is maintained with the help of
OSHA compliance arc flash training , arc flash analysis and study, if executed according to the NFPA 70e standards.
As we are all familiar that how challenging it is to develop as well as to put into action an arc flash hazard program in order to maintain work place safety as well as safeguard employees life from arc flash hazards.
In order to conduct excellent arc flash program, here are some of the measures for effective arc flash hazard safety training program;
Identify Arc Flash Hazards
Be careful of arc flash risks; determine the place where there is danger all this can be done with the support of industry programs as well as sources like NFPA, IEEE, and ESAs Arc flash hazard resource center. At the time of arc flash hazard radiant heat energy and arc blast waves that usually will cause severe burns and injuries.
Conduct Arc flash analysis
Carry out arc flash analysis to find the level of arc flash hazard. This is an electrical system engineering study which is perform by engineers recognize with the power distribution as well as control equipment and even the calculation methods required. The
arc flash analysis will determine, among other things, the accident energy potential of each piece of electrical supply devices in the facility. This incident energy potential will identify the Hazard/Risk Category of Personal protective equipment that the workers are needed to wear at the time of doing any work when energized parts are exposed.
Conduct Arc Flash Safety Training
Carry out
arc flash safety training for all workers. According to NFPA 70E a qualified person is one who has ability and expertise and knowledge regarding construction and operation of the electrical equipment and moreover even systems, and has acquired arc flash fire safety training on the hazards involved. The goal of this arc flash fire safety training requirement is that the workers should have got safety training specific to the hazards of arc flash, arc blast, shock as well as electrocution. Electrical workers are not deemed to be skilled by OSHA unless and until they have acquired this precise training.
PPE and FRC arc flash Clothing
Make sure that you have adequate amount of FRC arc flash clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand for your employees who are working in areas posing possible electrical hazards shall be provided with PPE and arc flash FRC clothing that is most appropriate for them to save them from severe burns of arc flash accidents as well .
Warning Labels
Tag all the equipments and tools with caution labels. At present, NFPA states that switchboards, panel boards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and moreover motor control centers in other than dwelling occupancies that need assessment, modification, repairing or even maintenance whereas energized shall be marked to warn persons of potential electric arc flash hazards. The tagging shall be put so as to be clearly viewed to persons prior to examination, alteration, repairing or maintenance of the system and tools.
Appoint an electrical safety program manager
Find out an individual from your organization who has knowledge and expertise within the electrical industry. This should be a well-organized, liable person who will take the position seriously. Having a single person who has expertise of electrical code specifications as well as other safety concerns will pay off.
Service each and every electrical distribution system components
Electrical distribution systems have energized parts such as fuses, circuit breakers and protective relays that help safeguard the system at the time of an electrical problem. These appliances, called over-current protective devices, performs a major role in protecting the system, but are even more crucial when it comes to safeguarding personnel from the arc flash hazards and arc blast. This results in significantly minimizing the amount of incident energy that is released. Several existing electrical distribution systems have old parts that have not been well maintained over long periods of time.
Preserve and moreover update electrical distribution documentation
Records of electrical distribution system is another essential area that usually has not been well maintained in many companies. Records such as the electrical one-line diagram (important to safety when performing the lock out/tag out process), short circuit and coordination studies, and moreover other essential documents quite often are not well maintained. When this system components change due to alterations or company expansions, this documentation is quite often not updated to indicate these improvements. Because of lack of attention to documentation management makes the cost and work scope of providing perfect arc flash hazard analysis much greater. As such these documents are essential part of electrically safe work practices, lack of attention creates extra legal financial obligation if an accident takes place.
