Flashing Safety

pub-8348084515547660

2007 Giant Bella fashion bike womens cruiser bicycle Shimano basket style
Paypal

US $1,800.00

2007 Giant Areva fashion bike womens cruiser bicycle Shimano basket style
Paypal

US $1,800.00

Vintage 1941 Montgomery Wards Hawthorne balloon tire bicycle bike blue flash red
Paypal

US $1,799.00

Yukon Trail Sports Outback Electric Lithium Ion 26 Bicycle MS EBLIS26
Paypal

US $1,150.00

Yukon Trail Men Xplorer Electric Lithium Ion 26 Bicycle MS EBLIM26
Paypal

US $1,150.00

Yukon Trail Women Xplorer Electric Lithium Ion 26 Bicycle MS EBLIF26
Paypal

US $1,150.00

Flashing Safety

Meeting Arc Flash Hazard Regulations

Meeting Arc Flash Hazard Regulations

Developing and implementing an ongoing arc flash hazard program which meets the new regulations noted in NFPA 70E, IEEE-1584, and the current OSHA Standard 29 can be challenging. Rule of thumb methods could result in both unnecessary worker exposures to hazards from under protection and significant lost plant productivity due to overprotection.

Industry is recognizing the benefits of obtaining accurate arc flash hazard data. Recently, the PCIC Safety Committee recommended that arc flash calculations be completed in conjunction with short circuit calculations and protective device coordination to help ensure the most accurate arc flash hazard results. Using software that is able to deliver instantaneous, accurate results that are fully compliant with ANSI, NEC and NFPA 70E should be a vital part of every Arc Flash Hazard program. This could save companies thousands of dollars annually, per worker, in lost productivity.

However, performing a study and applying labels is only one aspect of a true arc flash hazard program. A comprehensive corporate electrical safety program also includes development and implementation of the proper processes, procedures, documentation, and training programs. It is important to develop a complete safety program.

Unfortunately, most engineers are under the misconception that if they label equipment for arc-flash hazards, and enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as per the label, they are in compliance with 70E (Z462) and OSHA requirements. Nothing could be further from the truth. Arc-flash hazard labeling and PPE compliance are only a small part of 70E (Z462) compliance and even a smaller part of a properly defined safety program.

Very few facility engineers appear to understand the thought process behind 70E (Z462) or the basis for the standards. If maintenance people are not informed why they must work within certain safety constraints, then the arc-flash label and PPE requirements become merely another task that can be sidestepped. Safety is a culture that must be ingrained with principal. This culture starts from management and filters down to the worker where ultimate responsibility rests.

The current arc-flash phenomenon appears to be operating on fear rather than principal. The fear is massive lawsuits and OSHA/governmental fines if an accident does occur, rather than sound reasoning as to why a safety culture makes good business sense in daily operations. While it may have taken some fear in the initial movement to motivate companies toward implementing safety standards, if the safety aspect of arc flash is limited to labeling and PPE requirements, the inclination will soon wear off.

Labeling or stating PPE requirements will not prevent accidents. Accidents are prevented and lives are saved through a foundation of safety.

Electrical arc flash hazard safety is not rocket science. By implementing the proper electrical software or arc flash software to model your electrical system, and building a culture of safety starting with management commitment and proper training, every facility can be accident free.

About the Author

Chet Davis, P.E., is the President of ESA, Inc., Clackamas, Oregon, USA and the chief designer of the EasyPowerâ electrical software suite for the design, analysis, and safety of industrial power systems. Mr. Davis has been actively involved in analyzing and troubleshooting industrial power systems for 29 years. He received his BSEE from Oregon State University in 1981, and is a member of IEEE-1584 (Arc-Flash Standard) and has written chapters in many of the IEEE Color Books related to analyzing electrical power systems. For a complete version of this article, please refer to the Arc Flash Hazard Resource Center at www.easypower.com.

LED Flashing Safety Vest