an introduction to arc flash safety and related services...
TRANSCRIPT
4552 Happy Valley Rd, Cave City, KY | 270-678-1712 | npm-services.com | page 1
Arc Flash Hazard Guide
An Introduction to Arc Flash Safety
and Related Services
Compliance with OSHA and NFPA
4552 Happy Valley Rd, Cave City, KY | 270-678-1712 | npm-services.com | page 2 of 12
Introduction The following brochure is intended to answer questions and detail NPM’s Arc Flash
Safety and Related Services. We would be happy to talk to you about performing
an arc flash assessment, providing safety training classes, preventative
maintenance, writing or auditing your electrical safety policy, or other services. Arc
flash safety doesn’t have to be overwhelming, please don’t hesitate to contact us
with any questions you may have and we will help you find solutions to your arc
flash needs.
If you don’t know how to get started with arc flash compliance or if you have any
questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll get you started in the right
direction.
Sincerely,
NPM Services, Inc.
Matt Braun, P.E. Engineering Services Manager 270-308-5013 [email protected]
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Frequently asked Questions
What is an electrical arc flash?
An arc flash is not the same as electrical shock. Shock hazards are associated with
current flowing through the body. Arc flash hazards happen when current flows
through air in an unintended and dangerous way with an explosion of heat and
energy.
What causes an arc flash?
Arcs can be started when conductor insulation or spacing is altered enough that
current begins to flow where it is not designed to flow. Arcs can be initiated by
equipment failure, human error such as a misplaced tool, critters, improper
installation, water, and many other causes.
Who is responsible for arc flash safety?
• OSHA requires employers to identify and communicate workplace hazards.
Arc flash safety was first introduced by the NFPA in 1995 and employers
should consider arc flash safety a high priority.
• Each individual is responsible for their own safety and actions.
What is needed to be in compliance with arc flash safety requirements?
1. Perform an arc flash study and label the hazards at each location.
2. Perform arc flash safety training.
3. Communicate hazards to employees and visitors through safety policies.
4. Maintain electrical equipment
What is an arc flash assessment (or study or analysis)?
NPM Services will collect electrical system data, model your system using power
system software, analyze the results, and document the findings in a report. Site
specific and equipment specific arc flash hazard warning labels will be printed and
installed at your facility following the guidelines of IEEE Standard 1584 - Guide for
Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations and the latest edition of NFPA 70E -
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
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What training is needed for site personnel?
NFPA safety training requirements are “determined by the risk to the employee”
and can be classroom and/or one-the-job based training according to NFPA 70E
Article 110.2(B). NPM offers training based on the specific needs of your facility and
incorporates your existing safety policies (when available).
What policies are required by OSHA and the NFPA?
Both OSHA and the NFPA have themes of communication and documentation
when it comes to electrical safety. NPM recommend each employer has the
following policies and procedures:
1. Overall electrical safety program (see NFPA 70E Article 110.1)
2. Job briefing form for unusual tasks (see NFPA 70E Article 110.1(H))
3. Energized work permit (see NFPA 70E Article 130.2(B))
4. Lock out tag out policy (see NFPA 70E Article 120)
The electrical safety program should be a part of the “employer’s overall
occupational health and safety management system, when one exists” according
to NFPA 70E Article 110.1(A). If your group does not have an ESP (electrical safety
program), NPM can help you write a program that fits your particular needs.
Codes and standards are periodically updated and NPM can audit your existing
program to “to verify that the principles and procedures of the electrical safety
program are in compliance” as required by Article 110.1(I).
What does an arc flash label look like?
Our standard label includes all of the
information required per NFPA 70E
Article 130.5(D) including the nominal
system voltage, arc flash boundary,
site-specific level of PPE, and the
working distance. Other helpful safety
information is included such as the
shock boundaries and glove class.
Labels can be customized as needed to
match your facilities existing policies
(when applicable).
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What equipment maintenance is recommended by the National Fire Protection
Association?
NFPA 70E recognizes that equipment which is not properly maintained cannot be
expected to operate properly (Article 130.5(3)). The following sentence was added
to the latest revision (Article 205.3), “The equipment owner or the owner’s
designated representative shall be responsible for maintenance of the electrical
equipment and documentation.”
NPM Services would be happy to discuss recommended practices regarding system
maintenance including switchgear preventative maintenance, circuit breaker
testing, relay calibration, infrared thermography, and other services. Please contact
us to discuss these services.
Who is NPM Services?
NPM Services started providing predictive and preventative maintenance services
to a wide variety of industries nationwide over 12 years ago and has grown to offer
a wide variety of electrical and mechanical testing and services including a heavy
focus on arc flash related services. Our key engineering staff includes Chris Neitzel
(Field Services Manager) and Matt Braun (Engineering Services Manager). Matt
Braun is a registered professional engineer who has performed hundreds of arc
flash, short circuit and over current coordination studies for facilities ranging from
schools and hospitals to airports, factories and an NFL stadium. His engineering
career has been centered around arc flash analysis and work place safety. Matt
understands safety from several perspectives based on his experience working as
both a consultant (behind the desk) and as a system operator (hands-on) and is
actively involved in the field of arc flash safety as a working group member of IEEE
Standard 1584 – Electrical Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations.
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Arc Flash Assessment Procedure and Deliverables
Introduction:
NPM will provide an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis in accordance with the NFPA 70E - Standard for
Electrical Safety in the Workplace and IEEE Standard 1584 - Electrical Guide for Performing Arc
Flash Hazard Calculations. NPM will collect electrical system information, model the electrical
system using engineering software, analyze the electrical hazards, provide a written report with
mitigation recommendations, and install arc flash hazard warning labels.
The assessment will begin at the utility service point and will include all significant three phase
loads and power distribution equipment including switchgear, switchboards, panels, disconnects,
transfer switches, starters, busways and motor control centers which are likely to be serviced
under live (energized) conditions.
Scope of Work:
The following will be included in the scope of work:
1. Collect system data during onsite visit(s)
2. Model the electrical system in power system analysis software
3. Calculate the fault current (worst case short circuit current) at each piece of equipment
and compare this to the short circuit rating of the equipment
4. Review system coordination and provide recommendations to improve system
reliability
5. Analyze the arc flash hazards and provide recommendations to mitigate high energy
locations by changing circuit breaker settings or changing fuse types where appropriate
6. Compile results and recommendations into an easy to read report
7. Print and install arc flash hazard warning labels
Deliverables:
Upon completion of the project, NPM Services will deliver the following which will satisfy the
NFPA-70E hazard analysis requirements:
• Electrical one-line system drawings will be provided.
• The arc flash report will include an executive summary, detailed descriptions of the results,
graphs, and tables. The arc flash table will include calculated values at each piece of equipment
including the incident energy, arc flash boundary, working distance, nominal voltage, upstream
protective device, arc fault current, arc duration, and more. Where appropriate, circuit breaker
settings will be provided with the system as found, as well as recommended settings to mitigate
arc flash incident energy.
• Arc flash hazard labels (printed and installed by NPM Services). The arc flash labels will
comply with NFPA 70E requirements and will show the unique calculated results at each piece of
equipment and including the incident energy, site specific PPE level, arc flash boundary, limited
approach (shock) boundary, restricted approach (shock) boundary, and nominal voltage.
Contact us today at 270-678-1712 for more information!
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Arc Flash and NFPA 70E Safety Training
Introduction:
NPM provides general or site specific safety training based on NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical
Safety in the Workplace and OSHA standards. The in-depth electrical safety courses are
presented in a personal and practical way by safety professionals with extensive experience with
arc flash analysis and safety training. The course will be tailored to the electrical safety needs of
the facility if site specific safety policies are available. The course will include electrical safety
topics with a focus on arc flash safety and shock safety. Class duration can be adjusted to meet
your specific needs (often 4-8 hours).
Course Content:
The course will include:
1. Motivation for electrical safety with statistics and case studies
2. Introduction to OSHA and the NFPA
3. IEEE Standard 1584 - Electrical Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations
4. OSHA 1910 Standards for General Industry: PPE, Lockout, Electrical Safety
5. NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
a. What is arc flash? What is arc blast?
b. Arc Flash Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection and use
c. Arc flash boundary explanation and examples
d. What is the working distance?
e. Understanding your facility’s Arc Flash Labels
f. Discussion of qualified and unqualified workers
g. Shock discussion (statistically the most dangerous electrical hazard!)
h. Shock hazards and shock approach boundaries
i. Shock Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection and use
j. Using energized work permit
k. Pre-job safety meeting
l. General lockout procedures
6. Themes of Safety: communication and documentation
7. Test to demonstrate proficiency in work practices
Deliverables:
• Safety course presented onsite at customer facility
• Safety training handout for each participant
• Test will be shared with management for recordkeeping
• Certificate of Completion for each participant
• Course syllabus and class attendance list for management’s records
Contact us today at 270-678-1712 for more information!
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Written Electrical Safety Program
Introduction:
NPM can write or assist with the implementation of an Electrical Safety Program
which should be a part of your site’s overall occupational health and safety
management system, when one exists. The Electrical Safety Program will direct
activity appropriate to the risk associated with electrical hazards at your site.
Program Development Process
1. NPM will visit your site to meet your team, discuss your operations, walk
through your facility, and get an understanding of your specific needs.
Existing policies will be collected and discussed, when applicable.
2. NPM will write an Electrical Safety Program for your sites specific needs.
3. NPM will present the program to your safety management and key staff.
Program Components:
• Electrical Safety Procedures
• Risk Assessment Procedures
• Job Briefing and Energized Work Procedures
• Lock Out, Tag Out Policy
• Electrical Safety Auditing Plan
• Training Program Plan
Deliverables:
• Written Electrical Safety Program
o Lock Out Policy
o Job Briefing Form
o Energized Work Permit
Related Service – Program Audit
Codes and standards are periodically updated and NPM can audit your existing
program to “to verify that the principles and procedures of the electrical safety
program are in compliance” as required by Article 110.1(I) every three years.
Contact us today at 270-678-1712 for more information!
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Preventative Maintenance and Testing Programs
OSHA and the NFPA recognize that a safe work place depends on properly maintained
equipment. Regularly scheduled maintenance and testing reduces the probability of an
unscheduled outage and can save you significant headaches and money. NPM Services is a full
service maintenance and testing company with experience working with a range of industries
including heavy industrial, utilities, medical, and commercial.
Our expertise includes the following:
Switchgear-Low & Medium Voltage
Ground Fault Testing and Inspection
Circuit Breaker Testing and Rebuilding
Pringle Switch Maintenance and Testing
Bolted Pressure Switch Maintenance
Trip Unit Retrofit Services
All Types of Switchgear PM and Testing
High Voltage Switch PM and Testing
Vacuum/SF6/Oil Breakers
Timing of Circuit Breakers
Vacuum Bottle Testing
Power Factor Testing
Contact Resistance
Lubrication and Inspection
Drain and Inspect Oil Breakers
Contact Replacement
High/Low Voltage Cable Testing
Insulation Testing of Cables
Hi-Pot Testing of Cables
Cable Inspection
Repair and Termination of Cables
Installation of Cables
Inspection and Cleaning
Transformers (Oil and Dry-Type)
Power Factor Testing
Turns Ratio Testing
Insulation Resistance Testing
Winding Resistance Measurement
Leak Repair and Dehydration/Degassing
Tap Changer Maintenance
Field Inspections
Testing and Predictive Maintenance
Infrared Scanning Services
Ultrasonic Air Leak Testing
Ground Resistance Testing
Insulation Testing of Motors
Feeder Cable Testing
Power Quality Monitoring
Insulating Fluid Analysis of Oils
Dissolved Gas Analysis
Karl Fischer Water Testing
Dielectric Testing
Neutralization Number
Color, Visual, Specific Gravity
Power Factor and Furan Analysis
Contact NPM today to setup a maintenance program at 270-678-1712!
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Infrared Scanning Services / Thermal Imaging Services
Introduction:
NPM Services offers infrared scanning services across a
wide range of industries. Thermal Imaging is a valuable
tool in the detection of problem areas within both
electrical and mechanical systems. Our technicians use
FLIR thermal imaging cameras and have conducted well
over a thousand infrared scans and in the process have
saved clients significant sums, by identifying problem
areas before they result in lost production or damage to
equipment.
Infrared Scanning can be used to identify problem areas
in fuses, disconnects, plant bus, transformer bushings,
oil level problems, motor starters, switchgear, cables,
bearings, loose connections, circuit breakers, capacitor banks, furnace heat loss, and many
other areas.
What is Thermal Imaging or Infrared Thermography?
An infrared camera processes infrared light waves, unlike our eyes, and produces a thermal
(heat) image of an object. For all objects which emit a heat signature that is measurable, we
can use an infrared camera to capture its thermal image.
What are the benefits of Infrared Thermography?
Thermographic images of electrical systems can detect abnormally hot electrical connections
or components. Infrared saves money by avoiding any business downtime and assuring
efficiency in operations. Through use of the thermal image, comparisons can be made to later
inspections or faults can be prioritized for managing lean maintenance budgets. Infrared also
gives you the reporting and documentation capabilities that traditional inspection methods
can’t provide.
Electrical Inspections:
In electrical systems, excessive heat is a sign of
impending trouble. High temperatures indicate
excessive electrical resistance, failing components,
ground faults, short circuits or other common
problems in electric equipment that can lead to
expensive or even catastrophic failures. Infrared
Scanning is also instrumental tool in a substation
maintenance program.
Contact us today at 270-678-1712 for a complimentary quote!
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Arc Flash Safety References
OSHA - PART 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards
1910.132 (d) Requires employers to identify and communicate workplace
hazards and necessary PPE
1910.137 Shock and shock prevention, test gloves every 6 months
1910.147 Lockout and tagout
1910.331-335 Electrical safety and approach boundaries
1910.333 Requires shock and arc flash PPE and qualification
1910.335 (a)(1)(i) Requires PPE to be used where appropriate
1910.335 (a)(2)(i) Requires insulated tools where appropriate
1910.335 (a)(2)(ii) Requires protective shields, barriers, etc. where appropriate
NFPA 70 – 2014 (NEC)
110.16 Equipment shall be field marked to warn of potential electric arc
flash hazards
110.9 Equipment short circuit rating shall exceed the available
(calculated) short circuit current
110.10 System overcurrent device coordination
NFPA 70E – 2015
110.1 Electrical Safety Program requirement explanation
130.2 Electrically Safe Working Conditions
“Energized electrical conductors and circuit parts to which an
employee might be exposed shall be put into an electrically safe
work condition before an employee performs work …”
130.2(A)(1) Energized work shall be permitted where the employer can
demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional hazards or
increased risk.
130.2(B) Energized electrical work permit
130.5(C) Labeling requirements
130.7 PPE and other protective equipment
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Arc Flash Safety References, NFPA 70E – 2015 continued
130.7 I.N.N. 3 “When incident energy exceeds 40 cal/cm2, greater emphases may
be necessary with respect to de-energizing” equipment
Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a) and Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(b)
“Task Tables”
Table 130.7(C)(16) Protective Clothing and PPE table
Annex H.3(b) PPE for Incident Energy Exposure
205.2 Maintain an up to date one-line diagram
Table 130.4(D)(a) Shock approach boundaries
NFPA 70E – 2015 – Maintenance requirements
110.1(B) “The electrical safety program shall include elements that consider
condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.”
130.5(D) An arc flash risk assessment shall be performed and shall: “Take
into consideration the design of the overcurrent protective device
and its opening time, including its condition of maintenance.”
205.3 General Maintenance Requirements: “Electrical equipment shall
be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions or
industry consensus standards to reduce the risk associated with
failure. The equipment owner or the owner’s designated
representative shall be responsible for maintenance of the
electrical equipment and documentation.”
IEEE Standard 1584
Industry consensus standard which describes AF calculation methods. (NPM is a
part of the working group which authors and votes on this standard.)