Arc Flash Hazard Risk Assessment
Arc Flash Risk Assessment and Labeling Program
The Martin Technical Arc Flash Risk Assessment, Labeling, and Safety Program is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. Our combination of experience, quality, and dependability have made Martin Technical one of the premier and most trusted names in arc flash study and electrical safety. We don’t cut corners, and we put safety first!
Our team has conducted hundreds of studies and risk assessments throughout the world for a diverse of customers from small manufacturing plants to campuses with over 100 buildings. No job is too big or too small for our team, and unlike other engineering firms or electrical service & equipment providers, arc flash studies aren’t something we provide on the side as a value-added service – it’s our expertise!
OBJECTIVES
- Determine if the potential for a hazardous electrical arc flash exists in equipment that employees work on or near while the equipment is exposed and energized.
- Identify opportunities to reduce or eliminate as many of the potential arc flash hazards identified in the study as possible.
- Determine the minimum safe working distance from the equipment where an arc flash hazard exists.
- Determine the appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) required to avoid a permanent injury from an arc flash.
- Implement arc flash hazard and electrical shock warning labels on electrical equipment.
- Inform management and workers of the results.
DELIVERABLES
- Updated One-Line Electrical Drawings
- Arc Flash Risk Assessment
- Short Circuit Study
- Protective Device Coordination Study
- Recommendations to Reduce Arc Flash Hazard Levels
- Arc Flash Labels & Labeling
- Help with OSHA & Arc Flash NFPA 70E compliance
WORK PROCESS
Phase I – Data Collection
The first phase is the collection of field data necessary to calculate potential incident energy at power distribution equipment. Phase I is the labor-intensive phase of the arc flash hazard study, typically taking at least half of the total effort required to complete the analysis. Data is collected on-site by qualified persons (as defined by OSHA and NFPA 70E) inappropriate PPE; preferably assisted by a qualified facility employee or someone knowledgeable of the plant electrical equipment and facility layout.
Data collected for the study includes transformer nameplates, conductor sizes/number per phase/lengths, motors larger than 50HP, circuit breaker catalog numbers and settings, fuse catalog numbers, and on-site generator nameplates. Generally, all the data can be collected without disturbing facility operations. Proper labeling of each disconnect as to its purpose (in accordance with NEC® 110.22), is required in order to complete an accurate analysis.
Generally as part of Phase I, the electric utility will be contacted to determine the short circuit current available at the facility’s metering point.
Phase II – Power System Modeling / Electrical One-Line Diagram Development
Using the information from the Data Collection, a power system an electrical one-line diagram is developed. Electrical elements and components are shown by standard industry-accepted symbols representing each of the three phases and the connection of the power system with one line. The diagram represents the actual facility power distribution system and path from the incoming power source to all loads and equipment.
Phase III – Engineering Calculations & Hazard Analysis / Study
This phase is completed and/or reviewed by a licensed professional electrical engineer knowledgeable in the use of electrical engineering software, IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E. ETAP or SKM software is used to determine the following:
- Short Circuit Study
- Device Interrupt Rating and Evaluation Study
- Arc Flash Hazard Study Analysis
- Recommended Solutions to Problems and Identify Opportunities
- Written Analysis Report
Phase IV – Report Presentation
Phase IV includes delivery of the report and a brief presentation of the results of the engineering studies completed including recommended solutions for improving the electrical distribution system. As part of this presentation, the presenter will welcome questions and encourage a discussion of the results and report.
This report is accompanied by program-specific electrical one-line diagrams developed during the modeling of the system.
Phase V – Labels & Label Application
Each piece of equipment analyzed will have a printed label compliant with NFPA and NEC. Labels include shock hazard assessment and warning to meet NFPA requirements.
Phase VI – Training
No program is complete without training to understand the results of your study and how to apply them when working on electrical equipment. Martin Technical offers different electrical safety and arc flash training programs to meet your needs.
