Whilst the USA have specific regulations on  Electrical Arc Flash

OSHA 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910 Subpart S.

• NFPA 70-2002 National Electrical Code.
• NFPA 70E-2000 Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces.
• IEEE Standard 1584-2002 Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations.

The UK currently require companies to comply to E.A.W.R. 89 Section 5 - which includes the prevention of Electrical Arc Flash Incidents.

For your compliance with E.A.W.R 1989, section 5. It is advised to adhere to this eight-point plan for a facility to provide, and be able to demonstrate, a safety program with defined responsibilities.  

• Calculate your equipment's fault level studies & load flow analysis to IEC60909 standards.
• Establish & Set protection gradings.
• Update all distribution systems / records.
• Calculate the degree of arc flash hazard to IEEE 1584  standards
• Calculate personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers.
• Provide warning labels on all equipment. - provided by the equipment owners, not the manufacturers. 
• Training for workers on the hazards of arc flash.
• Appropriate tools for safe working. 

Most Electrical injuries and fatalities result from burns caused by Arc Flash!

Have you recognised the hazard and taken appropriate measures to reduce the risk of Arc Flash to acceptable levels?

• Electrical Review Sept 2007
• Electrical Products & Applications November 2007 (including Functional Safety)

Electrical Arc Flash Studies - Activity Choice List

The following is an option package aimed at providing a level of service specific to your requirements for your Electrical Arc Flash Study requirements.

Activities 1 to 4 will ensure your compliance to E.A.W.R 1989 Section 5.

1. Site Surveys
2. Fault Level Studies ( compliance to IEC 60909)
3. Protection Grading Studies
4. Distribution Systems Records
5. Arc Flash Assessment ( compliance to IEEE1584 )
6. Results Interpretation
7. Switchgear Risk Assessment
8. Operations & Maintenance procedures – Creation & Development
9. Equipment Labelling & Identification
10.P.P.E Calculations & Recommendations
11.Safety Standard Training
12.Ongoing Analysis & Support

TAS Engineering Consultants has established itself as one of the UK's leading specialists at reducing the risks posed by Arc Energy.

Arc flashes are short circuits through the air. More than half of all electrical accidents associated with low-voltage switchgear assemblies involve arc faults, which can cause death or injury and pose a greater risk to workers than electric shocks.

Such flashes cause temperatures of up to 35,000 deg C - the sun's surface is 9,000 deg C - and lead to the release of vaporised metal droplets and poisonous nitrogen dioxide gases.

They can also convert electrical energy into intense thermal radiation and the explosive expansion of the surrounding air can generate damagingly high sound levels.

Arc Flashes can be caused in several ways - by poor electrical contact, insulation failure, inadvertent contact with energised equipment or inadequate maintenance. Critically, most arc accidents occur while equipment is being operated, hence the serious risk to workers.

The Injuries caused by arc flashes range from superficial burns, loss of sight or hearing and lung damage from the inhalation of gases, to severe burns, physical injuries from impact, or even death. Arc energy incidents inevitably lead to damage to plant and equipment, not only wasting materials but disrupting production.

If you have any concerns about the level of risk on your site from arc flash and require further information, advice or assistance in making your site safe, then call our specialist engineers on 01642 613622.