Importance of Arc Flash Analysis in Electrical Safety Compliance
Within electrical industries, safety remains a paramount issue of concern. Among the numerous risks found in such areas, the arc flash remains one of the most perilous, as it is a burst of electrical energy that may lead to grave injuries and fatalities.
In order to safeguard the employees together with adhering to safety requirements, there is often a necessity to perform an analysis for arc flashes. It is useful in pointing out risk factors that if not well managed can lead to accidents affecting the personnel, and damage to the equipment.
Arc Flash: Its Nature and Risks
An arc flash is the result of an electrical current that flows through the air to the fault and back—causing a short circuit. An arc flash is an electrical discharge that can result in temperatures of between 35,000°F and also leads to the release of a large volume of energy in form of heat, pressure as well as light. This poses potential danger to everyone nearby due to the effects of the blast; burns, blindness and death are common.
Since arc flashes present several dangers in industrial facilities, it’s imperative for establishments to adhere to guidelines that NEC 2011, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, and IEEE 1584 have laid down to help in the identification of risky areas. Performing arc flash hazard/risk analysis is critical to adherence to safe working practices and safeguarding workers.
Arc Flash Analysis: A Key to Safety and Compliance
Arc flash risk assessment involves undertaking a thorough study of an electrical system in order to identify the likelihood of occurrence and the level of risk that may be associated with an arc flash. This procedure points out the threats and the steps that can be taken to mitigate risks, for instance, altering some settings of the system or putting into operation new safety measures. A proper arc flash analysis is not only useful in avoiding incidents, but also in making sure that the facility is in conformity with the legally required safety measures.
Advantages Arc Flash Analysis
a. Compliance with Regulations
The NFPA 70E and OSHA entail that the facilities have to perform a hazard assessment for the control of electrical risks. Companies get to conduct regular arc flash studies to ensure that they do not breach regulations thus facing the consequences thereof.
b. Increased Worker Safety
After analyzing workplaces to determine where arc flash hazards are most likely to occur, the measures that need to be put in place to guarantee safety is what often follows.
c. Improved System Reliability
When businesses carry out an arc flash analysis, they are able to identify areas that may be weak in the electrical systems, hence resulting in enhanced reliability of the systems and minimal electrical faults that may lead to downtimes.
d. Cost Savings
It should be understood that while implementing arc flash analysis might be somewhat costly at the onset, the return on investment is significant because arc flash accidents often bring with them costly medical costs, legal charges, and costs of repair of equipment.
