How to Protect Your Workplace from the Dangers of Arc Flash

An arc flash is a serious hazard that can lead to serious injury or death. It occurs when there is a short circuit between the wires, creating an explosive release of heat and energy.

The most common causes of arc flash are corrosion of parts, non-compliance with safety regulations, accidental contact with current-conducting parts, contamination, errors when connecting wires, etc.

To prevent this dangerous phenomenon, it is important to regularly conduct arc flash analysis, which will identify potential dangers and help to take the necessary measures to protect your workplace.

What is arc flash hazard analysis

Arc flash hazard analysis is the process of detecting electrical hazards that can cause an arc flash. 

It includes the following:

• arc flash analysis report with an assessment of the potential arc flash hazard;
• Identification of necessary protective equipment and procedures;
• if necessary, arc flash hazard analysis and mitigation also includes electrical system design changes;
• ensuring that workers are trained to work safely with electrical equipment.

Arc flash analysis requirements

According to the «Electrical Safety Standard at the Workplace» of the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 70E, incident energy analysis should be carried out:

• Every five years, because some of the equipment could break or become obsolete.
• earlier, if you’ve made any changes to your electrical system.

Also, arc flash analysis requirements are stated in the standard 1910.269 «Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity» OSHA. According to this document, you as an employer should regularly perform arc flash assessment to protect your staff from the risks associated with arc flash.

We also recommend that Bill C-45, an amendment to Canada’s Criminal Code, be taken into account. In this document, you will find the following information: «Everyone who undertakes or has the authority to determine how another person works or performs a task is obliged by law to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to this person or any other person arising from this work».

Arc flash analysis cost

Arc flash analysis cost depends on the following factors:

• Size of your enterprise;
• Electrical system design;
• Quantities of electrical equipment used;
• Other information that will affect the complexity of the work.

Contact Leaf Electrical Safety, a company specializing in electrical safety issues, to learn more about all the perspectives of this analysis and its price.

If you need help with training, procedures, or arc research, Leaf Electrical Safety specialists are available by phone at (800) 822 9532 or by email: [email protected].