Arc Flash Incidents Don't Give Second Chances
/With arc flashes being one of the most dangerous events in electrical systems, it’s important to know what you can do to prevent them from happening.
The workplace is meant to be a safe environment. Arc flash assessments, which identify hazards and calculate risks, are the key to this safety.
An arc flash assessment is conducted to determine the arc flash boundary. In turn, this boundary determines the PPE category needed to keep a worker safe when dealing with electrical hazards to reduce the risk of injury in case of an arc flash or shock. There are four categories of PPE. The farther from the electrical hazard you can be to sustain second-degree burns, the higher PPE category must be selected. The selected PPE must meet or exceed the potential incident energy level determined by the assessment.
The PPE categories follow the NFPA 70E guidelines, which are a set of guidelines put in place to ensure workers wear the appropriate attire when working with electrical hazards.
At SSM, we perform site surveys, model and analyze updates to new and existing electrical systems, and submit official reports stating conclusions and recommendations to clients in accordance with NFPA 70E standards. We perform Short Circuit Analysis and Device Coordination Review to identify locations with high incident energy and notify clients of areas that require a PPE category 1 or higher.
SSM updates incident energy levels in existing models to reflect system revisions and prepares labels for installation on equipment. We design and implement safety systems to eliminate hazards—so you can focus on your work, worry-free. We don’t just design systems, we design infrastructure for a safer tomorrow.
This electrical safety month, we want to remind you not only of arc flash safety, but of the overall importance of electrical safety. While arch flash is a big electrical safety risk, it’s not the only one. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and neglected maintenance can all lead to risks such as fires, power outages, and costly repairs.
To help you maintain an all-around electrically safe workplace, here’s a list of things you can do to make sure your space is less at risk of accidents!
Schedule regular electrical inspections.
Ensure proper grounding of electrical systems.
Comply with electrical codes and regulations.
Prevent overloaded circuits.
Invest in surge protection.
Work with a trusted electrician.
Make a checklist of updates and maintenance that needs to be done.
Don’t be shocked when an incident happens, be informed and prepared!