An Introduction to Arc Flash Safety and Related Services ...npm-services.com/.../2016/08/NPM-Arc-Flash-Guide.pdf · to the latest revision (Article 205.3), ... infrared thermography,

4552 Happy Valley Rd, Cave City, KY | 270-678-1712 | npm-services.com | page 1

Arc Flash Hazard Guide

An Introduction to Arc Flash Safety

and Related Services

Compliance with OSHA and NFPA

4552 Happy Valley Rd, Cave City, KY | 270-678-1712 | npm-services.com | page 2 of 12

Introduction The following brochure is intended to answer questions and detail NPM’s Arc Flash

Safety and Related Services. We would be happy to talk to you about performing

an arc flash assessment, providing safety training classes, preventative

maintenance, writing or auditing your electrical safety policy, or other services. Arc

flash safety doesn’t have to be overwhelming, please don’t hesitate to contact us

with any questions you may have and we will help you find solutions to your arc

flash needs.

If you don’t know how to get started with arc flash compliance or if you have any

questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll get you started in the right

direction.

Sincerely,

NPM Services, Inc.

Matt Braun, P.E. Engineering Services Manager 270-308-5013 [email protected]


Frequently asked Questions

What is an electrical arc flash?

An arc flash is not the same as electrical shock. Shock hazards are associated with

current flowing through the body. Arc flash hazards happen when current flows

through air in an unintended and dangerous way with an explosion of heat and

energy.

What causes an arc flash?

Arcs can be started when conductor insulation or spacing is altered enough that

current begins to flow where it is not designed to flow. Arcs can be initiated by

equipment failure, human error such as a misplaced tool, critters, improper

installation, water, and many other causes.

Who is responsible for arc flash safety?

• OSHA requires employers to identify and communicate workplace hazards.

Arc flash safety was first introduced by the NFPA in 1995 and employers

should consider arc flash safety a high priority.

• Each individual is responsible for their own safety and actions.

What is needed to be in compliance with arc flash safety requirements?

1. Perform an arc flash study and label the hazards at each location.

2. Perform arc flash safety training.

3. Communicate hazards to employees and visitors through safety policies.

4. Maintain electrical equipment

What is an arc flash assessment (or study or analysis)?

NPM Services will collect electrical system data, model your system using power

system software, analyze the results, and document the findings in a report. Site

specific and equipment specific arc flash hazard warning labels will be printed and

installed at your facility following the guidelines of IEEE Standard 1584 - Guide for

Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations and the latest edition of NFPA 70E -

Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.


What training is needed for site personnel?

NFPA safety training requirements are “determined by the risk to the employee”

and can be classroom and/or one-the-job based training according to NFPA 70E

Article 110.2(B). NPM offers training based on the specific needs of your facility and

incorporates your existing safety policies (when available).

What policies are required by OSHA and the NFPA?

Both OSHA and the NFPA have themes of communication and documentation

when it comes to electrical safety. NPM recommend each employer has the

following policies and procedures:

1. Overall electrical safety program (see NFPA 70E Article 110.1)

2. Job briefing form for unusual tasks (see NFPA 70E Article 110.1(H))

3. Energized work permit (see NFPA 70E Article 130.2(B))

4. Lock out tag out policy (see NFPA 70E Article 120)

The electrical safety program should be a part of the “employer’s overall

occupational health and safety management system, when one exists” according

to NFPA 70E Article 110.1(A). If your group does not have an ESP (electrical safety

program), NPM can help you write a program that fits your particular needs.

Codes and standards are periodically updated and NPM can audit your existing

program to “to verify that the principles and procedures of the electrical safety

program are in compliance” as required by Article 110.1(I).

What does an arc flash label look like?

Our standard label includes all of the

information required per NFPA 70E

Article 130.5(D) including the nominal

system voltage, arc flash boundary,

site-specific level of PPE, and the

working distance. Other helpful safety

information is included such as the

shock boundaries and glove class.

Labels can be customized as needed to

match your facilities existing policies

(when applicable).


What equipment maintenance is recommended by the National Fire Protection

Association?

NFPA 70E recognizes that equipment which is not properly maintained cannot be

expected to operate properly (Article 130.5(3)). The following sentence was added

to the latest revision (Article 205.3), “The equipment owner or the owner’s

designated representative shall be responsible for maintenance of the electrical

equipment and documentation.”

NPM Services would be happy to discuss recommended practices regarding system

maintenance including switchgear preventative maintenance, circuit breaker

testing, relay calibration, infrared thermography, and other services. Please contact

us to discuss these services.

Who is NPM Services?

NPM Services started providing predictive and preventative maintenance services

to a wide variety of industries nationwide over 12 years ago and has grown to offer

a wide variety of electrical and mechanical testing and services including a heavy

focus on arc flash related services. Our key engineering staff includes Chris Neitzel

(Field Services Manager) and Matt Braun (Engineering Services Manager). Matt

Braun is a registered professional engineer who has performed hundreds of arc

flash, short circuit and over current coordination studies for facilities ranging from

schools and hospitals to airports, factories and an NFL stadium. His engineering

career has been centered around arc flash analysis and work place safety. Matt

understands safety from several perspectives based on his experience working as

both a consultant (behind the desk) and as a system operator (hands-on) and is

actively involved in the field of arc flash safety as a working group member of IEEE

Standard 1584 – Electrical Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations.


Arc Flash Assessment Procedure and Deliverables

Introduction:

NPM will provide an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis in accordance with the NFPA 70E - Standard for

Electrical Safety in the Workplace and IEEE Standard 1584 - Electrical Guide for Performing Arc

Flash Hazard Calculations. NPM will collect electrical system information, model the electrical

system using engineering software, analyze the electrical hazards, provide a written report with

mitigation recommendations, and install arc flash hazard warning labels.

The assessment will begin at the utility service point and will include all significant three phase

loads and power distribution equipment including switchgear, switchboards, panels, disconnects,

transfer switches, starters, busways and motor control centers which are likely to be serviced

under live (energized) conditions.

Scope of Work:

The following will be included in the scope of work:

1. Collect system data during onsite visit(s)

2. Model the electrical system in power system analysis software

3. Calculate the fault current (worst case short circuit current) at each piece of equipment

and compare this to the short circuit rating of the equipment

4. Review system coordination and provide recommendations to improve system

reliability

5. Analyze the arc flash hazards and provide recommendations to mitigate high energy

locations by changing circuit breaker settings or changing fuse types where appropriate

6. Compile results and recommendations into an easy to read report

7. Print and install arc flash hazard warning labels

Deliverables:

Upon completion of the project, NPM Services will deliver the following which will satisfy the

NFPA-70E hazard analysis requirements:

• Electrical one-line system drawings will be provided.

• The arc flash report will include an executive summary, detailed descriptions of the results,

graphs, and tables. The arc flash table will include calculated values at each piece of equipment

including the incident energy, arc flash boundary, working distance, nominal voltage, upstream

protective device, arc fault current, arc duration, and more. Where appropriate, circuit breaker

settings will be provided with the system as found, as well as recommended settings to mitigate

arc flash incident energy.

• Arc flash hazard labels (printed and installed by NPM Services). The arc flash labels will

comply with NFPA 70E requirements and will show the unique calculated results at each piece of

equipment and including the incident energy, site specific PPE level, arc flash boundary, limited

approach (shock) boundary, restricted approach (shock) boundary, and nominal voltage.

Contact us today at 270-678-1712 for more information!


Arc Flash and NFPA 70E Safety Training

Introduction:

NPM provides general or site specific safety training based on NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical

Safety in the Workplace and OSHA standards. The in-depth electrical safety courses are

presented in a personal and practical way by safety professionals with extensive experience with

arc flash analysis and safety training. The course will be tailored to the electrical safety needs of

the facility if site specific safety policies are available. The course will include electrical safety

topics with a focus on arc flash safety and shock safety. Class duration can be adjusted to meet

your specific needs (often 4-8 hours).

Course Content:

The course will include:

1. Motivation for electrical safety with statistics and case studies

2. Introduction to OSHA and the NFPA

3. IEEE Standard 1584 - Electrical Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations

4. OSHA 1910 Standards for General Industry: PPE, Lockout, Electrical Safety

5. NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

a. What is arc flash? What is arc blast?

b. Arc Flash Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection and use

c. Arc flash boundary explanation and examples

d. What is the working distance?

e. Understanding your facility’s Arc Flash Labels

f. Discussion of qualified and unqualified workers

g. Shock discussion (statistically the most dangerous electrical hazard!)

h. Shock hazards and shock approach boundaries

i. Shock Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection and use

j. Using energized work permit

k. Pre-job safety meeting

l. General lockout procedures

6. Themes of Safety: communication and documentation

7. Test to demonstrate proficiency in work practices

Deliverables:

• Safety course presented onsite at customer facility

• Safety training handout for each participant

• Test will be shared with management for recordkeeping

• Certificate of Completion for each participant

• Course syllabus and class attendance list for management’s records



Written Electrical Safety Program

Introduction:

NPM can write or assist with the implementation of an Electrical Safety Program

which should be a part of your site’s overall occupational health and safety

management system, when one exists. The Electrical Safety Program will direct

activity appropriate to the risk associated with electrical hazards at your site.

Program Development Process

1. NPM will visit your site to meet your team, discuss your operations, walk

through your facility, and get an understanding of your specific needs.

Existing policies will be collected and discussed, when applicable.

2. NPM will write an Electrical Safety Program for your sites specific needs.

3. NPM will present the program to your safety management and key staff.

Program Components:

• Electrical Safety Procedures

• Risk Assessment Procedures

• Job Briefing and Energized Work Procedures

• Lock Out, Tag Out Policy

• Electrical Safety Auditing Plan

• Training Program Plan

Deliverables:

• Written Electrical Safety Program

o Lock Out Policy

o Job Briefing Form

o Energized Work Permit

Related Service – Program Audit

Codes and standards are periodically updated and NPM can audit your existing

program to “to verify that the principles and procedures of the electrical safety

program are in compliance” as required by Article 110.1(I) every three years.



Preventative Maintenance and Testing Programs

OSHA and the NFPA recognize that a safe work place depends on properly maintained

equipment. Regularly scheduled maintenance and testing reduces the probability of an

unscheduled outage and can save you significant headaches and money. NPM Services is a full

service maintenance and testing company with experience working with a range of industries

including heavy industrial, utilities, medical, and commercial.

Our expertise includes the following:

Switchgear-Low & Medium Voltage

Ground Fault Testing and Inspection

Circuit Breaker Testing and Rebuilding

Pringle Switch Maintenance and Testing

Bolted Pressure Switch Maintenance

Trip Unit Retrofit Services

All Types of Switchgear PM and Testing

High Voltage Switch PM and Testing

Vacuum/SF6/Oil Breakers

Timing of Circuit Breakers

Vacuum Bottle Testing

Power Factor Testing

Contact Resistance

Lubrication and Inspection

Drain and Inspect Oil Breakers

Contact Replacement

High/Low Voltage Cable Testing

Insulation Testing of Cables

Hi-Pot Testing of Cables

Cable Inspection

Repair and Termination of Cables

Installation of Cables

Inspection and Cleaning

Transformers (Oil and Dry-Type)

Power Factor Testing

Turns Ratio Testing

Insulation Resistance Testing

Winding Resistance Measurement

Leak Repair and Dehydration/Degassing

Tap Changer Maintenance

Field Inspections

Testing and Predictive Maintenance

Infrared Scanning Services

Ultrasonic Air Leak Testing

Ground Resistance Testing

Insulation Testing of Motors

Feeder Cable Testing

Power Quality Monitoring

Insulating Fluid Analysis of Oils

Dissolved Gas Analysis

Karl Fischer Water Testing

Dielectric Testing

Neutralization Number

Color, Visual, Specific Gravity

Power Factor and Furan Analysis

Contact NPM today to setup a maintenance program at 270-678-1712!


Infrared Scanning Services / Thermal Imaging Services

Introduction:

NPM Services offers infrared scanning services across a

wide range of industries. Thermal Imaging is a valuable

tool in the detection of problem areas within both

electrical and mechanical systems. Our technicians use

FLIR thermal imaging cameras and have conducted well

over a thousand infrared scans and in the process have

saved clients significant sums, by identifying problem

areas before they result in lost production or damage to

equipment.

Infrared Scanning can be used to identify problem areas

in fuses, disconnects, plant bus, transformer bushings,

oil level problems, motor starters, switchgear, cables,

bearings, loose connections, circuit breakers, capacitor banks, furnace heat loss, and many

other areas.

What is Thermal Imaging or Infrared Thermography?

An infrared camera processes infrared light waves, unlike our eyes, and produces a thermal

(heat) image of an object. For all objects which emit a heat signature that is measurable, we

can use an infrared camera to capture its thermal image.

What are the benefits of Infrared Thermography?

Thermographic images of electrical systems can detect abnormally hot electrical connections

or components. Infrared saves money by avoiding any business downtime and assuring

efficiency in operations. Through use of the thermal image, comparisons can be made to later

inspections or faults can be prioritized for managing lean maintenance budgets. Infrared also

gives you the reporting and documentation capabilities that traditional inspection methods

can’t provide.

Electrical Inspections:

In electrical systems, excessive heat is a sign of

impending trouble. High temperatures indicate

excessive electrical resistance, failing components,

ground faults, short circuits or other common

problems in electric equipment that can lead to

expensive or even catastrophic failures. Infrared

Scanning is also instrumental tool in a substation

maintenance program.

Contact us today at 270-678-1712 for a complimentary quote!


Arc Flash Safety References

OSHA - PART 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards

1910.132 (d) Requires employers to identify and communicate workplace

hazards and necessary PPE

1910.137 Shock and shock prevention, test gloves every 6 months

1910.147 Lockout and tagout

1910.331-335 Electrical safety and approach boundaries

1910.333 Requires shock and arc flash PPE and qualification

1910.335 (a)(1)(i) Requires PPE to be used where appropriate

1910.335 (a)(2)(i) Requires insulated tools where appropriate

1910.335 (a)(2)(ii) Requires protective shields, barriers, etc. where appropriate

NFPA 70 – 2014 (NEC)

110.16 Equipment shall be field marked to warn of potential electric arc

flash hazards

110.9 Equipment short circuit rating shall exceed the available

(calculated) short circuit current

110.10 System overcurrent device coordination

NFPA 70E – 2015

110.1 Electrical Safety Program requirement explanation

130.2 Electrically Safe Working Conditions

“Energized electrical conductors and circuit parts to which an

employee might be exposed shall be put into an electrically safe

work condition before an employee performs work …”

130.2(A)(1) Energized work shall be permitted where the employer can

demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional hazards or

increased risk.

130.2(B) Energized electrical work permit

130.5(C) Labeling requirements

130.7 PPE and other protective equipment


Arc Flash Safety References, NFPA 70E – 2015 continued

130.7 I.N.N. 3 “When incident energy exceeds 40 cal/cm2, greater emphases may

be necessary with respect to de-energizing” equipment

Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a) and Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(b)

“Task Tables”

Table 130.7(C)(16) Protective Clothing and PPE table

Annex H.3(b) PPE for Incident Energy Exposure

205.2 Maintain an up to date one-line diagram

Table 130.4(D)(a) Shock approach boundaries

NFPA 70E – 2015 – Maintenance requirements

110.1(B) “The electrical safety program shall include elements that consider

condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.”

130.5(D) An arc flash risk assessment shall be performed and shall: “Take

into consideration the design of the overcurrent protective device

and its opening time, including its condition of maintenance.”

205.3 General Maintenance Requirements: “Electrical equipment shall

be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions or

industry consensus standards to reduce the risk associated with

failure. The equipment owner or the owner’s designated

representative shall be responsible for maintenance of the

electrical equipment and documentation.”

IEEE Standard 1584

Industry consensus standard which describes AF calculation methods. (NPM is a

part of the working group which authors and votes on this standard.)

Documents

An Introduction to Arc Flash Safety and Related Services ...npm-services.com/.../2016/08/NPM-Arc-Flash-Guide.pdf · to the latest revision (Article 205.3), ... infrared thermography,