Understanding Arc Flash Safety Compliance
A review of Arc Flash safety compliance under OSHA and NFPA 70E standards.
What is an Arc Flash?
An arc flash occurs when short circuit current flows across a gap creating an arc and can be anything from minor embarrassing sparks to a deadly explosion.
The Arc Flash is usually caused by accidental contact between energized conductors from events such as dropping a screw driver or touching a wire. It can produce temperatures in the thousands of degrees, create extreme blast pressure, launch projectiles at hundreds of miles per hour, produce ultra-violet light that can blind. It can and does kill people!
The IEEE 1584 Working Group has been studying the effects of Arc Flash through testing and analysis which lead to the development of: IEEE Std.1584tm, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations which defines formulas and procedures used to calculate the amount of incident energy that can be released during and arcing short circuit.
What Does OSHA Say About Arc Flash?
According to OSHA 1910.132(d) the employer is responsible to assess the hazards in the work place, select, have, and use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and document the assessment. The use of NFPA 70E and other related industry consensus standards has been used to demonstrate whether an employer acted reasonably when there is a possible OSHA enforcement action taken.
So although NFPA 70E is not directly part of OSHA standards, it can be used as evidence of whether an employer acted reasonably in complying with OSHA standards and addressing “recognized hazards
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