Arc flash studies
Our engineers are dedicated to assisting our clients to
provide a safe work environment for personnel.
Industrial and commercial power systems have inherent risks to employees, particularly those who are working on or around energized electrical equipment. These risks include the potential for electrical shock and arc flash events when employees are interacting with equipment that is energized (including energized enclosed switches, power circuit breakers as well as any exposure to energized equipment or circuit parts during troubleshooting and testing procedures).
OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1) requires that employers identify and protect their workers from these workplace hazards by performing an assessment that determines the hazards present and also determines the level or personal protective equipment (PPE) requires to mitigate associated workplace hazards.
This is the purpose of an arc-flash study of a facility’s electrical power systems. The result of an arc-flash study will determine the potential energy hazard levels that could be encountered and provide labels (that are installed on the electrical gear) that disclose the required personal protective equipment (PPE) required to safely work on or around energized electrical equipment.
It is impossible to know the levels of arc flash hazards that are existing in your electrical power system without completing an assessment by knowledgeable technical resources. Therefore, an arc flash assessment must be completed, and the equipment appropriately labeled for the safety of your employees or contract employees working on or operating your electrical equipment.
HECO Engineers has developed a three phased approach to arc flash studies designed not to blow your budget. Our experts use the latest software (SKM) to achieve compliance without excessive data and reports. We will collaborate with your staff to customize an approach that allows you to control the costs of services you need without paying for those that you don’t need. We can offer full arc flash study services, or we can provide support your site team, local electrical contractor or engineering firm with any services they need.
You decide.
When properly completed, and arc-flash study meets the requirements of:
NFPA 70E – Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Section 110.1
NFPA 70E, Section 130.5 Arc Flash Analysis
NFPA 70E Section 130.5 (H) Labeling
NFPA 70E, Section 110.3 (A) Host Employer Responsibilities
OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)
Our Service Includes:
Phase 1 – Site Assessment and Electrical System Data Gathering
- Accurate, up-to-date information on the facility electrical system (which is absolutely essential to the analysis)
- Transformer data – KVA, voltages, impedance and nameplate data
- Conductor types
- Fuse and circuit breaker data
- Electric utility – available capacity (minimum & maximum) and available fault current
Phase 2 – Software Analysis ( SKM) and Evaluation of Data (Using IEEE 1584 and/or NFPA 70E Methods)
- Develop accurate Electrical one-line diagrams
- Assessment of existing electrical gear condition and identification of problem areas
- Make recommendations to reduce the amount of potentially hazardous situations in equipment in a facility
- Short-circuit analysis
- Protective device coordination analysis
- Interrupting rating analysis
- Incident Energy Analysis
- Recommend solutions to problems and identify opportunities for improvement
Phase 3 – Development of an Electrically Safe Work Practices Program, labelling of electrical panels, and the proper use and understanding of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Generate Arc Flash labels (which include appropriate PPE to be worn by personnel) and adhere them to electrical equipment (per NFPA 7OE).
- Consult on identified Arc Flash hazards and recommend removal (where possible)
- Develop a Written Electrical Safety Program
- Implementing Energized work permits (if not already being utilized)
- Identify PPE required in facility and assist management with information needed to order
- Training on proper wearing of PPE
- Training of Qualified Personnel (Maintenance)
- Training of Unqualified Personnel (Operations)
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