An arc flash study is one of the important safety measures that are aimed at preventing hazards in places that use electrical energy. Through this procedure of detecting arc flash hazards, you are able to implement proper protective measures that can reduce the occurrence of severe burns and/or equipment damage.
Performing an arc flash study based on standard IEEE 1584 guarantees necessary preparedness for electrical faults in a facility. This article gives a step-by-step guide on how to perform an effective electrical flash analysis to eliminate potential dangers.
1. Data Collection of Electrical Systems
Before starting an arc flash analysis, the following information is required: information about the facility’s electrical system. This comprises details of electrical equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers and fuses, conductor type, and many more. Data collection is important since the effectiveness of the data analysis highly depends on the quality of the data provided.
2. System Modeling and Calculation
As soon as you are able to gather the necessary data, the following step is to construct a model of the electrical system. There is specific software used for analyzing the system functioning when exposed to various kinds of faults. This step addresses locations in the workplace where arc flash hazards can occur and shows potential risk levels at these places.
3. Determine Working Distances and Protection Boundaries
In this step, the determination of working distances and protection boundaries takes place. These boundaries determine the permissible distance that a worker can get closer to an electrical component while working safely. The arc flash boundary is the area inside where a worker can be exposed to a second-degree burn in the event of an arc flash.
4. Labeling Electrical Equipment
The next step after recognizing the possible arc flash hazards is to label the electrical equipment with the right hazard information. Information that should be provided on the labels include the energy path, PPE needed, and the arc flash hazard range. These labels contain relevant data which may enable a worker to act in the correct manner when operating or providing services near electrical equipment.
5. Choosing the Right Personal Protective Equipment or PPE
Personal protective equipment is critical as it provides workers protection against arc flash risks in the workplace. From the results of the analysis, it will be possible to know the right PPE for the number of risks in this or that facility. This includes clothes such as overalls, face masks, gloves and other protective gear that could enable anyone who encounters an arc flash risk to avoid a serious injury.
6. Conduct Regular Periodic Analysis of the Current Analysis Period
Last but not the least, an arc flash analysis should not be a one-off exercise. Electrical systems are dynamic and as such, undergo changes through retrofitting, expansion or equipment upgrades. Thus, the arc flash analysis needs to be updated regularly to keep track of the changes and match the current state of the system.
