Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis

GE's comprehensive arc-flash hazard study, designed to assist in addressing the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard 70E, helps ensure employee safety against dangers associated with the release of energy caused by an electrical arc. Key elements of an arc-flash hazard safety program are:
  • Calculating the NFPA-based level of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Communicating PPE and approach distance to exposed energized equipment through a warning label system

Mitigating Arc-Flash Hazard Risk

In addition to risking employee safety, failure to address NFPA 70E can lead to significant financial loss through extended litigation, increased insurance costs and regulatory fines. OSHA has recently cited several companies under the General Duty Clause. You can help mitigate this risk with a comprehensive arc-flash hazard study by GE.

Equipped with Experience

With over 100 years experience in analyzing power systems, GE has plant knowledge that supports the detection of arc-flash hazards throughout your systems. GE employs only proven data collection methods, detailed calculations and thorough software based analysis to identify the calculated incident energy and NFPA-based PPE for each potential hazard. Excessive PPE can itself be a safety hazard. To help calculate the precise NFPA-based PPE category, GE recommends concurrently conducting short-circuit and protective device coordination studies. This approach enables a more comprehensive analysis than using the existing protective device settings and short-circuit data. Using a single source experienced in performing all three studies helps to ensure consistency in results, identify compound hazards and limit duplication.

Detailed Labeling

Constructing detailed and durable warning labels is critical to fulfilling the National Electric Code's requirement for field marking potential arc-flash hazards. GE's robust labels include the arc-flash hazard and shock hazard boundaries as well as the appropriate combined level of PPE.

Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis Employs Industry Standard Practices

  • Electric Arc Hazard Exposure (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269)
  • Flash and Shock Hazard Analysis (NFPA 70E-2004, 110.8(B)(1))
  • Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment for Flash Hazards (NFPA 70E-2004, 130.3(B); Table 130.7(C)(11))
  • Prescribed Equations for Incident Energy and Arc-Flash Boundary Calculations (IEEE Std. 1584-2002: and 1584a-2004)
  • Field Marking of Arc-Flash Hazards (NFPA 70-2005, 110.16; NFPA 70E-2004, 400.11)
  • Work Permits to Work on Energized Parts (NFPA 70E-2004, 110.8(B)(2)

Benefits Include:

  • Improves employee safety against electrical arcs
  • Calculates incident energy levels and IEEE-based flash protection boundary
  • Addresses arc-flash issues within NFPA 70E
  • Provides required field marking through detailed warning labels to communicate:
    • NFPA-based PPE class
    • IEEE-based safe approach distances

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