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Introduction to Arc Flash

Overview of the Arc Flash Hazard, OSHA requirements, and recognized national standards

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Introduction to Arc Flash

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  1. Introduction to Arc Flash HS-02-104W PDH Credits: 3 www.pdh-pro.com/Courses/Webinar/Webinars.html

  2. Learning Objectives After this course, you will: • Understand the Arc Flash Hazard • Recognize National Consensus Standards on the topic • Be familiar with the OSHA requirements

  3. Course Agenda • Introduction to Arc Flash • National Consensus Standards • The OSHA Position

  4. Arch Flash Arc flash or arc blast is: • The arc of high-amperage currents through the air. • A discharge of high voltages across a gap between conductors • The current travels through the air • Temperatures as high as 35,000° Fahrenheit

  5. Causes What causes an arc flash? • Bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object • Dropped tools • Buildup of conductive dust or corrosion

  6. Arc Flash Conditions Arc flash conditions: • Working on an energized circuit • Electrical equipment failure

  7. Arc Flash Hazards Arc Blast Hazards Three primary hazards: • Thermal radiation and intense heat • Pressure wave blast • Molten metal

  8. Thermal Radiation and Intense Light Factors affecting degree of injury: • Skin color • Area of skin exposed • Type of clothing worn To reduce risk of burn: • Proper clothing • Work distances • Over-current protection

  9. Pressure Waves Pressure wave blast: • 25,000-amp arc: • Feels like a force of about 480 pounds • May cause serious ear damage • May result in memory loss due to concussion Pressure wave may throw victim: • May propel objects over great distances

  10. High Voltage Arcs High-voltage arcs can melt electrical equipment: • Molten metal may be propelled great distances

  11. National Consensus Standard • Promulgated by a nationally recognized standards-producing organization • Offers opportunity to consider diverse views • Designated by the Secretary

  12. The OSH Act Overview • Only national consensus standards that have been adopted as, or specifically incorporated by reference into, an OSHA standard provide a means of compliance with the OSH Act • While requiring employers to comply with OSHA standards, the OSH Act also authorizes OSHA to treat certain violations, which have no direct or immediate relationship to safety and health, as de minimis, requiring no penalty or abatement

  13. Workplace Standards NPFA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace • Wide range of electrical safety issues • Assist employers comply with OSHA standards

  14. Protective Strategies • Creating an electrically safe work condition • Training workers • Planning the task • Selecting and using personal protective equipment

  15. Terminology Understanding terminology is essential to implement control measures

  16. Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Arc Flash Hazard Analysis • Measures incident energy that may strike an employee • Determines the arc flash protection boundary • Establishes the personal protective equipment necessary • Helps create practices to accomplish the desired work

  17. Working Distance Working Distance The working distance: • Distance from where worker stands to flash location • Common distance is 18 inches • Incident energy can be used to select protective equipment

  18. Incident Energy Incident Energy • Measure of thermal energy at working distance from an arc fault • Measured in Calories per square Centimeter, or cal/cm2 • 2nd degree burn of human skin is at 1.2 cal/cm2

  19. Arc Flash Protection Boundary The Arc Flash Protection Boundary is the distance from which a person could receive a second degree burn

  20. How to Use NFPA 70E NFPA 70E is valuable in complying with the OSHA electrical standards

  21. OSHA Use of National Consensus Standards OSHA’s Position OSHA standards as they relate to NFPA 70E: • OSHA does not enforce requirements of NFPA 70E • NFPA 70E can be used by OSHA and employers as guides in making hazard analyses and selecting control measures

  22. The General Duty Cause Does OSHA issue General Duty Clause violations to companies who do not follow the new NFPA 70E? • A violation of the General Duty Clause exists if an employer fails to furnish a workplace that is free from recognized hazards • The General Duty Clause is not used to enforce the provisions of consensus standards • The General Duty Clause usually is not used if there is a standard that applies to the particular condition, practice, means, operation, or process involved

  23. Marking of Electrical Equipment OSHA has no specific requirement for marking of electrical equipment to warn qualified persons of potential arc flash hazards. • Paragraph (e) of 1910.303 requires employers to mark electrical equipment with descriptive markings, including the equipment's voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary

  24. Flame-Resistant Clothing Is flame-resistant clothing required for employees working on electrical installations covered by Subpart S? • OSHA's present requirements in Subpart S, Safety-Related Work Practices, are based on NFPA 70E-1983, which did not at that time include specific provisions for flame-resistant clothing • More recent versions of NFPA 70Ehave included such body protection provisions • OSHA's existing Subpart S does not include a specific requirement for fire-resistant clothing

  25. OSHA-Requires De-energization OSHA provisions for selection and use of work practices contained in 1910.333(a)(1) generally require de-energization of live parts before an employee works on or near them. • Exposure is limited to when the equipment is shut down and when the qualified employee verifies, by use of a test instrument, a de-energized state • When employees perform work on energized circuits, as permitted by 1910.333(a)(1), tools and handling equipment that might make contact with exposed energized parts must be insulated in accordance with 1910.335(a)(2)(i)

  26. Additional OSHA Requirements Personal protective Equipment (PPE): • Must be worn for eyes and face when there is danger of injury • Use equipment to protect employees from: • Electric shocks • Blast • Arc flash burn hazards

  27. Supplemental Steps to Ensure Worker Safety NFPA 70E-2004 standards: • Arc Flash Hazard analysis • Flash-protection boundary • Personal protective equipment NFPA 70E, Article 130 provisions: • Energized electrical work authorization permit • Brief employees before they start each job

  28. Additional Information 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, Electrical National Fire Protection Agency: NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® 2009 OSHA 3075: Controlling Electrical Hazards 2002

  29. Congratulations! Your Introduction to Arc Flash training is complete • Next Steps • Watch video – login to your account • Review handouts • Complete exam • Certificate of Completion

  30. Next Steps 1. Download - Course Materials and Quiz http://www.pdh-pro.com/Courses/Webinar/HS02104W.html 2. Review Materials and Complete Practice Quiz 3. Group Review

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