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Arc Flash Label Printers - Arc Flash Labeling

Arc Flash & Electrical Safety News

Monday, April 27, 2009

Arc Flash Causes Balckout That Traps 20 In Elevators

An article in today's Boston University school newspaper reports that an arc flash caused the evacuation of a triple tower high-rise dormitory. That arc flash caused $300,000 in damages, but no injuries. The BU Post reported:

"Twenty residents of Warren Towers were trapped in elevators for as long as two hours Saturday evening and appoximately 1,600 people were forced to vacate the triple tower high-rise dormitory when an arc flash shut down a transformer in the B Tower electrical room."

"The electrical short, reported to the Boston Fire Department at 7:21 p.m., generated heat and smoke, but no injuries were reported."

You can read the entire article in the BU Post.

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Friday, March 13, 2009

The Fine Print Notes In NFPA 70E 2009

The two most recent issues of the NFPA Journal include columns by Bill Buss about the fine print notes in NFPA 70E. He says this about the fine print notes:

"Section 90.5(C) of NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, defines fine print notes (FPNs) as explanatory material that is informational in nature. They are not a part of the requirements, but they do alert users to the technical committee’s concerns and provide additional information that helps users apply the standard. They should also be considered when developing a site safety program and doing the hazard/risk analysis for work tasks."

The first article is in the January/February issue and is called In 70E, the small print can be just as important as the big print. It points out fine print notes that discuss arc flash hazards when an enclosure has louvers, as well as fine print notes on training, hazard/risk evaluation, lock out/tag out, and electrical safety programs.

The second article is in the March/April issue and discusses topics such as fault clearing time and PPE. The topic of NFPA 70E fine print, arc flash and PPE was also discussed in the July/August 2008 Bill Buss column, but you must be a member of NFPA to read back issues. Non-members can read the current issue and the three most recent back issues.

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Monday, January 05, 2009

Establishing an Arc Flash Loss Prevention Program

I just found this white page published by M.C. Dean, Inc. last August. The introduction to the white paper describes its purpose as designed to:

[Quoted from the introduction to the white paper.]

● Give middle and upper management an executive level description of the details surrounding arc flash and the industry’s best proven business practices. After reading this paper executives should have the confidence to begin the process of assigning the right team and resources needed to develop the methodology that best carries out a safety and arc flash loss prevention program tailored to their organizations.

● Provide the technical manager with a support document that can be presented to upper management along with recommendations to improve corporate safety policies by integrating an Arc Flash Loss Prevention (AFLP) Program.

● Provide business leaders with a quick reference guide to the questions they have involving who is responsible (in the eyes of OSHA and the judicial system), how to resource, how to control cost and how to build a sustainable program that can be monitored by a non-technical manager.

● Equip risk managers with a methodology to process a loss prevention program targeted to exposure related to arc flash. This includes the means to identify, evaluate, choose, implement, monitor and manage a comprehensive program that is sustainable and provides measureable data that can be used to calculate best risk management decisions.

● Caution on the use of “over-simplified” allowable tables and charts the industry has developed to establish arc flash protective measures. The risks include controlling the cost of expensive personal protective equipment (PPE) that may or may not be needed and giving untrained workers the false sense of confidence when working on energized electrical equipment. The result is a mismanaged safety program.

You can read the white paper here.

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Friday, September 26, 2008

Eaton Announces Their Participation In Arc Flash Research

Plant Engineeering Live announced that Eaton is a platinum sponsor of the multi-year Arc Flash Collaborative Research Project. The article states:

"Eaton is a platinum sponsor of the multi-year Arc Flash Collaborative Research Project that will go a long way toward understanding arc flash events worldwide. The $6 million to $7 million initiative will involve more than 2,000 test protocols that measure the thermal, pressure, sound, shrapnel, toxicity and radiative phenomena generated in arc flashes, and will explore how enclosures affect the energy released."

The article starts with an overview of arc flash and a summary of what the research project will be looking at. It concludes with this summary of some of the anticipated benefits of the study:

"The Arc Flash Collaborative Research Project will give companies the same degree of information about protecting workers exposed to electrical safety hazards that the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations provide for the handling of hazardous chemicals and maintaining safe working conditions, respectively. If OSHA or Congress chooses to implement workplace electrical safety regulations or legislation, project content can serve as the basis for public policy, or may be used verbatim. The same holds true if state agencies or legislatures choose to strengthen on-the-job safety requirements."

You can read the entire article at: http://www.plantengineering.com/article/CA6594344.html

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Friday, September 12, 2008

ESDA Announced Paladin Real-Time Arc Flash Advisor

The following is based on a press release from ESDA Corporation.

EDSA Corp. has unveiled the Paladin® Real-Time Arc Flash Advisor™, the industry's first software program that enables organizations to make up-to-date assessments of changing arc flash hazards. By maintaining an uninterrupted, 360 degree view of the facility and its potential arc flash hazards, Paladin Real-Time Arc Flash Analytics can provide detailed, updated advisories for site personnel regarding the appropriate safety procedures and protective gear recommended to work in a given vicinity.

Though electrical accidents represent a statistically small percentage of all work-related incidents, they are disproportionately fatal: according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), electrical injuries in the workplace – in particular, phenomena called "arc flash" accidents – result in the death of a facilities worker every 28 hours… even in facilities that have passed formal inspections within recent months.

"Even the best-designed, regularly-inspected facility has arc flash threats that emerge after the inspectors leave, because of changes made within the facility, equipment getting swapped out, and maintenance procedures requiring workers to access off-limits areas for repairs," said Mark A. Ascolese, chairman and CEO of EDSA. "The Paladin Real-Time Arc Flash Advisor is the first software product that can perform intelligent calculations about potential arc flash threats in real-time… an effective way to help enhance worker safety in-between required OSHA inspections."

Understanding the Arc Flash Threat
As defined by IEEE and the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), arc flash is a strong electric current – and sometimes a full-blown explosion – that passes through air when insulation between electrified conductors is no longer sufficient to contain the voltage within them. This creates a "short cut" that allows electricity to race from conductor-to-conductor… to the extreme detriment of any worker standing nearby. Arc flash resembles a lightning bolt-like charge, emitting heat four times the surface temperature of the sun; anyone exposed to the blast or heat without sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) would be severely -- and oftentimes fatally -- injured.

During a seven-year study conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2,576 U.S. workers died and another 32,807 sustained lost-time injuries -- losing an average of 13 days away from work -- due to electrical shock or burn injuries. These statistics were validated in a second study involving more than 120,000 employees that determined arc flash injuries accounted for 77% of all recorded electrical injuries.

New Real-Time Protection
Used in conjunction with the Company’s Paladin® Live™ platform, the Paladin Real-Time Arc Flash Advisor maintains an uninterrupted watch over site operations -- continually checking all components, equipment, and systems -- to make intelligent recommendations about where potential arc flash hazards have the potential to emerge, and gauge their severity.

Prior to entering the area and beginning work, site personnel simply query the Paladin Real-Time Arc Flash Advisor: the system responds with an up-to-date recommendation on the appropriate safety procedures and PPE necessary to work in the vicinity. Recommendations are based upon IEEE 1584 and the NFPA 70E standards entitled, "IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations" and "Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces" respectively.

For example, when performing repairs to equipment in which a worker could accidentally be exposed to an electrical hazard, Paladin Real-Time Arc Flash Advisor will provide specific guidance on gloves, clothing, goggles, helmet, etc., that the worker should wear to increase his or her safety in the event of an accident. Forewarned about the nature of the threat, workers will be able to proceed with a higher degree of knowledge about specific safety risks they may encounter.

About EDSA Micro Corporation- EDSA develops software solutions for the computer-aided design, modeling, real-time analysis, energy management, and preventative maintenance of complex electrical power systems. For more than 25 years, the Company’s Paladin® software products have been used in thousands of commercial, industrial, governmental, and military applications worldwide, to protect more than $100 billion in customer assets, while reducing their energy consumption. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the Company maintains sales, distribution, and support offices around the world. For more information about EDSA and its products, visit www.edsa.com.

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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

PPE: Better safe than sorry

A recent article in the NFPA Journal discusses the thorny question of whether, and in what circumstances, personal protective equipment should be worn when there are no live, exposed electrical parts. Technically, when there are no exposed parts, there is no flash protection boundary—but there may still be a risk of injury. Equipment doors can be blown open and panels blown off by an arc flash explosion, and hot gases can escape through louvers or cracks and cause burns.

In a facility using the PPE tables provided in NFPA 70E, there are a few instances where PPE is required even though no live parts are exposed. For instance, Table 130.7(C)(9)(a) lists the required PPE for "Circuit breaker (CB) or fused switch operation with doors closed" as hazard/risk category 2. However, even for facilities which do not rely on the NFPA 70E tables, safety-consciousness will often suggest wearing more PPE than is explicitly required.

In the 2009 edition of NFPA 70E, a new fine-print note will be added, which will state in part, The collective experience of the task group is that in most cases closed doors do not provide enough protection to eliminate the need for PPE for instances where the state of the equipment is known to readily change, i.e. doors open or closed, rack in or rack out.

While a fine-print note is not a formal requirement, arc flash safety isn't about following the letter of the law. True safety consciousness requires taking appropriate steps to minimize all hazards—and wearing PPE is often one of those steps.

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

System maintenance a key part of arc flash safety

An article in IMPO Magazine, written by Joseph Weigel of Square D Services, Schneider Electric, discusses the important role that electrical system maintenance plays in protecting against arc flash.

Fault clearing time is central to mitigating the danger posed by an arc flash. However, without proper maintenance, upstream overcurrent protective devices may not be able to respond adequately in the event of an arc fault. Weigel writes,

When these devices are not maintained on a regular basis, their clearing time may increase, allowing more energy to be released in an event. If maintenance is deferred long enough, it may result in a worst-case condition that may render the device completely inoperable, meaning it will not open to clear a fault of any magnitude.

An improperly maintained electrical system may look safe on paper, but pose significant dangers in reality. Malfunctioning protective devices can greatly increase the incident energy released by an arc flash; devices which don't function at all may as well not exist.

NFPA 70B, "Recommended Practice for Electrical System Maintenance," provides a useful guide to ensuring that protective devices maintain full functionality. Unfortunately, NFPA 70B compliance is far from universal, as it is a voluntary standard not required by OSHA.

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Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Hazard Assessment: In-House or Outsource?

An article by Larry Altmayer of Littelfuse, published at PlantServices.com, outlines the expertise and resources needed to perform an adequate electrical safety assessment and arc flash hazard analysis. The article addresses the important issue of whether to take on the cost of hiring an electrical safety consulting firm, or to face the considerable task of performing an analysis in-house.

Electrical engineering know-how is, of course, a key factor. Altmayer states, "Electrical hazard assessments are complex, and unless you understand the special expertise required you risk falling short of OSHA requirements." Engineering expertise, and familiarity with your facility's electrical systems, are necessary for a hazard assessment, but they're not enough. In-depth understanding of OSHA, NFPA 70E, and IEEE 1584 requirements and procedures is needed in order to ensure accuracy and compliance with the relevant codes.

Expertise isn't the only thing to consider in deciding whether to outsource or work in-house. A thorough hazard analysis is time-consuming and can be costly. Also, specialized equipment such as arc flash software and Category 4 PPE (for use while determining device characteristics) may be necessary to complete the assessment, while the ability to produce warning labels in large quantities is necessary for implementing the study's results. Liability for the safety of assessment workers is another concern. A final factor to consider is training: do you have the staff and resources to fully train workers on the hazards they will encounter in your facility?

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Sunday, July 27, 2008

Proposed Changes To NFPA 70E Seek To Revise Arc Flash Labels

An article in the May/June issue of the NFPA Journal discusses the changes in arc flash labeling requirements that are included in NFPA 70E - 2009. The opening paragraph states:

"Since arc flash labels were first required in 2002, there have been many differences throughout the industry between the wording and the choice of signal word and color. The 2009 edition of NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace, will require, for the first time, that one of two pieces of information be on the label: either the required level of personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear or the available incident energy. However, it leaves the color and signal word of the label and any other information the facility wants to put on the label up to the discretion of facility management."

This is currently the most read online article in the NFPA Journal. You can read the article here.

We are one of the largest suppliers of arc flash labeling equipment and supplies. We also offer the Vinyl Zapper, a device that quickly removes old labels without damaging te underlying surface. This allows old labels to be quickly and easily replaced.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

An Arc Flash Primer

An article in today's online edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer by Nicholas Chalhoub, Senior Electrical Engineer with CH2M HILL, is called "An Arc Flash Primer".

As most other articles about arc flash do, Mr. Chalhoub begins this article with an explanation of what arc flash is. I found it refreshing that he began his description of arc flash with the statement "The primary cause of arc fault is human error." He then describes how human error leads to arc flash and how arc flash hazards can be reduced.

The next topics are proper design, preventative maintenance and arc flash calculations. He discusses the goals and objectives of arc flash calculations and provides an example calculation. He then points out:

"After these calculations are generated, the arc flash and shock hazard tags must be printed and placed on the specified equipment. The flash hazard boundary, flash hazard, and the category type should be listed on the tag. Many maintenance and safety personnel have been requesting that the limited, restricted and prohibited approach be listed also."

You can read the entire article at: CSE Magazine

You can learn about arc flash labels and tags on our web site.

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Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Electric Power Conference

Joseph Deane is principal owner of KTR Associates, spoke about arc flash at the Electric Power Conference this morning. Mr. Deane has over 25 years of experience as an Electrical Engineer, Project Manager, and Executive, working in both the industrial and utility business sectors.

The following is an abstract of his presentation:

The NFPA 70E standard was created at the request of OSHA in 1979 to recognize the difference between design and workplace safety. The National Electric Code (NEC) provides the installation (design) standard while the NFPA 70E is the workplace safety standard.

NFPA 70E describes employer responsibilities and recommendations on topics such as employee training, safety-related work practices, tagout procedures, calculating flash protection boundaries and PPE requirements. The current standard recognizes arc flash as a serious hazard and establishes PPE requirements that apply when working around energized equipment.

Why is the NFPA-70E Standard Important? Because following the NFPA-70E standard may save a life. Hazardous arc flashes can occur in any electrical device in which energy is high enough to sustain an arc. The heat exposure due to an electrical arc can produce first-degree burns, permanent blindness, or even death.

In an effort to reduce the extent of potential injuries NFPA-70E specifies boundaries within which flash protection (PPE) is required.

The National Safety Council estimates that an average of more than one fatality a day occurs while working around electrical equipment. Of these fatalities, more than half occurred while working on energized equipment rated 600 volts or below. In addition, five to ten electrical “arc flashes” occur in the workplace everyday. The medical costs for an individually exposed to an electrical arc flash is around $12 to $20 million.

Employers need to include both shock and arc hazard identification in their safety programs.

When working on electrical apparatus (switchgear, panelboards, motor control centers, etc.) the incident energy or available fault current to produce an arc flash needs to be clearly identified on each respective enclosure or piece of electrical equipment. As a part of that label, when employees must work within the flash protection boundary, it is important to include the incident energy. Producing a Flash Hazard Analysis can do this.

Does OSHA recognize the NFPA 70E? Absolutely. OSHA has recently updated their electrical standards to reflect the latest in both the NEC and NFPA 70E standard. OSHA will cite companies for non-compliance with 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i) which requires the use of protective equipment when working where a potential hazard exists and 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1) which requires the employer to provide an assessment of the workplace for hazards and the need for personal protective equipment.

OSHA also utilizes the “General Duty Clause” which states, "each employer shall furnish to each of its employees a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm."

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Avoiding Five Big Mistakes

An article by Larry Altmayer (Services Manager for POWR-GARD, Littlefuse, Inc.) in this month's issue of Facility Safety discusses Avoiding Five Big Mistakes when assessing your facility for electrical hazards.

The articles opens by describing this problem:

"In one case, a manager didn’t calculate Arc flash hazards because a consultant told him the power serving that part of his plant was too low to cause an arc flash. He didn’t realize that low-level faults can cause a circuit breaker or fuse to open more slowly and actually increase the heat energy during an arc-flash. He had good intentions, but the plant was out of compliance by not identifying real hazards and his workers were at risk."

The five big mistakes are identified as:

1.Conducting an incomplete assessment.
2. Using the NFPA 70E Table Method improperly.
3. Trying to do an assessment with in-house staff.
4. Not correcting deficiencies after the assessment.
5. Not changing work procedures after the assessment.

You can read the entire article on the Facility Safety web site.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Victims Of Arc Flash

The statistics say that 10 people a day are injured by arc flash. More and more of these people are telling their stories using video. I'm finding new videos on a regular basis. In the following video a man and his wife tell the story of his injury as a result of an arc flash. It is called "Arc Flash - Survival or Prevention. The David Bird Story."



Why are so many videos about arc flash showing up on the internet? My guess is because arc flash injuries are so sudden and unexpected, and the consequences are serious. The key word here is "unexpected". Arc flash hazards have been ignored until recently. Most equipment that presents an arc flash hazard is not even properly labeled. Workers have not had arc flash safety training.

This is a safety hazard that can not be ignored any longer.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Arc Flash Evolution

An article titled "Arc Flash Evolution" was included in the December issue of Control Engineering magazine.

"It seemed safe enough. The industrial electricians were just going to take a few measurements prior to starting the job. Everything was energized, but that should have been OK, because the electricians were going to be a safe distance away."

"They were. The metal tip of their wooden yardstick wasn't. The resulting arc appeared and vanished in less than a second, sticking around long enough to catch clothes on fire. The unlucky electricians joined the estimated hundreds of arc-flash injuries a year that require hospitalization. Their co-worker standing 10 feet away became one of the thousands who annually suffer injuries that don't require a hospital stay."

The article goes on to discuss arc flash warning labels, bolted vs. arcing faults and tripping devices used to limit the severity of arc flash. At the end of the article it refers to a video of a one hour arc flash webinar called "Arc Flash Hazard: Understanding Safe Electrical Work Practices, Standards and Regulations". The video can be viewed after going through a short registration process. Although I was not able to view the video, as I got a blank screen after registering. This may be the result of the network security we have in place. However, the article on its own is worth reading.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Isolating the Risk of Catastrophic Arc Flash Explosions

Betty Jackson, of Hoffman, has publish a white paper titled "Isolating the Risk of Catastrophic Arc Flash Explosions" that is available online. This paper makes that point that arc flash incidents will happen and that a solution is the Hoffman SEQUESTR™ External Disconnect Enclosure.

The paper begins by providing an overview of arc flash, its causes and the damage that can result. It gives this summary of arc flash hazards:

"According to NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2004 Edition, pages 12 and 28, the two most important numbers to remember are 1.2 and 40. Incident energy levels greater than 1.2 calories per centimeter-squared can produce second degree burns. The NFPA 70E requires that workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with 50 volts or more. Arc flash levels above 40 calories per centimeter squared can be fatal and usually result in a massive pressurized blast with sound pressure waves and projectiles. The PPE is available for exposures up to 100 calories per centimeter-squared; however, the force from the pressurized blast can be fatal regardless of the PPE."

The white paper then goes on to point out that in spite of best efforts, because of the large number of variables--some of which may be unknown--the true extent of the arc flash hazard can never be known. In addition, the paper points out something I know to be true from personal experience:

"During private discussions, electrical engineers have revealed that, despite their compliance training, they sometimes skirt the PPE rules because the bulky, fire retardant suit, gloves, face shield/goggles and other gear is hot, uncomfortable and makes service and maintenance time-consuming and cumbersome."

The second half of the white paper dicusses the SEQUESTR™ External Disconnect Enclosure.

"The SEQUESTR™ External Disconnect Enclosure attaches to the side of a main control enclosure and houses only the disconnect switch or circuit breaker, physically removing it from the main enclosure."

"Live power is no longer present in the main control enclosure when power is turned off at the disconnect switch. It completely shuts down the power in the main cabinet, and there is no hazard of power coming into the box. Its system also interlocks the doors of the main control cabinet when the disconnect switch is powered on. This allows users to comply with the disconnect door interlocking requirements of UL 508A, NFPA79, IEC 60204, and HS 1738, the most common electrical standards for industrial machinery."

Use the link above to read the entire white paper.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Every Industry Needs To Address Arc Flash Hazards

Last Friday members of the International Association of Operative Millers' (IAOM) Wheat State District met in Wichita, KS. This is an international organization for grain millers. GrainNet reports that "Protecting millers against the dangers of an arc flash comprised the bulk of the technical session."

It is great to see industry paying attention to and addressing the need to implement arc flash safety. Although establishing safe work practices and labeling equipment that presents an arc flash hazard has been required by NFPA 70E for a number of years, many are still not aware of the hazards of arc flash.

To help increase arc flash awareness we have just published a new page on our web site that provides an overview and introduction to the dangers of arc flash. We will be publicizing this page in the materials we distribute to our customers.

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Friday, November 30, 2007

Removing the Confusion Over Electrical Standards

"Not sure whether to follow OSHA or National Electrical Code requirements for electrical safety at your construction site? Here is guidance to help you understand the differences in four controversial areas."

That is the subtitle for an article in Occupational Hazards Magazine. The article then defines the problem:

"Electrical safety on construction sites continues to be a major issue. While progress has been made over the years, electrical accidents continue to rank high on the list of construction accidents. In some areas of the country, they are the second leading cause of death or serious injury."

"One reason that electrical accidents occur is because of confusion between National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and OSHA requirements. Four areas in particular continue to spark controversy or are approached differently by different regulatory standards. There are ways to bring harmony to these four issues by providing recommendations to deal with the differences."

The four areas of confusion discussed in this article are:

  • Ground-fault circuit-interrupters and Portable Generators

  • Open Wiring on Insulators

  • Relocatable Power Taps

  • Arc Blast and Arc Flash Hazards

For the first three of the above there are updated codes that apply in these areas that are more restrictive than what OSHA requires. For example while OSHA does allow open wiring under some circumstance, NEC 527.4(B) and (C) does not allow it. The article recommends using the stricter code requirements, not because they are stricter but because they are safer.

Arc flash is on the list because arc flash hazards tend to be ignored during construction. The article states:

"In the last few years, considerable progress has been made in industrial facilities after the owners take occupancy. It is during the construction phase that there is little or no attention to this hazard. In many of our code classes for construction electricians, the majority states that this is the first time they have heard about this issue."

The article points out that arc flash is a danger during construction and the requirements of NFPA 70E must be followed during construction.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Ferraz Shawmut Arc Flash Paper Wins Award

The following is a press release from Ferraz Shawmut

Paper Written by Ferraz Shawmut's Wilkins, Lang and Allison Wins First Place at PCIC Conference

IEEE recognizes authors for "Effect of Insulating Barriers in Arc Flash Testing"

NEWBURYPORT, MA — Three Ferraz Shawmut engineers and researchers were recently honored for an insightful paper presented at the 2006 IEEE Industry Applications Society Petroleum and Chemical Industry Technical Conference. "Effect of Insulating Barriers in Arc Flash Testing," was named the first place prize paper from last year.

IEEE recognized authors Robert Wilkins, Mike Lang and Malcolm Allison at an awards luncheon on Sept. 17 in Calgary, Alberta, held in conjunction with the 54th Annual IEEE IAS Petroleum and Chemical Industry Technical Conference.

"Words alone can’t describe our gratitude to the IEEE, IAS and PCIC for this recognition, and our company is truly fortunate to employ such talented individuals as Robert, Mike and Malcolm," said Ken Hooper, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Ferraz Shawmut. "These continued research efforts give us greater knowledge of arc flash hazards, which can make the electrical industry safer. There's nothing more important than finding better means of protecting people."

Determining award-winning papers involved multiple levels of evaluation:

•At least four technical reviews were conducted for each IEEE PCIC paper before the conference. Technical reviewers scored papers based on: reader interest, reference value, originality, conciseness/clarity, and layout/format/figures.

•The chair for the technical subcommittee sponsoring the paper also provided a technical review summary.

•At the conference, each paper received 10 oral reviews from audience members immediately following its presentation. Oral reviewers scored papers based on: visual aids, oral presentation and audience participation.

•The technical session moderator also submitted an oral review.

•Scores were tabulated for all 42 papers presented during the conference, and the PCIC Executive Subcommittee and Papers Review Subcommittee, about 150 people, voted on the 10 best papers.

•The Papers Review chair and vice chairs reviewed the results and presented the top six papers to the PCIC Executive Subcommittee for approval.

"Recognizing exceptional achievements and contributions is an important part of the mission of the IEEE, the Industry Applications Society, and the Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee," said H. Landis Floyd II, advisory and awards subcommittee chair. "We extend heartfelt congratulations on this recognition of dedicated contributions to the electrical engineering profession."

To view Ferraz Shawmut’s paper, "Effect of Insulating Barriers in Arc Flash Testing," visit http://us.ferrazshawmut.com/resources/articles-white-papers.cfm.

###

The IEEE Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee (PCIC) provides an international forum for the exchange of electrical applications technology related to the petroleum and chemical industry. The PCIC annual conference is rotated across North American locations of industry strength to attract national and international participation. User, manufacturer, consultant, and contractor participation is encouraged to strengthen the conference technical base.

Success of the PCIC is built upon high quality papers, individual recognition, valued standards activities, mentoring, tutorials, networking, and conference sites that appeal to all. Visit www.ieee-pcic.org

Ferraz Shawmut has been a leader in circuit protection for industry and the electrical market for more than 100 years. With a complete line of current-limiting fuses and accessories, Ferraz Shawmut prides itself on delivering innovative, problem-solving products like the Thermally Protected Metal Oxide Varistor (TPMOV), the SmartSpot® open-fuse indicator, Amp-Trap 2000® fuses, ULTRASAFE™ fuse holders, Protistor® semiconductor fuses and Select-A-Fuse® software. Two of the company’s latest innovations are its new line of Amp-Trap® High-Speed Class J (HSJ) fuses, engineered specifically for the protection of today’s sensitive electronic motor controllers, and the industry’s first line of Finger-Safe Power Distribution Blocks (FSPDBs), delivering the ultimate in safety and ease-of-use when making power connections in electrical panels. Ferraz Shawmut, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Carbone Lorraine Groupe. For more information, contact the company by phone at (978) 462-6662 or visit http://us.ferrazshawmut.com.

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Thursday, September 27, 2007

FP&L Substation Explosion

This is a video of the 2001 explosion of a Florida Power and Light (FP&L) transformer at Ives Dairy Substation in Miami, Florida.

The incident starts with a ground fault in a defective fuse holder producing an arcing fault which results in the mineral oil in the transformer boiling and evaporating. The evaporated mineral oil ignites creating a fireball that destroys the substation.

View the FPL Transformer Explosion Video

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Thursday, September 20, 2007

What Works: Arc flash On The Run In Pompano Beach

I prefer articles that provide some detail about what was done to solve a particular problem. Today's online issue of Plant Services Magazine has a fairly good article that does this. It describes how Micro Typing Systems, Inc. addressed arc flash problems in their facility. The opening sentence of the article describes the problem:

"Aging equipment, an outdated electrical distribution system, and a facility originally designed for other purposes contributed to elevated arc flash incident energy values throughout the 20,000 sq. ft. facility of Pompano Beach, Fla.-based Micro Typing Systems, Inc. "

The goes on to describe what they did to reduce arc flash incident energy levels and ensure both their staff and contractors were properly protected from arc flash.

The article is at: http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2007/194.html

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Thursday, June 07, 2007

Is Your Electrical PPE Adequate?

Yesterday I recommended an article in Occupational Hazards magazine that presented a variety of problems with OSHA's proposed rules to reduce electrical burn injuries. Today I'm recommending an article from Maintenance Technology magazine that provides more details, including information based on two recent IEEE papers.

This article looks at the recent scientific research into what happens during an arc flash. The article concludes that:

"Recent research into arc flash phenomena, however, indicates that workers could be under-protected against the heat generated during an arc flash event. Test results presented at IEEE conferences and at the 2007 IEEE Electrical Safety Workshop show that different configurations of electrodes (conductors) yielded heat energy higher than current predictions due to the directional nature of the arc development. Additionally, initial tests of PPE, when placed within this directional plasma flow, did not provide the level of thermal protection predicted by its APTV."

An interesting result of the research is that it shows the design of electrical equipment has a major impact on the severity of the arc flash. Improved designs can reduce the intensity of the arc flash by 50%. It also shows that current-limiting fuses may reduce the heat energy to workers exposed to the plasma flow from an arc flash.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Shell Protects Against Arc Flash Hazard

Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine has an article describing how Shell Canada reduced the arc flash hazard level at a gas processing plant.

Shell conducted a short circuit, coordination and arc flash study at its Burnt Timber gas processing plant. The study showed there were some arc flash problems that needed to addressed. The article states:

"Shell’s solution was a comprehensive program to install an arc flash reduction maintenance system and retrofit conversion packages to existing equipment. The unit lowers arc flash incident energy levels by temporarily lowering trip settings during the maintenance cycle."

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Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Introductory Arc Flash Training

I always have my eyes open for good resources that will help with training.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has developed an excellent four page arc flash safety booklet that is available online as a PDF file. The booklet is called: Hazard Prevention - Burn Injury Facts.

The booklet provides concise information that is easy-to-readand understand. It would be a good booklet to give new employees to familiarize them with the hazards of arc flash.

The booklet starts by describing arc flash, explaining why it is hazardous, and giving several examples of actual arc flash incidents. It then provides a summary of how to prevent arc flash injuries by eliminating the hazard; using engineering controls; using administrative controls; using work practice controls; and using PPE. The final section describes what to do should someone by injured by arc flash.

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Wednesday, February 07, 2007

FREE Arc Flash Safety Book - A $70 value!

This comprehensive and valuable resource will walk you through the necessary steps for implementing an arc flash assessment as part of your overall safety program requirements. It will help lead the way to improved personnel safety, plant profitability, and compliance with arc flash mandates.

Use this link to request your free copy of this Arc Flash Safety Book.

The above link will take you to a page that has the complete table of contents for this book. You can look it over and decide whether it will be useful to you. A free copy can be ordered using the form on the same page.

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Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Exceeding the Short Circuit Rating of Equipment

A series of photographs on the Ferraz Shawmut, Inc. web site show how magnetic forces in bus bars can result in an arc flash. The test and the resulting photographs are described on the web site as:

"The images illustrate how current flowing in opposite directions through parallel bus bars can create a repulsive force between them, causing them to distort or even break away. When the bus bars contact other conductors or grounded components, an explosive arc fault is initiated."

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Monday, January 22, 2007

Arc Flash Protection In The Mining Industry

Because of the unique requirements of mining the underground mining industry has not been required to comply with NFPA 70E. This has been recognized as a problem because arc flash is a significant source of injuries in underground mining. A report published by NIOSH states:

"Between 1990 and 2003, 2,326 traumatic mine electrical injuries occurred. The largest single category of electrical injury was burns from electrical arcing, which accounted for 893 (38%) of all electrical injuries. Electrical burn injuries of all types accounted for more than 21,500 lost work days."

Why was there such a significant problem. Mainly because arc flash hazards were not recognized as being a problem. The NIOSH report states:

"Findings thus far indicate a general lack of awareness of common arc-flash hazards in the mining industry. Accident reports show that two-thirds of arc-flash injuries involve circuit breakers, cables, hand tools, meters, and plugs. The equipment and PPE needed for safe troubleshooting in arc-prone situations are seldom used. Circuit breakers are often operated beyond their design parameters and many are repaired by third-party rebuilders using substandard components."

As a result NIOSH is creating a program to address arc flash hazards in the underground mining industry. The NIOSH report states:

"This project will produce practical guidelines to determine arc flash boundaries in mines and prep plants. Recommended improvements in work practices regarding the use of hand tools, meters, PPE, and other engineering controls will increase miners’ understanding of arc-flash hazards. Training guidelines will show how to most effectively present this information to the mining audience."

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Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Video of World's Largest Jacob's Ladder

Today and tomorrow we'll be taking a look at some videos. Today's arc flash video is in the post below.

This first one is a huge arc, the world's largest Jacob's ladder.


The above incident is described on the http://www.arcfault.org web site as:

"This is a 3 phase 500KV motor operated disconnect that is NOT intended to be opened under load. There is a switcher that is designed to open under load in the circuit and then this disconnect opens. In this case, one phase of the switcher failed to open, resulting in one phase of the disconnect opening under load. "

The result was a huge arc that was eventually stopped when an operator manually opened a shutoff switch.

The utility knew there was a problem and were video taping the operation of the disconnect to help locate and identify the problem.

Although this is not an arc flash (see today's other post), it is spectacular and interesting to see.

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Video of Arc Flash Demonstration

What does an arc flash explosion look like? A 480v 3-phrase demonstration of an arc flash was set up in a laboratory and video taped. An arc flash is usually caused by something, most commonly dirt or debris, causing a short circuit. For example, here is a report of an arc flash incident caused by a tool that fell into a breaker panel.

In this demonstration the arc flash was intentionally started by placing wires across the three copper bus bars. This created the short circuit normally caused by dirt or debris. Power (480v) was then applied to the bus bars for about 1 second.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006

New Arc Flash Electrical Safety Publications For MCAA Members

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America has developed and produced two resources to assist mechanical service contractors in keeping their workers safe. A recent press release from MCAA states:

MCAA/MSCA Release New Publications on Electrical Safety for Service

ROCKVILLE, MD— The results of an electrical arc flash or uncontrolled electrical current can be devastating. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a code for electrical safety in the workplace, and why the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) Safety and Health Committee developed and produced two resources to assist mechanical service contractors in keeping their workers safe.

Designed especially for mechanical service contractors and based on information from NFPA 70E – 2004, Article 130 – Working On or Near Live Parts, the Model NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Program for Service will help contractors develop an electrical safety program that is specific to their company’s needs if their technicians perform work on or near live parts of HVAC units that are pushing 480 volts or less. Developed in partnership with MCAA’s Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) subsidiary, the program is available to MCAA and MSCA members for $18 per copy and to nonmembers for $36 per copy.

While this program does not offer extensive information about electrical safety, contractors can find additional information in another MCAA publication: the Electrical Safety Guidelines for Mechanical Service (Based on NFPA 70E – 2004) Safety Training Kit. Designed especially for mechanical service workers who troubleshoot energized HVAC units pushing 480 volts or less, the kit will help contractors educate their workers about arc flash and electrical shock hazards.

It describes:

• Electrical arc flash and shock hazards associated with work on energized units pushing 480 volts or less,

• Safe work practices/protective measures, including arc flash and electrical shock
approach boundaries, and

• Personal protective equipment.

The kit includes a 14-minute safety training DVD, a set of 20 pocket guides that enhance the training by highlighting its key points, and a training documentation system.

Much of the critical information in the kit comes from a section of an addendum to the NFPA National Electrical Codes. The addendum, which is referred to as NFPA 70E, spells out the best present-day safety practices for workers exposed to energized electrical sources.

The kit is available to MCAA and MSCA members for $85 and to nonmembers for $170. The
items in the kit are also available separately in case contractors need more of just one or two.

Additional copies of the documentation system are $6 for MCAA and MSCA members and $12 for nonmembers; additional sets of pocket guides are $14 for MCAA and MSCA members and $28 for nonmembers; and additional DVDs are $65 for MCAA and MSCA members and $130 for nonmembers.

To order either of these publications, visit MCAA’s online store at ww.mcaa.org/store or call Linda Burke at 301-990-2200.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) serves the unique needs of
approximately 2,300 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service. We do this by providing our members with high-quality educational materials and programs to help them attain the highest level of managerial and technical expertise. MCAA includes the Mechanical Service Contractors of America, the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau, the Plumbing Contractors of America, and the Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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Thursday, October 19, 2006

ELCOSH: Protection from Electric Shock and Arc Flash

The Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (CDC) has a detailed article about arc flash protection and PPE. The section on PPE in particular is excellent, providing more detail that I've seen elsewhere.

The topics covered in this article include:

Electric hazards

Electric Safety Principles

To De-Energize or Not to De-Energize

Working On or Near Live Circuits

The article is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/elcosh/docs/d0500/d000580/d000580.html

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Thursday, October 12, 2006

Follow the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

This electrical safety article published by the UAW makes some good points about arc flash and NFPA 70E. The article opens by reporting:

"The UAW’s Health and Safety Department keeps track of workplace injuries and fatalities to members and the list is painful to read. Some examples: A 27-year-old electrician was electrocuted in 1983 when working on a live circuit that was not locked out. A 56-year-old electrician was killed in 1993 after coming in contact with a live 440-volt circuit. A 42-year-old electrician was killed in 1983 after being burned in a buss duct electrical explosion."

The article provides a summary of NFPA 70E. It also provides some useful details, such as the minimum air insulation distances required to avoid flashover.

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Thursday, September 14, 2006

Standards Set the Pace for Safety

Electrical Contracting Products magazine published an article in their August 2006 issue title: "Review of NFPA 70E Detailing Electrical Workplace Safety". The article opens by stating:

"Five to ten times per day in the United States, an electrical worker is severely injured or killed in an electrical arc flash accident. Other electrical incidents can also injure workers and these typically involve accidental contact with energized parts. The injuries and fatalities that result from these accidents are always devastating to the affected workers and their families. Additionally, the financial consequences of such events can be very damaging to a worker’s company."

It then goes on to discuss NFPA 70E in the following sections:

(-) Safety Program With Defined Responsibilities (NFPA 70E 2004 Article 110.7)

(-) Analysis for Arc Flash Hazard Degree (NFPA 70E 2004 Article 130.3)

(-) Training for Workers (NFPA 70E 2004 Article 110.6)

(-) Personal Protective Equipment (Clothing) for Workers (OSHA 29CFR 1910.335)

(-) Tools for Safe Work (NFPA 70E 2004 - Article 130(D)(1))

(-) Warning Labels on Equipment (NFPA 70 2005 - Article 110.16)

(-) De-energizing Electrical Equipment

(-) Overcurrent Protective Devices

(-) Documentation

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Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Preventing Arc Flash Injuries

The introduction to an article published in Occupational Hazards magazine states, "By following a few logical steps to develop an understanding of arc flash hazards, you can help to prevent injury to yourself and those around you."

The article goes on to point out, "At the 11th annual IEEE-IAS Electrical Safety Workshop, statistics presented from a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study showed that during the period from 1992 through 2001, there were 44,363 electrical-related injuries involving days away from work. The number of nonfatal electrical shock injuries was 27,262, while 17,101 injuries were caused by electric arc flash burns."

The question, "What do we do?" is then raised and answered by a six step process:

Step No. 1 – The Arc Flash Hazard Analysis

Step No. 2 – Gather the Information

Step No. 3 – Perform an Arc Flash Study

Step No. 4 – Choose the Proper PPE

Step No. 5 – Mark Your Equipment (apply arc flash labels.)

Step No. 6 – Train Your Workers

Read the complete article at Occupational Hazards Magazine

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Tuesday, August 29, 2006

APPA’s Influence on the 2008 National Electric Code

This is an interesting article that discusses how the National Electrical Code has been influenced by APPA, forestalling "at least $250 million in regulatory conformity costs." APPA is a professional organization for educational facilities professionals. In 1999, APPA received voting privileges on the content of the National Electric Code.

This article provides a good overview of the history of the arc flash electrical code (and NFPA 70E), the trade-offs that had to be made, and how the current code was arrived at. It also provides a look into the future and what might be expected when the code is next updated.

One of the major concerns in developing the code has been labeling requirements. For example, the article states:

"Many engineers embraced the incident energy labeling proposal because it held out hope for more funding for engineering. We saw flash hazard regulations as a way to get funding to fix stuff. Sensing the market, the IEEE updated its standard 1584, 'Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations'."

However, as the article explains, incident energy labeling was not included in the current code. The trade-offs between safety and economics become visible in this article.

You can read this article on the APPA web site.

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Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Electrical Safety in the Workplace

I've found a very interesting arc flash article published by the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. It describes and analyzes, including providing detailed photographs, an arc flash accident at NSLS. This is an excellent paper that can be used for training and giving people a better understanding what what arc flash is and the danger it represents.

The paper is available at:
http://www.nsls.bnl.gov/organization/ESH/highlights/pdf/nfpa_presentation.pdf

The paper provides a brief introduction to arc flash and describes the IEEE arc flash tests. It then describes the accident and the causes of the accident. The final section, which is about half of the paper, is an excellent source of information about preventing arc flash hazards and providing the proper PPE.

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