Do I Need an Arc Flash Study

Do you Need an Arc Flash Study:

The 2024 NFPA 70 has been released and there are changes that could impact you.

Employers will be required to update employee trainings, and safety programs to meet the new standards.

Equipment and hazard labels should also be audited to ensure maintenance programs and PPE requirements are compliant with the updates.

Standards for Arc Flash Safety:

OSHA and the NFPA require electrical systems to be evaluated for Arc Flash hazards every 5 years or after any renovations that involve changes to the electrical system as the code minimum.

Getting your system evaluated every three years is considered the best practice since trainings and safety programs require updates at a three year interval and the electrical code (NFPA 70) is usually updated every three years.

Updated and accurate electrical hazard calculations are required to be displayed on all hazardous electrical equipment that is accessible by employees like switchboards and panelboards, motor control centers, transformers etc.

Training on Arc Flash hazards and preventative measures need to be provided to employees with access to electrical equipment ever year via classroom, virtual, or on-the-job learning. Also, the training program needs to be updated every three years with the latest standards.

Documentation of each aspect of the arc flash study should be kept and a safety program to address electrical hazards, worker roles, safety-related work practices, PPE, and employee training needs to be created and implemented from the documentation. This also needs to be audited and updated every year.

EAP is here to help with any of your arc flash needs from A-Z. With over 40 years experience working on arc flash studies, you can trust your workplace safety and compliance are in good hands.