Arc Flash Study Requirements

Arc Flash Studies are Required:

• Every 5 years.

• After additions or modifications to electrical system.

• If equipment is greater than 50 volts.

• If you can’t de-energize equipment remotely.

Arc Flash Regulations:

Arc Flash Studies ensure your facility is compliant with NFPA, OSHA, NEC, and other state, local, and industry specific regulators.

• NFPA: created standards that require arc flash studies at the request of OSHA.

• NEC: code that requires labels and PPE be provided for employees.

• OSHA: inspects workplaces for safe conditions (warning labels, PPE) and code adherence.

Deeper Dive:

NFPA 70E

The consensus standard for workplace electrical safety that establishes the method for complying with OSHA.

Arc Flash Assessment:Establish Shock protection and arc flash boundaries based on voltage and arcing energy.

One Line diagram: Post and maintain an updated one-line diagram

Labeling: 208V equipment can have basic label, and can use tables for arc flash, Need comprehensive labels for 480V equipment.

PPE: PPE type, arc rating and Glove class listed on the label, employers should provide hearing, eye and other required PPE

Training: Train employees every 3 years and after updates to code. Document training for each employee

Electrically safe work condition: Job descriptions, Work Procedures, Special Precautions, and Energy Source Controls, LOTO and Testing

Electrical maintenance program (EMP): Developed with NFPA 70B standards, Yearly infrared inspections

Emergency Response Plan: List steps to be taken in event of arc flash

National Electric Code (NEC)

Is also known as NFPA 70. Article 110.16 has the requirements for arc flash labeling. Here are some key points about arc flash labeling from the NEC:

Labeling Requirement: According to NEC article 110.16, electrical equipment that is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized must be marked with a label that warns of the potential arc flash hazard. This includes panelboards, switchboards, industrial control panels, etc.

Content of Labels: The arc flash labels should include a warning and provide the nominal system voltage, the available fault current, the arc flash boundary, and the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Method of Calculating Labels: The labels are typically generated based on engineering calculations, and they should be generated by a qualified person or organization like EAP.

Maintenance and Inspection of Labels: The labels must be maintained and inspected to ensure their accuracy at least every 5 years or when changes to the electrical system happen.

Energy reduction: New installations must have arc reduction technologies and be tested for performance. Arc reduction required for fuses and breakers >1200A. Clearing time <0.07 seconds required. Fuses need to be less than 1800A for 480V

Training: Workers should receive training on how to interpret and use the information provided on arc flash labels.

OSHA

Is the Enforcing agency for arc flash safety, and performs random inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with arc flash safety standards. The primary standard related to arc flash safety is found in OSHA's general industry regulations, specifically under 29 CFR 1910.331 through 29 CFR 1910.335. OSHA will issues citations, fines, or other enforcement action if it finds arc flash safety standards are not being met.

Osha enforces all the guidelines mentioned in the NFPA and NEC, with focus workplace and employee safety. When inspecting workplaces OSHA checks for proper arc flash labeling on electrical equipment, training and safety programs for employees, and appropriate PPE provided to employees. Always make sure your company has these items readily available to keep your workplace safe and avoid enforcement by OSHA

Other

Joint Commission

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), sets the regulations for healthcare facilities, including hospitals. The Joint Commission doesn't directly enforce arc flash regulations like OSHA, but they do enforce safety standards, which includes arc flash hazards.

The Joint Commission has specific Environment of Care Standards that address safety hazards. These standards include electrical safety and equipment maintenance.Hospitals are required to perform regular risk assessments to identify potential safety hazards, such as electrical hazards and arc flashes. Hospitals are also required to comply with the NEC, which was discussed in detail earlier. The importance of safety training is emphasized in its accreditation standards. Hospitals are expected to provide staff with appropriate training on safety, including electrical safety. Finally, documentation of safety procedures, incident reports, and safety improvement initiatives addressing electrical safety issues is also required.

For hospitals and healthcare centers, it is important that electrical safety standards are being met for Joint Commission accreditation. Hope this helps you understand The Joint Commission's view on arc flash hazards.

I hope that you now have a better understanding of the regulations around Arc Flash and are better prepared to keep your workplace safe! If you Have any questions EAP is here to help with all your arc flash needs, reach out on our home page any time!