2018 Arc Flash Boundaries: Understanding the Risks and Mitigating Measures

When it comes to working with energized equipment, ensuring worker safety is of utmost importance. One of the most significant hazards in this context is arc flash, which can cause severe injury or even death. In this article, we will explore what an arc flash is, the risks involved, and the measures that can be taken to mitigate them.

What is Arc Flash?

According to OSHA, an arc flash is an electrical explosion that occurs when an electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to the ground. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors such as dust, dropping tools, condensation, material failure, corrosion, faulty installation, or human error.

The Hierarchy of Controls

To protect workers from arc flash hazards, NFPA 70E recommends a six-level hierarchy: personal protective equipment (PPE), administrative controls, awareness, engineering controls, substitution, and elimination. By prioritizing these safeguards, facilities can effectively identify and rank the most effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with arc flash.

The Importance of Arc Flash Assessments

An arc flash assessment is crucial in identifying specific approach boundaries for energized equipment. This evaluation helps facilities update their safety programs every five years, as required by NFPA 70E. The results of the assessment inform updates to PPE, administrative controls, and other safeguards to ensure worker safety.

Precautions and Mitigating Measures

While it is essential to limit the frequency of working on hot equipment, sometimes it is unavoidable. In such cases, facilities must take precautions to protect workers. This includes proper training, ensuring the right PPE is used, implementing administrative controls like lockout/tagout and hot work permit procedures, raising awareness among workers about potential hazards, isolating people from the hazard through engineering controls, substituting hazardous conditions with safer alternatives, and eliminating physical hazards whenever possible.

Arc flash is a significant risk in the electrical world, but by understanding its causes, consequences, and mitigating measures, facilities can take proactive steps to protect their workers. The 2018 edition of NFPA 70E highlights the importance of the Hierarchy of Controls, which serves as a guiding principle for identifying and ranking safeguards. By prioritizing worker safety through regular assessments, training, and implementation of effective safeguards, facilities can minimize the risks associated with arc flash and ensure a safer working environment.

2018 arc flash boundaries