PFK Associates, Inc. wants to take this opportunity to inform you about preventing Arc Flash Incidents in the Workplace. According to statistics complied by Capshell, Inc, a Chicago based research firm that specializes in preventing workplace injuries and deaths, five to ten arc flash explosions occur in electrical equipment every day in the United States. Capelli-Schellpfeffer refers to an EPRI study that found a cost of $1.5 million per case.

Industry Standards governing arc flash prevention are stated in four separate industry standards that establish practices for prevention of arc flash incidents:

• OSHA 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910, Subpart S.
• NFPA 70-2002,National Electrical Code.
• NFPA 70E-2000 Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces.
• IEEE Standard 1584-2002, Guide for performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations.

PFK Engineering's Arc Flash Study addresses information on guidelines for flash analysis that leads to choosing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for worker safety. A fundamental requirement is to de-energize equipment to protect workers.

• Personal protective equipment recommendations for employees working on your electrical distribution equipment
• PPE recommendations are based on NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces - 2000 Edition; and, IEEE Standard 1584-2002, Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations
• Short-circuit and protective coordination
• Facility electrical single-line diagram
• Labeling of Equipment

Considerations for an Arc Flash Study:

• Arc Flash study has not been performed in the past three years
• Short-circuit, protective coordination studies have not been performed in the past five years
• Changes have occurred to electrical distribution system or electric utility system
• Safety audit is being required
• Facility insurance policy is up for renewal
• Modifications or expansions of electrical distribution system are being considered

If you would like to receive further information, please contact PFK Associates, Inc. at
1-(800) 654-5874, Fax (330) 666-3430, or e-mail steveb@pfkengineering.com