PHASE I - Data Collection
Site Assessment and Electrical System Data Gathering

• Accurate, up-to-date information on the facility electrical system is absolutely essential to the analysis:
  

1. Transformer Data - KVA, Voltages, Impedance
   
2. Conductor Sizes and Lengths
   
3. Fuse and Circuit Breaker Data
   

• Electric Utility - Available Capacity (minimum & maximum)
  
• Develop Accurate One-Line Diagrams
  
  

PHASE II - Engineering Analysis

• Utilize data from Phase I to evaluate the power system, complete an Arc Flash Analysis using IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E.
  

Short-Circuit Analysis

• Required for Coordination Analysis
  
• Required for Arc Flash Analysis
  
• Required for Interrupting Rating Analysis
  

Protective Device Coordination Analysis

• Determine “Total Clearing Time” at Given Fault Currents
  
• Required for Arc Flash Analysis
  

Interrupting Rating Analysis

• Determine if protective devices have adequate interrupting capacity for the available short-circuit current
  

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis

• Calculate Incident Energy (generally at 18” or 24”)
  
• Calculate Flash Boundary
  
• Determine Hazard/Risk Category
  
• Specify PPE Requirements
  

Recommend Solutions to Problems and Identify Opportunities

• Coordination Problems
  
• Inadequate Interrupting Ratings
  
• Potentially Dangerous Arc Flash Energy
  
• Opportunities to Reduce Hazard/Risk Category Level
  
  

PHASE III - Presentation of Report and Labeling
Electrically Safe Work Practices Program

• Determine Policies on Electrically Safe Work Conditions
  
• Develop an Electrically Energized Work Permit
  
• Establish PPE Requirements Inside Shock Boundaries
  
• Determine PPE Clothing Policy
  

Procure Appropriate PPE

• Flame-Resistant Clothing Based on Hazard/Risk
  
• Voltage Rated Gloves
  
• Voltage Rated Tools
  

Warning Labels

• Apply Warning Labels to Specified Equipment
  
• Include Incident Energy, Hazard/Risk Category, Boundaries, and PPE
  
  

Electrical Safe Work Practices Training
Arguably the most important phase of the project. Training should be done first, or at least coincide with the study followed by a short refresher and update once the labeling and study are in place. The study will be of no use unless the facility personnel are trained in the methods spelled out in NFPA 70E. The training is designed for all personnel who work on or near exposed energized equipment. Electrical hazards, proper practices and procedures, PPE use and care, will be among the many topics covered. You will be introduced to the rules and regulations as required by OSHA and NFPA 70E and you will see how the two work together. The program is designed to keep workers safe and provide them with life saving information. This class is taught with passion by instructors who have been there and believe in what they are saying.