The Dilemma: What to do about Arc Flash.
To 70E or not to 70E, that is the question. Lewellyn Technology has the answer!

What is NFPA 70E, and how does it relate to Arc Flash Analysis?
OSHA regulations (most notably 29CFR 1910.335 (a) (1)(i) and 29CFR 1910.132(d)(1)) state an employer must identify and assess the electrical hazards for employees and protect them from those hazards. This includes arc flash and shock. However, OSHA itself does not specify how to comply with this regulation, instead deferring to NFPA 70E, the consensus standard for electrical safety in the workplace. The information contained in 70E serves as a bridge between regulations and compliance.

The most thorough way to protect employees from arc flash hazards is to perform an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, though exact instructions on how to conduct such an analysis are not contained in 70E, except to say the analysis shall determine a “flash protection boundary” and the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements while working within that boundary. NFPA 70E also provides a table to accomplish this, but using this tool as your only protection from the arc flash risk can be deadly. To find out why, click here.

Can you be cited by OSHA for failing to comply with NFPA 70E?
In a word, yes. OSHA has been issuing citations to companies for failure to assess and identify the hazards present. These citations often reference NFPA 70E directly and discuss failure to assess and provide the appropriate PPE. Click here to view actual OSHA Citations.


To keep your employees safe, you must identify the hazards, and implement recommendations to mitigate them. This is where Lewellyn steps in:

Arc Flash Analysis Proposal:

Phase I - Data Collection
A Lewellyn Technology Representative(s) will visit your facility to collect the electrical data necessary to prepare an arc-flash hazard analysis of your facility. Data will be collected on the electrical system from the electric utility service point through your electrical system to the equipment where the arc-flash hazard risk is reduced to a Level 1 or less. Data may not be collected on those circuits and equipment where the arc-flash hazard is below a hazard risk level one.

The collection process will include recording nameplate and setting information from circuit breakers, fuses, relays (over-current and ground-fault), switchboards, and transformers; as well as feeder conductor sizes and lengths. To accomplish this, our Representative(s) and/or your Facility Representative(s) may be required to remove panel covers and open disconnects enclosures exposing energized components and conductors. In most cases data collection can be accomplished without disruption to facility operations. However, in the unusual circumstance where the data cannot be collected do to safety concerns or without disrupting the operation of the facility, the facility may elect to collect that data at a later time of their choosing. During the data collection process, Lewellyn Technology Representative(s) will in the course of opening panels and removing covers, report any electrical concerns observed to the Facility Representative. (Examples include improper over-current protection, grounding concerns, broken latches, broken disconnects and similar concerns.)

(To be provided by your facility)

• Simple floor plan of the facility, drawn to scale. The floor plan will be used to estimate the length of feeder circuits.
  
• Identification of all disconnects, circuit breakers, switchboards, motor control centers and transformers.
  
• Man-lift and/or ladders, as needed to collect data on electrical equipment such as disconnects, circuit breakers or transformers.
  
• If the facility has a qualified electrician or engineer available, Lewellyn Technology requests that one accompany and assist in the data gathering, increasing the overall safety and efficiency of the data gathering.
  
• Availability of existing data sheets and/or drawings that provide information on the existing electrical system.
  
  

Phase II - Engineering Analysis
Data collected from Phase I and/or data provided by the facility will be used to complete the engineering analysis, which includes a short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination analysis, and the arc-flash hazard analysis. From these analyses the facility will receive:

• A report of the available short-circuit current at each buss evaluated.
  
• The report will identify problems and make recommendations where facility equipment does not have adequate interrupting ratings. Devices without the proper rating pose a serious safety and fire risk to personnel and equipment.
  
• A report of protective device coordination charts for each buss evaluated.
  
• The report will identify problems and make recommendations where over-current devices should be replaced or settings changed to provide proper coordination. Implementing the recommendations will improve safety by limiting exposure during troubleshooting to the least amount of equipment and will improve operational efficiencies by limiting the amount of equipment effected by an over-current trip.
  
• A report of the arc-flash hazard at each buss evaluated.
  
• The report will provide the arc-flash boundaries for the respective equipment.
  
• The report will provide the incident energy in calories/centimeter2 at a working distance of 18 inches.
  
• The report will identify the appropriate arc-flash hazard risk level for selection of personal protective equipment.
  
• The report will make recommendations of practical changes that can be implemented to reduce the arc-flash boundary and hazard risk level. Often times the hazard risk can be greatly reduced or eliminated completely by implementing recommended changes.
  
• A one-line electrical diagram will be provided on that portion of the electrical system which was analyzed.
  
  

Phase III - Presentation of the Results of the Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, Affixing Labels, and Development of Electrical Safety Programs
The results from Phase II – Engineering Analysis will be documented and provided to the facility in a report format. A facility may request an on-site presentation of the results of the analysis; if requested, the cost of this presentation is included in Phase III. Warning labels will be printed for all electrical equipment evaluated. Some facilities prefer Lewellyn Technology take responsibility for affixing the warning labels, which are printed as part of Phase II, to the appropriate equipment; if requested, the cost of this service is included in Phase III. Consulting services are available to assist in developing Electrical Safety Programs and Policies, and assisting in selection of appropriate personal protective equipment (clothing, gloves, and tools); if requested, the cost of these services are included in Phase III.¹>

Electrical Safe Work Practices Training
The Electrical Safe Work Practices Program is designed for all personnel who work on or near any type of exposed energized equipment. Electrical Hazards, proper electrical work practices and procedures, and the safe installation of electrical equipment will be discussed. You will be introduced to the rules and regulations as required by the OSHA Electrical Safety Related Work Practices standard 1910.331-1910.335. You will also learn how the NFPA 70E requirements work in conjunction with the OSHA requirements. This program is designed in-part NFPA 70E and OSHA training requirements for “qualified persons”.


How much will this cost:
There are 3 ways Lewellyn Technology will be able to offer a quote for completing the Arc Flash Hazard Analysis:
1. Send us your single-line drawings
2. Complete the Arc Flash Estimate questionnaire
3. Have a Lewellyn Representative visit your facility

Click here to view the Arc Flash Estimate Questionnaire.


Arc Flash Annual Report Update and Changes:
Does your facility move equipment, upgrade or expand your electrical system? If so, these changes may affect the arc flash hazards in your facility. Lewellyn Technology offers an Annual Report Update to keep your facility in compliance with OSHA and NFPA’s arc flash assessment requirements.

Click here to read more on our Arc Flash Annual Report Update and Changes.


Training:
OSHA 1910.132(f) (1,2,3) states that the employer shall provide training to each employee who is required to use PPE. This training shall include when PPE is necessary, what PPE is necessary, How to don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE, limitations of PPE, and proper care. NFPA 70E 110.6 (a) States that such employees shall be trained to understand the specific hazards associated with electrical energy. They shall be trained in safety-related work practices and procedural requirements as necessary to provide protection from the electrical hazards associated with their respective job or task assignments. Lewellyn Technology offers training for both Qualified and Non-Qualified Personnel.

Click here to view Electrical Safe Work Practices Training Outline.