Did you know that arc flash is a leading cause of electrical fatalities in the construction industry?
Larson Design Group can help.
When insulation between conductors and equipment is no longer sufficient, the air surrounding them can be ionized, creating a powerful electrical arc that can cause injury or even death without proper protective equipment. This type of phenomenon, called “arc flash,” is a leading cause of electrical fatalities in the construction industry.
The August 2007 OSHA standards first directly addressed arc flash hazards. Employers are now responsible to identify electrical hazards and conduct work in a safe manner per OSHA and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requirements.
To demonstrate compliance, facilities with a primary electrical distribution should first conduct a study of this distribution at each building’s electrical entrance. At a minimum, the study should evaluate the system’s load flow and short circuit current. Upon completion of the initial study, each building can be evaluated individually.
The 2012 NFPA 70E will mandate more detailed labeling on available arc flash hazard information that can only be provided to an employer under an Arc Flash Study.
LDG has conducted arc flash studies for clients with facilities including: