Arc Flash PreventionNorth Carolina State

University

Anthony R. PatrickFacilities Electrical Engineer

John A. TurekManager, Occupational Safety

March 13, 2012

John A. Turek

Presentation Overview• Arc Flash ~ What is it• What Causes an Arc Flash• Working Energized• What is at Stake• Arc Flash Prevention Process Development• Table Method vs. Calculation• NCSU Boundary Approach Chart• Equipment Labeling• Arc Flash Prevention Culture Policy Statement• Arc Flash Prevention - Traits of a Positive Safety Culture• How Will You Describe Your Arc Flash Prevention Process

John A. Turek

Arc Flash ~ What is it

My Personal Experience with Arc Flash

Arc Flash / Arc Blast• Sound or No Sound• Heat• Concussion• Damage to One’s Body

John A. Turek

What Causes an Arc Flash

• Failed or Damaged Equipment• Loose Connections• Removing a Panel Cover (Dead-Front)• Transients• Frayed Insulation • Phase to Phase vs. Phase to Ground

John A. Turek

Working Energized

• Treat Equipment as Energized – panel removal, testing, troubleshooting, etc.

• Veterinary School / Medical School ~ Patient Life/Health• Prior Planning for Shut Down ~ Student Housing,

Research, Faculty Schedule (Exams, Classes, Graduation, etc.)

John A. Turek

What is at Stake

• Injury or Death• Equipment Damage• Facility Shutdown• OSHA• Liability

John A. Turek

Process Development 1 - 2

• Identification of At-Risk Groups within a University ~ Facilities, Housing, and Utilities Staff ~ Other…

• Establishment of Arc Flash Prevention Team• Provide Communications and Technical Documents 70E• Utilized Existing Processes from Other Universities• Customize Arc Flash Process to Your University

John A. Turek

Process Development 2 - 2• Provide:

• Personal Protective Equipment• Uniforms, Arc Rated Suits, Electrical Safety Gloves, etc.

• Tools ~ Non-Conductive• Meters ~ Rated• Training Courses ~ Arc Flash Prevention, Electrical Safety, High

/ Low Electrical Safety, PPE Use, Volt Meter Safe Use, and CPR Training

• Hands-On Training ~ Small Group / Zone Shop• Training Timeline

• ~ Initial, Refresher, and Every 3-Years Repeat Complete Full Courses

John A. Turek

Table Method vs. Calculation

• Historically ~ Table and Calculation could be mixed• 2012 NFPA 70E ~ Must Choose between the two• Calculations – What is involved• Table Method – An Approach that works

John A. Turek

NCSU Boundary Approach Chart

with modifications for 2012 NFPA 70E

John A. Turek

Equipment Labeling

Cat. 3 PPE

An Arc Flash Prevention Culture:

Example Policy Statement

An Arc Flash Prevention culture is the core values and behaviors resulting from a collective

commitment by personnel to emphasize electrical safety over competing goals to ensure protection

of people and the environment.

John A. Turek

Arc Flash Prevention – Traits of a Positive Safety Culture

Definition of Traits

1.Leadership Safety Values and Actions – Leaders demonstrate a commitment to electrical safety in their decision’s behaviors. For example, management will purchase and ensure utilization of natural fiber uniforms, arc rated PPE, and training courses for employees.

2.Problem Identification and Resolution – Issues potentially impacting safety are promptly identified, fully evaluated, and promptly addressed and corrected commensurate with their significance.

3.Personal Accountability – All individuals take personal responsibility for safety.

John A. Turek

Arc Flash Prevention – Traits of a Positive Safety Culture

Definition of Traits

4.Work Processes – The process of planning and controlling work activities is implemented so that safety is maintained.

5.Continuous Learning – Opportunities to learn about ways to ensure safety are sought out and implemented.

6.Environment for Raising Concerns – A safety conscious work environment is maintained where personnel feel free to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination.

John A. Turek

Arc Flash Prevention – Traits of a Positive Safety Culture

Definition of Traits

7.Effective Arc Flash Safety Communication – Communications maintain a focus on electrical safety and arc flash prevention.

8.Respectful Work Environment – Trust and respect permeate the organization.

9.Questioning Supported – Individuals avoid complacency and continuously challenge existing conditions and activities in order to identify discrepancies that might result in error or inappropriate actions.

John A. Turek

How Will You Describe Your Arc Flash Prevention

Process to Your Chancellor?

Arc Flash Prevention Process:

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John A. Turek

Questions

Anthony R. PatrickFacilities Electrical Engineer

ARPatric@NCSU.eduNorth Carolina State University

919-513-0140