Safety has to come first in any workplace, especially in environments with electrical hazards. Beyond putting up posters and conducting annual safety training, how can you, as an employer, reduce workplace accidents (and keep equipment running) when it comes to electrical equipment?
One critical component you may not have thought of is an ARC Flash Study. It helps identify potential hazards and assess risks, so you can mitigate them. You can’t change what you don’t know about! And given that electrical hazards can lead to lost productivity, expensive equipment repairs and – the worst results of all – injury and even fatalities, an ARC Flash Study is one of the best investments you can make in your business.
WITH OVER 4,000 ARC FLASH STUDIES PERFORMED IN ALL 50 STATES, AND REPRESENTATIVES THROUGHOUT THE U.S., WE’RE READY TO MEET YOUR ELECTRICAL SAFETY NEEDS.
FOUR FACTS ABOUT ARC FLASH STUDIES
- What Exactly is an ARC Flash Study?
An ARC flash study, also known as an ARC flash analysis or hazard analysis, is a comprehensive examination of a facility’s electrical distribution system. A team of professionals uses special equipment to evaluate the potential for sudden releases of energy caused by electrical arcs. - Do we need an ARC Flash Study?
Short answer, yes. You can’t fix what you don’t know about. By identifying potential hazards and determining the level of risk, organizations can take appropriate safety measures, like adding more or different personal protective equipment (PPE), enhancing engineering controls, and updating training programs. (You also need these studies to be in compliance with regulatory standards, like NFPA 70E.) - What Does an ARC Flash Study Involve?
The study includes several steps, starting with gathering data on electrical equipment, then conducting short-circuit and coordination studies, calculating incident energy levels, determining arc flash boundaries, and finally using all that data to recommend safety measures. - What Steps Should I Take After the Study?
After receiving the results, organizations will need to prioritize how and what to implement, for example, labeling electrical equipment, providing appropriate PPE, updating maintenance procedures, and conducting regular reviews and reassessments. Plus, you’ll want to have good data to use in ongoing training and awareness initiatives to maintain a culture of safety and stay in compliance with evolving regulations.
An ARC flash study is a vital tool for keeping your teams safe and your equipment functioning smoothly. With the knowledge provided through the study, organizations can proactively manage risks, foster a safer work environment, and stay in compliance.
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Arc flash safety experts at EPSCO perform a full system analysis of every piece of equipment at your facility. We can help you achieve compliance in an efficient, sustainable, and friendly way to your budget. Connect with us HERE.
