Arc Flash Risk Assessments- The first step to compliance
The Importance of Assessments
Providing a safe and compliant workplace based on OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements may seem like a daunting task. With Masters Compliance Consulting it doesn’t have to be.
An Arc Flash Risk Assessment by Masters Compliance will provide you with the tools and resources you’ll need to complete a comprehensive Electrical Safety Program.
Why get an assessment in the first place? Simply put, it’s the law.
OSHA 1910.132(d) states employers must “assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present.” If you haven’t completed an assessment you do not have an OSHA compliant workplace.
The current NFPA 70E Standard is the “how to” in implementing Electrical Safety in the workplace. Article 130.5 requires that an arc flash hazard analysis calculation be performed, with the only exception being the use of the 70E tables-if you meet the parameters.
Masters Compliance utilizes these tables to complete your assessment.
Article 110.1(G) found in the NFPA 70E explains the “Risk Assessment Procedure. An electrical safety program shall include a risk assessment procedure that addresses employee exposure to electrical hazards. The procedure shall identify the process to be used by the employee before work is started to carry out the following: (1) Identify Hazards, (2) Assess risks, (3) Implement risk control according to a hierarchy of methods-this will mean PPE.”
Our procedure for assessing your facility follows guidelines set by the NFPA 70E Standard and will give you the results needed to have a safe and compliant work place. Our process for completing your assessment is as follows:
Data Collection– The facility and/or job site is walked. Electrical characteristics of the equipment is recorded. Any and all compliance issues will be noted and may include pictures taken.
Risk Assessment and Calculations-The data gathered will be used to determine Arc Flash Hazard Risk based on the Arc Flash Categories in the most current NFPA 70E Standard’s tables found in Article 130. Arc Flash Calculations, based on the IEEE Standard 1584 will be performed to provide accurate Arc Flash Clothing recommendations for compliant PPE. Arc Flash Warning Labels will be generated based on the four Arc Flash Risk Categories. Any piece of equipment out of the Arc Flash Category 4, 40 cal/cm2, will be labeled as Dangerous and NO LIVE WORK. The Arc Flash Risk Assessment Report will be generated based on these finding.
Label Application, Arc Rated Clothing Recommendations, Report Presentation– The facility and/or job site is walked again for Arc Flash Warning Label Application. Presentation meeting for the Arc Flash Risk Assessment report, including discussion of potential compliance issues and corrective action needed. Arc Rated Clothing recommendations will be given including a thorough discussion of fabric, style, type and fit.
Arc Flash/NFPA 70E Training of all pertinent employees will need to take place during this time as well. Specific reference can be given to actual hazards present and the specific protective clothing that will need to be employed to work on any live equipment.
At the end of this process you will be in compliance to all of the OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E recommendations for Arc Flash Risk Assessments for a period of five years.
Once PPE is purchased, based on the recommendations of the data collected during the assessment, you will also be in compliance with the OSHA regulation to provide PPE.
Fulfilling this OSHA and NFPA 70E requirement is part of a comprehensive Electrical Safety policy. Standard Operating Procedures, if they have not already been developed and put into effect, will need to be developed based on OSHA regulations and current NFPA 70E recommendation. Masters Compliance will be happy to assist in that process as part of the overall project.
To find out more get in touch