The reaction is Derek Vigstol, consultant for electrical security, E-HazardLouisville, Ky.
In cooperation with the partnership for electrical security and Kema laboratories, Osha has recently released guidelines to combat ARC flash dangers to help employers and to raise awareness among employees for common myths. The agency offers an introduction to what an ARC flash is, how they are involved in the implementation of work with light -arch flash dangers and brings many of the requirements of NFPA 70e – the standard for the electrical security of the National Fire Protection Association for electrical security at the workplace. The instructions of Osha are available in two parts: a detailed document for employers and handouts for employees.
The OSHA recommends that employers develop areas of their overall security and health program that reduce the effects of arch flashes. If employers follow NFPA 70e, you should of course already have a written program for electrical security, as it is required according to the standard. For employers who have already developed a comprehensive ESP who deals with ARC flash dangers, this guide confirms what you already know. If an ESP is significantly different, it is recommended to remedy and revise these critical dangers.
For employers who have nothing specific in terms of archery protection, Osha's document is an urgent call to act. Although 1910,333 was not specifically addressed with ARC Flash, employers still have to protect workers from “other injuries”. In addition, it is doubtful that the members of an injured or deceased employee will find a lot of consolation in the explanation: “We did not protect them because there was no specific OSHA request.”
An ESP must specify the plan to identify details of the arch flash in a facility. The most common way in which employers determine the flash of bowls is to carry out an incident energy analysis. This examines the electrical system and calculates the energy that is released in an arc flash at a certain distance from devices. It also determines the sheet flash limit, the distance in which incident energy is 1.2 cal/cm2. When working within the arch flash limit, an ARC-rated personal protective equipment should be used if there is an arch flash.
Next, you have to develop a risk assessment procedure in order to determine the likelihood and the possible severity of the violation of the arch flashes. Risk evaluations take into account the task of the condition of the electrical devices, the maintenance of the devices, the available incident energy and the possibility of human error. Employers have to decide how best to protect their employees from the risk of Bogen -Flash dangers. This often means that PSA is rated with arc or even redesigned parts of the electrical system in order to minimize the risk of injury.
You can find many of the special features according to which an employer must include in his security and health program in the inclusion of light -flash protection strategies. For the entire picture of what must be included, employers really have to develop an ESP based on NFPA 70E. Remember that this is an unofficial call to the action of Osha and that employers and employees will deal heavily about the dangers of ARC flash. You can either be proactive or reactive here – select carefully.
You will remain safe by the next time and remember to always test before you touch!
Note from the publisher: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be regarded as confirmation of the National Security Council.