Arc Flash Safety is a Necessity

In critical environments including commercial buildings, industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, and healthcare centers, ensuring the safety of workers and property is paramount. Arc flash hazards demand proactive mitigation strategies.

How does this affect me?

For a workplace to be safety compliant, OSHA Mandatory Compliance Regulation 29 CFR 1910.132 states, “The Employer MUST Identify the Hazards that are present or likely to be present in the Work Environment.”
 

OSHA Mandatory Compliance (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132)

• Employer is required to identify hazards on jobsite.
• Employer is requred to provide PPE to protect the employess on the jobsite.
• Employer is required to train the employees.

Anything Over 50V Must be Labeled-per OSHA regulation

• Switchboards
• Disconnect Switches
• Panel Boards
• Industrial Panels
• MCCs
• Transformers
• In accordance with OSHA regulations, labeling is required for any piece of electrical equipment 50V or higher that may need examination, adjustment, service or maintenance while energized. These labels communicate the electrical hazards an employee may be exposed to, including the potential for an arc flash incident.

NFPA 70E® Standards

Article 110.1 gives definition for the assessment process. Arc flash falls under this category, making studies essential for compliance.

• Insurance Requirements: Some insurance companies may require up-to-date arc flash studies as a condition for coverage. This ensures informed risk management and reduces potential liabilities.
• NFPA 70E 110.2(D) requires employees to be given additional electrical safety-related work practices every three years.
• NFPA 70E Standards: The National Fire Protection Association recommends an arc flash hazard analysis every five years (Section 130.5). This reassesses potential dangers and guides safety protocols.
• NFPA 70E Article 110: Arc Flash Risk Assessment: A risk assessment in accordance with 130.5 is mandatory for tasks involving arc flash hazards. This assessment helps prevent potential arc flash incidents and minimizes their impact on personnel and equipment.

What can you do now?

Do any of the compliance issues mentioned above resonate within your business?

If so, there's no time to waste. Arc flash assessments and training are integral for ensuring the safety of your personnel and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

OneSource can help with the process, as we provide this service for many of our clients that include Municipalities, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Wastewater, Recycling/Trash, Distribution Centers, and Contractors.

Check out our Arc Flash Safety Flyer below which outlines best practices in Arc Flash Safety and how our services could help your business comply with NFPA 70E Standards.

We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how our services could align with your business. We offer a FREE Arc Flash Pre- Assessment Walkthrough! 

Contact us through the form at the bottom of the page or contact:

Jeremy Ruiz | Field Service Representative / Arc Flash Specialist

[email protected] | 714-823-7810