Arc flash compliance implementation at industrial processing facilities

This paper highlights an assortment of case studies and explains how arc flash hazards were identified, measured and mitigated in various industrial processing facilities. Case studies reviewed include: Completion of arc flash studies and arc flash remediation for a group of existing cement pyro-processing plants in North America to achieve compliance with Electrical Workplace Standards NFPA 70E-2012 and CSA Z462-2012 for a multi-site cement manufacturer; Implementation of an arc flash analysis at an existing US based copper mine/copper concentrate facility; Investigation of an arc flash incident that occurred during energized work at a US chemical processing facility; and a “Safety by Design” installation for a new Greenfield coal preparation plant in Australia. The paper will examine the plans and processes reviewed and considered, the strategy deployed to manage/reduce arc-flash hazards, and then discuss lessons learned in the implementation of new systems to improve electrical workplace safety.