A Summary of Arc Flash Hazard Assessments and Safety Improvements

Author

Doan, Daniel R. ; Slivka, Jennifer K. ; Bohrer, Christopher J.

Author_Institution

DuPont Eng., Wilmington, DE, USA

Volume

45

Issue

4

fYear

2009

Firstpage

1210

Lastpage

1216

Abstract

The authors and their colleagues have used the methods in IEEE 1584 ldquoGuide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculationsrdquo to complete electrical hazard assessments for over 90 industrial sites, from small warehouse and office facilities to large chemical plants. This paper provides analysis of the results of those assessments, with an emphasis on the safety improvements that were made in design, work practices, and application of personal protective equipment. Modifying electrical equipment design, choosing good work practices, and applying sound engineering judgment can help to minimize arc flash hazard exposures and reduce costs due to injury and process downtime.

Keywords

IEEE standards; arcs (electric); hazards; Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations; IEEE 1584; arc flash; chemical plants; electrical equipment design; electrical hazard assessments; industrial sites; office facilities; personal protective equipment; safety improvements; sound engineering judgment; warehouse; Arc flash; electrical arc flash; flame-resistant (FR) clothing; incident energy; personal protective equipment (PPE); safety by design; safety study;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-9994

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TIA.2009.2023497

Filename

4957063