All of the work described above, along with an accurate available fault current from the power company at the feed point to the plant, will be required to accurately provide an arc flash study.

Training

Article 110.3 of NFPA-70E states, “Responsibility. The safety-related work practices contained in Chapter 1 shall be implemented by employees. The employer shall provide the safety-related work practices and shall train the employee who shall implement them.” There are also guidelines for training an employee to be a qualified person that can work on energized electrical equipment.

Conclusions

If a program of this type has already been initiated within your company, you are ahead of the game. If there is not an active program in your company, arrangements should be made to initiate one. It will take time to collect data and to complete the studies. The sooner it is initiated, the sooner you will be able to meet the “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” in your plant. Taking steps to implement the practices discussed in this article will help to protect your employees and keep your electrical equipment functioning as intended.

To come: Edward J. Muglach is the senior principal engineer for Vulcan Materials Co.