1. Introduction to arc flash 2. Arc flash injuries 3. Codes and standards 4. Prevention 5. Protective clothing and equipment What is the Arc Flash An Arcing fault is a flow of current through the air between phase conductors or phase conductor and neutral or the ground . An arcing fault can release tremendous radiated energy at the point of acing in a small fraction of a second resulting in extremely high temperature, a tremendous pressure blast and shrapnel hurling at high velocity (700miles per hour). Typical applications (OSHA Standards) Switchboards, panel boards, industrial control panels, and motor control centers in other than dwelling occupancies, that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, shall be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards. The marking shall be located so as to be clearly visible to qualified persons before examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance of the equipment. Tasks with Potential for Arc Flash Operating a switch or circuit breaker Inserting or removing a circuit breaker Opening an enclosure door Removing a cover (bolted or hinged) Testing for voltage In each task: Worker is interacting with energized equipment. What Causes Arc Flash? Dust, impurities, corrosion, condensation, animals Spark discharge from: Accidental touching Dropping tools Over-voltages across narrow gaps Failure of insulating materials Equipment failure Human error (incompetence) Effects of Current on the Body Perception Threshold 0.001 Amps (1 mA) Painful Shock 0.009 Amps (9 mA) Cannot Let-Go Level 0.010 Amps (10 mA) Ventricular Fibrillation 0.100 Amps (100 mA) 3 Seconds 0.200 Amps (200 mA) 1 Second Heart Failure 0.5 Amps (500 mA) Organ Burn and Cell Breakdown 1.5 Amps (1500 mA Release of radiated energy Electric arc Arc flash Arc blast Arc Flash Events ARC-FLASH As much as 80% of all electrical injuries are burns resulting from an arc-flash and ignition of flammable clothing. Arc temperature can reach 35,000F - this is four times hotter than the surface of the sun Fatal burns can occur at distances over 10 ft. ARC EXPOSURE ENERGY BASICS Exposure Energy is Expressed in cal/cm 2 1 cal/cm 2 Equals the Exposure on the tip of a finger by a Cigarette Lighter in One Second An Exposure Energy of Only One or Two cal/cm 2 Will Cause a 2nd Degree Burn on Human Skin Arc Flash Injuries Electric shock Severe burns Blindness Blast injuries Shrapnel wounds Lung blast injuries Ruptured eardrums Pressure wave injuries 1. Power amount of energy at the arc 2. Distance of the worker to the arc 3. Time duration of the arc exposure Severity Factors One Type of Burn from Arc Flash Surface Burns Caused by exposure to the arc flash Can cause more surface burns if the initial arc flash ignites other material such as clothing 1st degree to 3rd degree It has and may cause death!!!!!! Burns resulted from Arc flash accident Blindness Flash of light is so intense it can damage vision. Blast Lungs Injury (BLI) Arc blast can cause inhalation injuries. For example: Inhaling high temperature copper vapour. More than 100 toxic substances can be found in the fumes. BLI + Burns = Greater chance of death The impact Electric arcs produce the highest temperatures on earth up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit (4 x temp of the sun)! The intense heat from arc causes the sudden expansion of air that results in a blast with very strong air pressure (Lightning is a natural arc). All known materials are vaporized at this temperature. (Copper expands 67,000 times, Water 1670 times). The Impact of Arc Flash Arcs in enclosures, such as a Motor Control Centers (MCCs) or switchgear, magnify blast and energy transmitted as the blast is forced to the open side of the enclosure. Arcs spray droplets of molten metal at high-speed pressure. Blast shrapnel can penetrate the body. Blast pressure waves have thrown workers across rooms and knocked them off ladders. Pressure on the chest can be higher than 2000 lbs/ sq. ft. Proper Safety Procedures Saves Our People! Energized electrical work permit (PTW) Barriers Training and skills Job briefings PPE Tools CONTROLLING ARC FLASH HAZARDS At the Worker Prevention Summary 1. Include Electrical Safety in your Occupational Health and Safety Management Program. 2. Use work permit and relevant certificate. 3. If work must be done on or near energized electrical equipment, identify the potential for arc flash. Carry out Task Risk Assessment to determine: flash protection boundary, Incident Energy Exposure and Type of arc rating PPE and rubber matt. 4. Conduct regular equipment maintenance and label equipment that poses a flash hazard. 5. Confirm single-line diagrams for accuracy and available fault current. 6. Use flash-resistant equipment and ensure maintenance 7. Provide training and job briefings. 8. Conduct periodic safety audits. 9. Assign competent workers only and ensure supervision 10. Barriers are intended to prevent contact with equipment or live parts or to prevent unauthorized access to a work area. Placing a barrier such as a closed door or a portable shield would also limit the arc flash exposure.Increase the working distance 11.Use the right PPE: arc flash jacket kit, Electrical rubber gloves, rubber mat, (Synthetic clothing that melts such as Nylon, Polyester shall not be worn) 12. In case of electrical accident: turn Off the Power and call ADCO control room ADCO PTW Requirements Apply for permit to work before you start the job. Acquire the suitable certificate i.e. Isolation certificate, high voltage certificate. Implement PTW requirements on site. OSHA Standards Safety -Related Work Practices 1910.335 Safe guards for personnel protection (a) (2) (B) (ii) Protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials shall be used to protect each employee from shock, burns, or other electrically related injuries while that employee is working near exposed energized parts which might be accidentally contacted or where dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur. Qualified electrical workers shall not be asked to work on equipment that is hot or live except for two demonstrable reasons :1. De-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards e.g.* cutting ventilation to a hazardous location* emergency alarm systemsor2. Infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations e.g.* voltage testing for diagnostics * start up testing NFPA 70E: Safety in Workplace OSHA 1910.333 (a) (1) & NFPA 70E 130.1 Increase the working distance. Reduce the energy exposure. Use hinged doors instead of bolted doors to eliminate the risk of bolts falling into the panel. Work de-energized. CONTROLLING ARC FLASH HAZARDS Along the Path Steps to Take If An Electrical Accident Happens Remove the Immediate Hazard: turn Off the Power Remember that Speed is Essential Extinguish flames Call for Help (control room) Begin CPR & First Aid First Aid Cool the burn with water Do not attempt to remove burned clothing Elevate burned limbs Handle the victim with care Treat for shock Maintain body temperature Do not give anything by mouth C P R Personnel that work near or on energized parts should be trained in CPR. Note: The use of Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) is strongly recommended. Use LOTO System LOTO Types of LOTO system Use appropriate warning signs Use the right PPE Industry Standards and Regulations Manual 10 part 27 OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S OSHA Enforces NEC2002 110.16 & NFPA70E NFPA 70E-2000 Requirements for shock and arc flash boundaries Requirements for personal protective equipment NEC 110.16-2002 What is the best way to prevent the hazards of electricity? STOP Stop : Before Action Think : Risks/Hazards Options : LOTO Protection: Proper PPE Avoiding energized circuits is the Safest Way! ARC FLASH HAZARDS It is ALWAYS preferable to work on de-energized equipment. 47