Arc flash is a significant electrical hazard resulting from electrical arcs, which has caused severe burns, injuries, fatalities among electrical workers worldwide, as well as considerable damage to property and equipment. For global organizations, electrical safety should not just be a concern, but a responsibility.
Compliance with UK Regulations
UK law mandates that employers must protect workers from electrical hazards. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a “suitable and sufficient” risk assessment for electrical systems. Failure to comply can result in HSE enforcement notices, fines, and even prosecution. Conducting an arc flash study demonstrates due diligence and legal compliance.
Harmonized Global Safety Standards
Multinational companies often adopt uniform safety practices across all sites to maintain consistency and reduce liability. In the UK, performing arc flash studies ensures alignment with NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, and IEC standards, creating a globally integrated safety program.
Benefits of Performing an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
Arc Flash Hazard Analysis is a critical component of electrical safety management. It determines the incident energy levels that could be released during an arc flash event and identifies potential hazards within an electrical network. This analysis provides actionable recommendations to mitigate risks and protect operational personnel.
One of the primary outcomes of the study is the specification of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the last line of defence against arc flash incidents. In addition, the analysis recommends risk reduction strategies, such as adjusting protection settings or updating switching procedures to isolate areas with high incident energy levels, thereby minimizing the likelihood and severity of arc flash events.
Key Benefits of Conducting an Arc Flash Study
- Enhanced Workplace Safety: by identifying arc flash hazards and assessing their severity, the study helps reduce the risk of injury to workers and damage to infrastructure.
- Regulatory Compliance: performing Arc Flash Hazard Analysis supports compliance with regulations such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (UK) and standards like NFPA 70E.
- Risk Control Implementation: the study enables organizations to apply the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing engineering and administrative controls before relying on PPE.
- Employee Training: the data gathered during the analysis is valuable for developing targeted training programs, increasing awareness and preparedness among staff.
A well-executed Arc Flash Hazard Analysis not only ensures compliance and safety but also contributes to a culture of proactive risk management. By identifying hazards, determining exposure levels, and implementing effective controls, employers can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of arc-flash incidents.
PSC’s Expertise in Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
PSC has extensive experience in Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and supports our clients from the outset with data collection of electrical networks to the final issue of the report and Arc Flash label installation. Our team has a deep understanding of the relevant standards, such as the IEEE 1584 Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations, NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, supporting the safety of operational personnel.
Key Capabilities:
- Single-Line diagrams of the electrical distribution systems.
- Site data collection & Arc Flash label installation
- Calculations of Incident Energy, Arcing. Currents, Arc Durations, Arc Flash Boundaries.
- Arc Flash Mitigation Study to reduce the hazard or the risk of an Arc Flash event.
- Ability to provide an Arc Flash hazard analysis study across a variety of modeling software such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP, and ERACS.
- Supply of Arc Flash labels that meet European standards.
Contact our specialist team to discover how we can unlock solutions tailored to your needs.