Reducing Arc-flash Hazards through Electrical System Modifications

This paper will discuss retrofit techniques that can be implemented that will reduce the arc flash hazard faced by thermographers performing studies on energized electrical facilities. First, the paper will review what the arc flash hazard is, why it is of concern to thermographers and what safety standards and regulations must be followed to protect the thermographer from these hazards. We will review the equipment marking requirement in the National Electrical Code, what the equipment labels look like and the information displayed on them and what Personal Protective Equipment is required based on the labels. We will then review the retrofits and modifications that can be made to the electrical system to reduce the arc flash hazards and reduce the protective personal equipment (PPE) required to perform a thermographic study. Until the last ten years or so electrical safety programs have concentrated on protecting the workers from the effects of electric shock while ignoring the effects of arcing faults. Recently however, there has been more and more emphasis by OSHA and the electrical safety industry, on protecting the workers from the arc-flash hazards generated by arcing faults.