The potential dangers to employees from arc flash are real, and arc flash analysis and monitoring can be an audit nightmare for business owners. OSHA leans on NFPA 70E to guide their requirements on arc flash analysis and monitoring, which means business owners must do the same. Given the complicated nature of NFPA 70E, however, many business owners rely solely on IEEE 1584 to govern their arc flash procedures. Unfortunately IEEE 1584 is incomplete, and is only intended as a supplement to, rather than a replacement of, NFPA 70E.

When setting arc flash procedures, it is usually advised to contact a professional who has done this before and understands the intricacies of arc flash and NFPA 70E. And many companies do. But what most companies do not do is continue to evaluate their arc flash needs on a regular basis. At the very least, there should be a unit who is tasked with ensuring the arc flash policies in place are still up to code and relevant.

For starters, all machines need to be checked and included in the arc flash analysis. After analysis, all machines need to be properly labeled with acceptable signage and the employees need to be trained. And that is where most companies, unfortunately, stop; they are arc flash compliant, have a trained staff, and perhaps have a basic plan in place to train new hires. But without ongoing maintenance and self auditing, any company runs the risk of falling out of compliance, which is why we recommend at least an annual third party safety audit to ensure arc flash compliance.

For more information on arc flash analysis or annual audits, please contact us. And if you have anything to add about the importance of arc flash maintenance, please leave a comment.