arc flash prevention north carolina state university anthony r. patrick facilities electrical...
TRANSCRIPT
Arc Flash PreventionNorth Carolina State
University
Anthony R. PatrickFacilities Electrical Engineer
John A. TurekManager, Occupational Safety
March 13, 2012
John A. Turek
Presentation Overview• Arc Flash ~ What is it• What Causes an Arc Flash• Working Energized• What is at Stake• Arc Flash Prevention Process Development• Table Method vs. Calculation• NCSU Boundary Approach Chart• Equipment Labeling• Arc Flash Prevention Culture Policy Statement• Arc Flash Prevention - Traits of a Positive Safety Culture• How Will You Describe Your Arc Flash Prevention Process
John A. Turek
Arc Flash ~ What is it
My Personal Experience with Arc Flash
Arc Flash / Arc Blast• Sound or No Sound• Heat• Concussion• Damage to One’s Body
John A. Turek
What Causes an Arc Flash
• Failed or Damaged Equipment• Loose Connections• Removing a Panel Cover (Dead-Front)• Transients• Frayed Insulation • Phase to Phase vs. Phase to Ground
John A. Turek
Working Energized
• Treat Equipment as Energized – panel removal, testing, troubleshooting, etc.
• Veterinary School / Medical School ~ Patient Life/Health• Prior Planning for Shut Down ~ Student Housing,
Research, Faculty Schedule (Exams, Classes, Graduation, etc.)
John A. Turek
What is at Stake
• Injury or Death• Equipment Damage• Facility Shutdown• OSHA• Liability
John A. Turek
Process Development 1 - 2
• Identification of At-Risk Groups within a University ~ Facilities, Housing, and Utilities Staff ~ Other…
• Establishment of Arc Flash Prevention Team• Provide Communications and Technical Documents 70E• Utilized Existing Processes from Other Universities• Customize Arc Flash Process to Your University
John A. Turek
Process Development 2 - 2• Provide:
• Personal Protective Equipment• Uniforms, Arc Rated Suits, Electrical Safety Gloves, etc.
• Tools ~ Non-Conductive• Meters ~ Rated• Training Courses ~ Arc Flash Prevention, Electrical Safety, High
/ Low Electrical Safety, PPE Use, Volt Meter Safe Use, and CPR Training
• Hands-On Training ~ Small Group / Zone Shop• Training Timeline
• ~ Initial, Refresher, and Every 3-Years Repeat Complete Full Courses
John A. Turek
Table Method vs. Calculation
• Historically ~ Table and Calculation could be mixed• 2012 NFPA 70E ~ Must Choose between the two• Calculations – What is involved• Table Method – An Approach that works
John A. Turek
NCSU Boundary Approach Chart
with modifications for 2012 NFPA 70E
John A. Turek
Equipment Labeling
Cat. 3 PPE
An Arc Flash Prevention Culture:
Example Policy Statement
An Arc Flash Prevention culture is the core values and behaviors resulting from a collective
commitment by personnel to emphasize electrical safety over competing goals to ensure protection
of people and the environment.
John A. Turek
Arc Flash Prevention – Traits of a Positive Safety Culture
Definition of Traits
1.Leadership Safety Values and Actions – Leaders demonstrate a commitment to electrical safety in their decision’s behaviors. For example, management will purchase and ensure utilization of natural fiber uniforms, arc rated PPE, and training courses for employees.
2.Problem Identification and Resolution – Issues potentially impacting safety are promptly identified, fully evaluated, and promptly addressed and corrected commensurate with their significance.
3.Personal Accountability – All individuals take personal responsibility for safety.
John A. Turek
Arc Flash Prevention – Traits of a Positive Safety Culture
Definition of Traits
4.Work Processes – The process of planning and controlling work activities is implemented so that safety is maintained.
5.Continuous Learning – Opportunities to learn about ways to ensure safety are sought out and implemented.
6.Environment for Raising Concerns – A safety conscious work environment is maintained where personnel feel free to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination.
John A. Turek
Arc Flash Prevention – Traits of a Positive Safety Culture
Definition of Traits
7.Effective Arc Flash Safety Communication – Communications maintain a focus on electrical safety and arc flash prevention.
8.Respectful Work Environment – Trust and respect permeate the organization.
9.Questioning Supported – Individuals avoid complacency and continuously challenge existing conditions and activities in order to identify discrepancies that might result in error or inappropriate actions.
John A. Turek
How Will You Describe Your Arc Flash Prevention
Process to Your Chancellor?
Arc Flash Prevention Process:
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John A. Turek
Questions
Anthony R. PatrickFacilities Electrical Engineer
[email protected] Carolina State University
919-513-0140