Download - Advancing Electrical Safety Through Engineering Electrical Safety for the 21 st Century 1
Purpose
Stimulate cultural shift in our thinking from “how to protect worker from hazard” to “how to prevent or reduce the hazard”
To raise awareness of engineered controls and technology available to eliminate or reduce the electrical hazard as well as minimize facility impact/cost
2
Electrical Safety for the 21st Century
As awareness of electrical arc flash emerged in the 80’s and 90”s, electrical safety programs have expanded to comply with standards
NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in Workplace, NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and OSHA regulations serve as the basis for electrical safety programs within the DOE complex
3
Electrical Safety for the 21st Century
Current standards regarding workplace electrical safety focuses more on personal protective equipment as opposed to engineering solutions
We generally invest in safety warning signs, safety training, and PPE to protect workers
However, engineered solutions are generally recognized as the most effective measure in safeguarding worker safety
– Eliminate the hazard through engineering and design
4
How Can We Advance Electrical Safety?
Focus more on prevention and risk reduction through technical excellence along with safety management practices, i.e. safety by design and engineering
The risk control hierarchy in ANSI-Z10 standard provides a roadmap for setting these safety objectives
5
Electrical Safety for the 21st Century
Apply the risk control hierarchy to determine most effective feasible method to reduce or eliminate the hazard
– First consider methods to eliminate the hazard or substitute a less hazardous method or process
Continue down hierarchy until highest level feasible control is found
Often, a combination of controls is most effective Integrating “safety by design” is generally easier and costs are
generally less during the design. Engineered controls can be feasible for retrofits too.
7
Why Engineered Solutions?
Benefits (+)
+ Reduces worker exposure to hazard
+ Reduces PPE requirements for operators and electrical workers
+ Reduces planning time and costs associated with electrical troubleshooting, testing, and inspections
+ Reduces Operations and Maintenance costs
Barrier/Challenges (-)
- Modification cost, particularly for safety related systems
- Difficulties making minor modifications in operating systems
- Not a “crisis” so not urgent
- Not knowing what new technology exists
Electrical Safety for the 21st Century Engineered Solutions
The next several slides provides examples of technology and engineered controls that may be effective in “preventing” or reducing electrical hazards
Design engineers, facility system engineers, facility operators, safety professionals and others should consider these solutions for applications in their facility
Engineered solutions should not be limited to just those in this presentation. New technology and electrical safety solutions continue to emerge every week. Continue to search manufacturers websites. (See last slide for resources)
9
Voltage/Current Test Portals
Provides current and voltage test portal to safely test on energized motors and equipment
Portals install in panel door or separate enclosure
Precludes need for L/T Data collection time
significantly reduced Cost ~$500 Applicable to new designs
and retrofits
10
Remote Breaker Racking
Operator can stand outside the arc flash protection boundary
– Over 40 cals– Under 40 cals
Compatible with multiple type breakers and programmable
Some units equipped with remote operator
Cost $35k Applicable to existing
switchgear equipment
11
Remote Racking Video Demo
( Watch video to demonstrate a remote racking solution applicable to existing switchgear)
13
Arc Resistant Switchgear and MCC’s
Stronger door hinges, latches and gaskets
Redirects blast and arc flash energy to plenum on top
Reduced operator PPE Some provide “through the door” racking
capability adding additional protection Generally for new designs only Cost about 25% more than standard
switchgear and MCC’s
14
Finger Safe Terminals
Finger safe terminals available as IP20 rating for fuse holders, terminal blocks, non-conductive covers
Reduce chance of worker coming in contact with live conductor
Reduce risk of conductive part falling across bare exposed parts and creating an arc fault
15
Remote Breaker Operation
Portable device to operate pistol grip style handles
Operator can stand outside arc flash boundary
Cost $2K Applicable to existing
electrical installations
16
Infrared Viewing Panes
Viewing pane allows non-invasive thermography inspection without opening doors or removing panels
Eliminates shock/arc flash exposure
PPE reduction Allow thermography on
equipment exceeding 40 cals Cost $200 typical Applicable to new designs and
retrofits for existing equipment
17
Arc Flash Maintenance Reduction Switch
Provides temporary change for overcurrent protection to faster tripping time
Reduce arc flash energy– Locations over 40 cals– Locations under 40 cals
Switch must be controlled Cost $2k typical Applicable to new designs and
retrofits
18
Switch Rated Motor Plug
Safe make/break plug– Enclosed arc chamber– No exposure live parts
Plug and play simplicity Eliminate voltage testing Easy motor change out $350 for 60A, 3 phase Applicable to new designs
and retrofits
19
Ultrasonic Test Probe
Detect frequencies associated with electrical discharges (arcing, tracking and corona)
Medium and low voltage applications
Non-invasive and cost effective (Scan at door seams and vents)
Equipment outage or L/T not required for testing
Also useful to locate steam and compressed air leaks
20
Remote Display Multi-Meter
Detachable display Place meter and probes on
electrical device being checked – Read remotely
Eliminate exposure to a second worker holding meter
Cost $350
21
Fluorescent Light Tester
22
Troubleshoot fluorescent fixtures without dismantling
Tests lamp, ballast and pins Cost effective and enhance
safety Available Feb. 2012 ($200)
Moving Forward in the 21st Century
Prevention technology is available and should be our 1st choice when evaluating the electrical hazard
Our challenge in the 21st Century is to advance electrical safety by changing our approach from protection to prevention
– Educate others (operators, electrical workers, etc.)– Look for opportunities to apply engineered solutions in workplace
Retrofits and new designs and projects New consensus standards and programs will emphasize prevention
IEEE 1814 Electrical Safety Through Design (Draft) IEEE 1683 Enhanced Motor Control Center Safety (Draft) NIOSH Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative
23
Conclusion
People will make mistakes PPE can fail Engineered solutions will
provide the safest foolproof protection
And, engineered solutions will generally be most cost effective
24