Identify
Within the past few years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented new employer rules concerning arc flash and the establishment of employee protection. (Foulke, 2006) The purposes of this paper it to increase knowledge about the hazards involving arch flash and how to establish the required protection zones.
Explain
Arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a low-impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. (Hoagland, 2009) The guidelines and regulations regarding arc flash hazards since 1971 have not focused industry 's attention on quantifying the dangers of arc flash events …show more content…
When crossed the use of shock protection techniques and equipment is required.
Prohibited Approach Boundary- A shock protection boundary only to be crossed by qualified persons. When crossed the same protection is required as if direct contact is made with the live part.
Flash Protection Boundary- Distance at which the incident energy level equals 1.2 cal/cm2 for faulting clearing time greater than 0.1 seconds. Use 1.5 cal/cm2 for clearing times that are 0.1 seconds or faster.
In conclusion, the research I found helped me understand that the distance and type of PPE is proportionate to the current and type of circuit employees are dealing with. The information above has shown what risk you take every time you work with electricity. The best way to prevent an accident when working on electrical equipment is to de-energize the equipment first and use PPE and the protective zones when disconnecting or adjusting the circuit. There is no substitution for having the training that is need and for being able to de-energize and work on equipment. You will probably not get a second chance if you are involved in an electrical