Industrial environments present multiple safety challenges, including fire hazards that require proactive safety measures to minimize potential risk. Arc flash hazards cause thousands of injuries a year, resulting in serious burns and in some cases, even death. Electrical accidents can contribute significant costs to businesses in lost property, injuries and loss of life. With today's dependence on industrial networking, which requires frequent interaction with energized equipment, the risk of igniting an arc flash could increase significantly.
To reduce the potential for injuries or deaths from arc flash incidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued regulations designed to promote workplace safety. Concurrently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also provides codes and standards, research, training and education to reduce fire and other hazards. Together, these two organizations set the industry standard for practices and procedures that influence workplace safety.
This white paper will discuss the definition of an arc flash, including its risks, consequences and causes, industry standards to protect against arc flash and a solution to minimize arc flash exposure.