Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Some Common Questions About Arc Flash Analysis

By Paula Barron


An arc flash analysis is needed to ensure safety of worker at certain facilities. Here, basic questions about arcs and the hazard they pose will be answered. It is necessary that precautions be taken and measures be in place to ensure that those who work around electrical equipment are not harmed by it in any scenario.

There may be a myriad of reasons because of which an arc might develop. It is flow of current between two conducting surfaces, and it can be harmful because of the extreme heat and shrapnel that it generates. It can easily cause disability or even death of employees.

The causes of such an occurrence are many. Carelessness or mistakes on the part of human beings may be the reason behind them, or failure of equipment, if it is not properly maintained and cared for. If a layer of dust or other impurities builds up between the two surfaces, the outcome could be serious as this may be enough for an arc to form.

It is possible that a worker may be exposed to this hazard. This depends on a number of factors. Having to deal often with equipment that is live is one way of being exposed to it. It is necessary that equipment be maintained well and periodically and thoroughly examined to reduce chances of such an accident. Again, workers must be trained well so that they do not commit mistakes which lead to such threats to themselves or their colleagues.

Since compliance with certain standards has been made mandatory so that this hazard is reduced and industrial workplaces become safer, more and more companies claim to be able to carry out an arc flash analysis for your facility. It is easy to be confused about which company to pick, especially when something as important and grave as the lives and well-being of your workers are at stake.

You need to choose the company carefully, and the first step to this is not to hire a company that is dishonest. If they tell you to use underhand methods to save money and not make the place as secure as possible, you need to look for another company. Genuine companies have a license issued to them from the relevant authorities, and you should ask to see this before you carry talk further.

Very low prices are not to be expected in such a situation, and if they are offered, you can be certain something is amiss. Do not fall for freebies that are offered by a company, as it is simply bait to buy their services which are most likely not professional or thorough. See that the company uses the best tools available for the testing of your workplace.

Many companies have cropped up which masquerade as experts and say they will help you with meeting safety requirements, however, a lot of them are fake. It is important that you have preventive measures in place, such as upgradation of equipment and personal protection equipment for employees, and the changes you need to make can only be decided when you have a good company carry out arc flash analysis for you.




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