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ARC Flash Guidelines

Arc flash occurs when electrical energy is suddenly released through the air when a high-voltage gap exists and when a breakdown between conductors is present, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). This safety hazard is an electrical safety concern. Arc flash safety is regulated by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) via general electrical safety guidelines outlined in the Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSH Act), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and individual state regulations.

  1. Guidelines/Regulations

    • OSH Act section 29 CFR-1910 Subpart S provides general electrical regulations for employers including the creation and documentation of an electrical safety plan, documented training of employees and other workers, placement of warning labels on equipment, annual safety inspections of the work environment and employee adherence to safe work practices. Appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) should be used. Arc flash clothing, flame-retardant clothing or uniforms, is used by employers to help meet guidelines. OSHA mandates compliance with NFPA 70, the National Electric Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E.

      The NEC is a book of guidelines and standards for electrical safety that specifically addresses arc flash. According to the Arc Flash Information Resource Center, the NEC addresses arc flash in Section 110.16. NEC section 110.16 requires that specific equipment such as switchboards, panel boards and industrial control panels need to be marked warning of potential arc flash hazards.

      NFPA 70E guidelines are summarized into six steps by the Arc Flash Information Resource Center: determine all potential sources of electrical energy, interrupt load current and open disconnecting devices for all potential sources, visually confirm disconnecting devices are open, follow lockout/tagout (proper shut off of equipment) procedures, verify equipment is de-energized (no live current) using a voltmeter (device to measure voltage) and use grounding devices where the possibility of stored energy or induction (the generation of an electrical current in a conductor when placed in a changing magnetic field) exists.

    Considerations

    • Employers could face fines up to $500,000 if OSHA determines there is noncompliance with general electrical safety guidelines and arc flash hazard guidelines established by the NFPA. Individuals who do not adhere to the guidelines can be fined up to $250,000. OSHA regulations are free to the public; there are also many state guidelines concerning electrical and arc flash safety. Guidelines from the NEC and NFPA 70E must be purchased from NFPA directly. NEC guidelines are updated every three years and NFPA 70E guidelines every five years. Employers must have updated copies of each on hand.

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