Arc Flash Audit

In six months I have to perform an audit of our Arc Flash program. A few things I am thinking of doing are:

1) short multiple choice test of fundamentals given to our two electricians.
2) review of PPE condtion and availability
3) posting of arc flash labels and or NFPA task table in electric rooms
4) completed work permits review
5) arc flash injury rate
6) maintenance of breakers and settings
7) 6 month rotation of rated gloves

Can you think of other topics, inspections, etc I should include.

Error Avoidance

I Think OSHA requires an annual visual observation of all workers performing the job functions . Using the proper procedures and wearing the right PPE. Get a copy of the EPRI " Approaches to Error Avoidance" 2005 #1010615
Audits are the way to go

Hazard/Task analysis

Another thing to consider is the requirement to assign risk categories to specific jobs and tasks. Job descriptions for "qualified persons" should also exist. This requirement is spelled out in Article 110.6 of the 70E. These requirements are further stated in the OSHA 29 CFR1910.132(d).

Additionally, there is a requirement for safety program implementation that is to be based on the voltage and energy levels present, and must contain controls and procedures. This is in 110.7 of the 70E.

There's a lot more to a 70E program than labels and PPE. This sort of thing can turn into a full time job for someone at a moderately sized facility.

Audits with arc flash

1. Knowledge test can include the various causes of accidents. You can find various literature on how the arc blasts occured. Start with IEEE Std. 1584 Appendix.
2. NFPA 70E tables suggest different hazard levels based on work tasks for the same equipment. This implies subjective assessment of the risk based on likelyhood, apart from the numerical computations. The condition of equipment is not taken into consideration, which is ironical. If an equipment is not well maintained or is questionable in terms of arc flash hazard, it would pose a risk. A facility may have constraints such as lack of manpower, or budget, or shut-down for maintenance. It then becomes the responsibilty of the safety auditor to identify the problem and provide recommendations to the management. Labels suggest PPE category, which is the last line of defence.

The resent audit we performed included your list as well Initial 70E training completed and yearly training review on 70E? PPE care, house keeping,garments are laundered per spec. glove inspection etc.