Prohibited approach boundary: This is the closest distance any worker may approach an energized piece of electrical equipment and is only permitted under certain conditions, such as when the worker is wearing appropriate PPE. Restricted approach boundary: This is the closest distance that a qualified worker may approach an energized piece of electrical equipment without wearing appropriate PPE. This boundary protects workers who need to be trained or qualified to work on electrical equipment. Limited approach boundary: This is the closest distance that an unqualified person may approach an energized piece of electrical equipment. These boundaries are intended to define the area around electrical equipment where workers may be exposed to an AF threat and are established based on the incident energy level of the equipment. To help reduce the risk of AF incidents, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States has developed guidelines for establishing AF boundaries. It determines the personal protective equipment (PPE) required to protect workers. Incident energy is a measure of the thermal energy that could be released during an AF incident. The potential AF threat can be quantified using incident energy, expressed in calories per square centimetre (cal/cm2). Generally, the higher the voltage and available fault current, the longer it takes for a circuit breaker to trip and the greater the arc flash threat. This threat is influenced by several factors, including the electrical system's voltage, the level of available fault current, and the time it takes for a circuit breaker to trip in the event of a fault. AF incidents can cause serious injury or even death to workers and significant damage to equipment and facilities.Īn AF threat is a term that describes the risk of an AF incident occurring in a particular situation. An AF is a sudden, explosive release of energy that occurs when an electrical current jumps across an air gap, producing high levels of heat, light, and pressure. First, however, it is essential to recognize the potential threats associated with this equipment, particularly the risk of an AF incident. In many industries, electrical equipment is a critical component of day-to-day operations. Visit Our NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training Page Visit Our CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training Page It is important to note that protecting workers from the dangers of AF incidents is an ongoing process that requires regular training, inspection, and maintenance to ensure continued effectiveness. This includes establishing AF boundaries, implementing AF mitigation solutions, and providing appropriate PPE. Companies can create a safer workplace and reduce the risk of arc flash (AF) incidents by understanding the potential threats associated with electrical equipment and implementing appropriate measures to protect workers. Arc flash protection is essential in any work environment with electrical equipment.
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