Arc Flash Advisors Ltd specialize in providing complete Arc Flash hazard solutions in order to bring your facility in full compliance with the new Canadian Workplace Electrical Safety Standard CSA Z462.
Arc Flash Study Process
The process to be followed to complete an arc flash study at your facility is outlined in our Arc Flash Study Process page. The study may encompass some or all of the following elements and services as required:
Single Line Diagrams
CSA Z462 and NFPA 70E requirements mandate accurate, up-to-date single-line diagrams. These documents are essential for documenting, troubleshooting, and communicating information about your power systems. To meet these requirements, Arc Flash Advisors can conduct a comprehensive site survey that is essential to develop or to update existing single-line diagrams or complete electrical system drawings. For more detailed information, please see our Single Line Diagrams page.
Short Circuit and Coordination Studies
The Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee (PCIC) recommends that Arc Flash calculations be completed in conjunction with short circuit calculations and protective device coordination to achieve the most accurate Arc Flash Hazard results. Short circuit and coordination studies verify protective devices and arc hazard ratings, calculate momentary interrupting and relay currents, establish settings for all types of protective devices, and coordinate your entire power distribution system to minimize downtime. Arc Flash Advisors specialize in conducting these studies that provide critical information you need to ensure full compliance with CSA, NFPA and OSHA requirements.
Load Flow Analysis
Load flow studies determine the voltage, current, active, and reactive power and power factor in a power system. Load flow studies are an excellent tool for system planning. A number of operating procedures can be analyzed, including contingency conditions, such as the loss of a generator, a transmission line, a transformer, or a load. These studies will alert the user to conditions that may cause equipment overloads or poor voltage levels. Load flow studies can be used to determine the optimum size and location of capacitors for power factor improvement. Also, they are very useful in determining system voltages under conditions of suddenly applied or disconnected loads. The results of a load flow study are also starting points for stability studies.
Arc Flash Hazard Labeling Strategy
Electrical inspectors are now enforcing the new labeling requirement published in the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC C22.1) that states a warning label must be placed on electrical equipment that may remain energized during maintenance or repair.
Arc Flash Advisors can assist with compliance during each phase of an arc flash hazard analysis. In the initial phase, we supply the labels and can also assist in applying the appropriate warning labels and signs to the equipment. See Arc Flash Hazard Warning Labels for some more discussion and sample labels.
Compliance Assessment / Site Review
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is diligent in enforcing the CSA Z462/NFPA 70E Guidelines. To warrant compliance, Arc Flash Advisors can determine the necessary steps to fulfill the more general statements in the OSHA standards. Our team conducts a comprehensive assessment of your facility to identify areas of risk and non-compliance. A plan is then designed to bring your facility into full compliance in the most efficient and cost effective way possible.
Design Review
Arc Flash Advisors experienced technicians can conduct a design review of your electrical distribution system to identify areas to reduce potential arc flash hazards. Several areas are evaluated including fault levels, exposure times, remote operations, remote racking, and system grounding. Employing special devices and altering current design can significantly reduce fault levels, arcing time, arc incident energy, and arc blast force. Conducting a design review is the most effective way to uncover potential hazards so these types of solutions can be employed.
Preventive Maintenance (IR PdM)
Arc Flash Advisors have years of experience assisting in developing a preventative maintenance program including infrared thermal imaging to specifically address arc flash hazards. Our customized and detailed preventive maintenance program evaluates your equipment’s condition and determines the most cost-effective and manageable solution to ensure your protective devices operate properly, safely, and reliably–eliminating prolonged exposure to arc flash, which could result in disabling injuries or death.
Arc Flash and Electrical Safety Audits
An electrical safety audit is a systematic procedure to evaluate potential electrical hazards, and to recommend measures to minimise/prevent these hazards (i.e. electrical shocks, electrical arcs, and electrical blasts). An electrical safety audit is a loss prevention program – property/production loss (e.g. electrical fire hazards), and loss of life/injuries to personnel. Observations can be classified into 5 major areas: i) Design features ii) Maintenance aspects iii) Training needs iv) Facilities and Procedures v) Management commitment. Recommendations as identified in the audit shall be implemented on a time bound program, and they shall be closely monitored for timely completion. Arc-flash and electrical safety will be in compliance with CSA Z462 Canadian Standard.
Electrical Safety Program Review / Development
CSA Z462 and NFPA 70E require that every facility establish an electrical safety program. Arc Flash Advisors can help in reviewing or developing a comprehensive electrical safety program that supports an overall site safety program. An effective program should include a certified training program, awareness of electrical hazards and self-discipline of employees. It should also identify hazard/risk evaluation procedures, electrically safe work procedures, tools and correct PPE, and electrical safety principles. As part of your overall safety program, Arc Flash Advisors can assist you in designing and implementing an effective safety audit process, creating and maintaining a safety manual, and planning and conducting safety meetings.
Training
An effective arc flash training program provides workers with the knowledge and understanding of the existence, nature, causes, and methods to prevent electrical hazards. Arc Flash Advisors arc flash training program includes training on arc flash awareness, standards and codes, understanding of arc flash quantities, selection and use of appropriate PPE, reading and following warning signs and labels, methods to reduce risk while working on live exposed parts, arc flash hazard assessment, and documentation.
Personal Protective Equipment Plan
Arc Flash Advisors Personal Protective Equipment Plan addresses all OSHA and CSA standards regarding PPE to ensure compliance. Based on the findings of the arc flash analysis, Arc Flash Advisors will provide PPE category requirement and recommendations. We can also assist in the selection and supply of recommended equipment on which workers will be trained. Our team will address when the PPE is necessary and what equipment is needed. Arc Flash Advisors approach covers how PPE should be worn, maintained, and disposed of after the equipment life has expired.
We also offer consultation and supply of Personal Protective Equipment.
Documentation
Proper documentation ensures compliance with CSA, OSHA and NFPA standards and facilitates investigation should an arc flash related injury occur. Our arc flash compliance plan consists of a customized written report that includes the result of the arc flash analysis, updated single-line drawings on electrical systems, signs and labels on equipment and hazardous areas.
Also included in the documentation are the type, name/ID, incident energy at working distances, flash protection boundary, hazard/risk category, and other pertinent information such as voltage, available fault current, protective device description and its trip time, arc gap, and current. Documentation can also be provided as part of the safety program and documentation of training provided to workers.