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HAZARD RISK ANALYSIS

The Standard - 3 Ways to Analyze the Arc Flash Hazard

A Flash Hazard Analysis will determine the flash protection boundary and the personal protective equipment that people within the flash protection boundary should use. There are three ways provided within NFPA 70E to perform a Flash Hazard Analysis to determine the required performance level of protective clothing for the corresponding Hazard Risk Category, which are highlighted below.

1. Detailed Flash Hazard Analysis

There are multiple tools available to the industry to help perform a Flash Hazard Analysis on energized equipment. Where it has been determined that a person will be working within the flash protection boundary, the Flash Hazard Analysis shall determine, and the employer shall document, the incident energy exposure of the worker (in calories per square centimeter). The determination of the incident energy can be performed using multiple tools:

• NFPA 70E Equations (Examples given in 70E; Annex D)
• IEEE 1584
• ArcPro (Kinectrics)
• SKM Power Tools

2. NFPA 70E Hazard/ Risk Category Classifications or Job Task Matrix

The second way is using the Hazard/Risk Category Classifications or Job Task Matrix provided in NFPA 70E. The Job Task Matrix identifies the Hazard Risk Category (HRC) for common electrical job tasks. For more information order a copy of NFPA 70E, which is available from the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org).

TABLE 130.7(C)(9)(a)

3. Annex H Simplified; Two Category, Flame Resistant (FR) Clothing Approach

The use of table H.1 is suggested as a simplified approach to assure adequate PPE for electrical workers within facilities with large and diverse electrical systems. The clothing listed fulfills the minimum FR clothing requirements of the NFPA 70E Table 130.7 (C)(10) and 130.7 (C)(11).