Arc flash personal protective equipment - applying risk management principles

Abstract

Arc flash personal protective equipment is generally selected based on one of two methods: an incident energy analysis method or a hazard/risk category method. Neither method adequately addresses the deployment of arc flash personal protective equipment using risk management principles and processes. The incident energy analysis method determines an arc flash thermal energy level for which arc flash personal protective equipment of suitable arc rating can be selected. This method does not identify when the protective equipment should be deployed. The hazard/risk category method establishes a set selection of arc flash personal protective equipment described as " generally based on a determination of estimated exposure levels." This method subsequently eliminates items of personal protective equipment or reduces the arc rating of the personal protective equipment using activity-based risk-reduction factors. The objective of this paper is to identify and apply risk management principles and methodology found in current standards to assist with the selection of arc flash personal protective equipment and to determine when deployment of the arc flash protective equipment is warranted. The paper will suggest an alternate method to the hazard/risk category method that meets the following criteria: · Retains the simplicity of the hazard/risk category approach · Assesses hazard and risk separately · Is more aligned with current engineering and health and safety principles and practices.