EFCOG Best Practice #66

(06/17/09)

PDF Version

Title: Performance of Arc Flash Calculations and Labeling

Facility: DOE Complex

Point of Contact: Jackie McAlhaney, 803-208-3389, Jackie.mcalhaney@srs.gov

Additional Documentation

Brief Description of Best Practice: These best practices were developed from a working session of subject matter experts within the DOE and DOE contractors.

Why the best practice was used:  The DOE/EFCOG Electrical Safety Subgroup developed four distinct project areas for improving electrical safety at its 2008 Electrical Safety Workshop in Denver Colorado.  The task team for Workshop #1 “Arc Flash Calculations,” committed to submit a recommended best practice to the EFCOG Integrated Safety Management Working Group for posting on the EFCOG Best Practices website addressing improvements in arc flash calculations and labeling methodology to ensure more consistent implementation throughout the DOE complex.

What are the benefits of the best practice:  Consistent and accurate calculations of arc flash energy and PPE requirements to ensure worker safety when exposed to energized electrical conductors.

What problems/issues were associated with the best practice: The DOE/EFCOG Electrical Safety Subgroup identified a need for a more consistent approach to developing arc flash calculations and labeling strategies for arc flash.

How the success of the Best Practice was measured: The subject Best Practice has been reviewed by the EFCOG Electrical Safety Working Group and several sites are in the process of integrating its principles into their work processes for evaluation.

Description of process experience using the Best Practice: There is no operating experience with the subject Best Practice at this time.