![]() ![]() ![]() There are three arc flash boundaries that are defined by the NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 standards: The NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 standards provide guidance on the minimum distances that should be maintained between energized electrical equipment and workers based on the incident energy levels. The arc flash boundary is the minimum safe distance from the energized equipment that an unqualified worker can approach without wearing PPE. The higher the incident energy, the greater the potential for injury and the larger the arc flash boundary. Incident energy is the thermal energy that could be released during an arc flash, measured in calories per square centimetre (cal/cm²). The arc flash boundary is a critical component of electrical safety programs, as it helps to identify potential danger areas and ensure that workers are aware of the hazards.Īrc flash boundaries are established based on the incident energy that could be released during an arc flash. To learn more about Arc Flash Safety visit our OSHA Construction Arc Flash Safety Online Training web page.Implementing an effective arc flash safety program that includes accurate arc flash boundary calculations, appropriate PPE, and specialized training for workers is critical to protect workers from the hazards of arc flash incidents.Īn arc flash boundary is a designated area around energized electrical equipment where an arc flash could cause serious injury or death to a worker not wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Qualified workers entering this area must meet strict safety requirements, including possession of a detailed plan justifying the need to work in the boundary, demonstration of a full understanding of the hazards involved, and use of protective equipment on all body parts while inside the boundary. In the event of an arc flash, electric shock and third-degree burns are likely at this distance for any person without the proper protective equipment and insulated tools.īecause electricity can move through the air, this proximity to equipment poses serious danger of an arc flash and working within the restricted approach boundary is considered to be the same as making direct contact with energized parts. Unqualified persons are prohibited from entering this boundary. The restricted approach boundary is the distance within which there is an increased risk of electric shock. Personal protective equipment is required to enter this boundary. Unqualified workers are prohibited from crossing this boundary without an accompanying qualified person. The limited approach boundary is the distance at which a shock hazard exists. This is the closest that both qualified and unqualified workers may come without wearing arc flash protective equipment. The IEEE defines this boundary as the distance from live, un-insulated, or exposed parts at 50V or more within which a person could receive a second-degree burn from an arc flash. The flash protection boundary is typically the outermost limit for a piece of equipment. These boundaries govern safety practices for both "live" and de-energized equipment. Approach boundaries take into account the hazard analysis findings for equipment and provide an idea of the safety practices, protective equipment, and qualification required at various distances. The closer a person gets to a piece of equipment, the greater the hazard of arc flash or other dangerous electrical events. The NFPA has defined boundaries around electrical equipment that organize the level of hazard that equipment presents. ![]()
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