Industry Backs IEEE-NFPA Arc Flash Testing Program
July 15, 2006
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A multi-year initiative by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to gain a better understanding of arc flash hazards and how to protect electrical workers against them received an initial $1.25M in contributions from industry.
Three major donations have been received: $500,000 from Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), $500,000 from Bruce Power and $250,000 from Hydro One Networks Inc. An additional $5M is needed to fund the IEEE/NFPA Arc Flash Collaborative Research and Testing Project. Electrical utilities, process industries, equipment manufacturers, professional associations, safety-related agencies, insurers and others concerned with the safety of electrical workers are being asked to contribute to the project.
The more than 2,000 test protocols planned for the IEEE/NFPA Arc Flash Collaborative Research and Testing Project will create insight into arc flash and arc blast phenomena, especially in areas not researched before. The project will measure thermal energy transfer from these phenomena, as well as such effects as pressure and sound waves, shrapnel, the toxicity of gases released and energy radiated at infrared, visible, ultra-violet, x-ray and other wavelengths. It also will look at how enclosures affect the energy released in an arcing fault.
The initiative is needed because of reports on arc flash phenomena. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor and Electricite de France cite arc flash as causing an inordinate number of electrical worker deaths and serious injuries. One major corporation found that up to 80% of its electrical injuries involve thermal burns due to arcing faults.
"We were impressed by the thorough job IEEE and NFPA did in defining arc flash issues and the research needed," said Gus Schaefer, senior vice president and public safety officer at UL. "Our contribution to this program is consistent with our mission, which includes promoting 'safe living and working environments' and advancing 'safety science through research and investigation.' We see the program as a great opportunity for many organizations to collaborate to benefit the entire power industry."
The program will yield many dividends. In addition to improving worker safety, it will help employers boost operating efficiency and productivity and lower workers' compensation claims and premiums. Insurance carriers should see fewer claims for injuries and property damage and fewer workers' compensation and disability claims. In addition, the information developed will help electrical equipment and personal protective equipment manufacturers create safer products.
The program also received smaller donations such as $5,000 from SKM Power Tools and $1,500 from John Cadick at Cadick Corp. In addition, Powell Electrical Systems will contribute the metal enclosures to be used in testing.
Data from the project will enable the IEEE to expand IEEE 1584 - Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations, which helps designers and operators determine arc flash hazard distance and energy exposure. Similarly, the project will help NFPA enhance NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. NFPA 70E provides guidelines in areas as training, hazard evaluation, work conditions and personal protective clothing.
Those interested in contributing to the IEEE/NFPA Arc Flash Collaborative Research and Testing Project should contact either Sue Vogel of IEEE at (732) 562-3817 or s.vogel@ieee.org or Mark Earley of NFPA at (617) 984-7400 or mwearley@nfpa.org for more information. A prospectus on the project is available at http://standards.ieee.org/esrc/arcflash/index.html.
Sources: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).