Danny P. Liggett

Staged tests increase awareness of arc-flash hazards in electrical equipment

The cause and prevention of electrical arcs have been explored since the early 1960s. Engineering design, construction of equipment enclosure, modifications with structural protections and, more recently, requirements for employee safe work practices have all targeted the risks of electrical arc hazards. Yet arcs accompanied by explosions continue to occur in electrical systems. Both human factors and equipment malfunctions contribute to the unexpected release of explosive electrical energy in the workplace. This paper presents experimental results of staged tests simulating the participation of workers in the test scene. Observations regarding the intensities of electrical arc flash events, variances between predicted and observed measurements and implications for safety management are discussed. The intent is to improve the understanding of how people are exposed to electrical hazards in industrial settings so that prevention strategies may be enhanced.

Refocusing electrical safety

Electrical safety needs to be refocused. Over the last few years, there has been tremendous attention given to the arc flash hazard phenomenon. Even though this hazard needs attention to reduce the number of injuries occurring because of it, in some ways, it has become the predominate focus of electrical safety. Electrical safety is more than just the arc flash hazard. Electrical safety needs to be a holistic approach that includes all aspects of electrical safety. The Electrical Safety Program, which proved to be a good tool, is defined in NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. However, even this falls short of what is needed to make a step change in electrical safety performance. This paper will attempt to identify the voids in electrical safety and focus attention on the items that need to be addressed to take a more holistic approach to electrical safety

The NIOSH “Prevention through Design” initiative applied to electrical hazards in construction

Prevention through Design is a seven year initiative launched by US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in July 2007 to advance the practical application of workplace hazard mitigation through design. This initiative is intended to raise awareness and stimulate innovation in policies, regulations, and standards supporting application design techniques that reduce the risk of injury through the full life cycle of installations, including construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance, renewal and demolition. The intent of this paper is to start a dialog for exploring the concepts of Prevention through Design as applied to electrical hazards in construction. This paper summarizes the scope and potential impact the NIOSH Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative could have on electrical safety for all crafts in construction work environments. Based on NIOSH analysis, the construction industry represents 7% of the US workforce, but accounts for 45% of occupational fatalities due to electrical hazards in the workplace. This paper summarizes the goals and offers input in developing strategies to be a part of the Prevention through Design initiative. Practical examples are provided to further stimulate expansion of these concepts in construction work environments.

Beliefs drive behaviors

For more than 50 years research has shown that a correlation exists between the number of incidents, injuries, and fatalities. Investigation into electrical incidents indicates there is more to understand about the causal effect of the number of incidents occurring. Many electrical incidents are caused by undesirable actions of people. These are called unsafe acts. Why do people perform unsafe acts? Lack of experience, knowledge, or skills often come into play. What people believe about safety is another important component. The intent of this paper is to explore these relationships and to focus on unsafe behaviors and beliefs about safety. By investigating and using the actions outlined in this paper fewer incidents will occur resulting in a decrease in injuries and fatalities.

Improving human performance

Electrical safety incidents and injuries can be the result of inappropriate work behavior or what is referred to as “unsafe acts.” These occur although training and education have been provided on electrical hazards and their possible consequences. Providing training to people is not enough to motivate them to follow the procedures. When unsupervised, those people who are aware of the hazards may still believe that they are qualified to take risks because previous “unsafe acts” have not resulted in an incident. This paper will provide information on what motivates people to intrinsically follow proper electrical safety procedures. By understanding these principles, human performance can be positively changed, and the electrical work practices of personnel can be improved to consistently follow safe work procedures.

Safeguarding the electric workplace

It is difficult to imagine life without the conveniences of electricity. However, the electrification of all aspects of society has had the negative attribute of exposing people to potential injury and property loss from electrical hazards. This paper presents an overview of the state-of-the-art in electrical safety technology, work practices, and management systems. This article also outlines significant changes and developments impacting further improvement in the prevention of electrical incidents and their consequences.

How products will be adapted to the dual hazardous area classification system

Article 505 of the 1996 National Electrical Code contains provisions for a hazardous area classification system commonly known as the Zone 0 concept. This change in the NEC will allow two separate and independent approaches for using electrical equipment in classified areas. Manufacturers will develop new and modify existing products to meet the standards for both systems. Users must decide if the benefits outweigh the costs of changing not only to the new products but also to new wiring methods.

Hazard/risk evaluation - What is it?

Many have struggled with how to address the requirement for an evaluation contained in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E [1]. Many believe that risk management meets this requirement. This article will provide a definition for what a hazard/risk evaluation is and a method for performing a hazard/risk evaluation. The risk assessment and how it fits in an overall risk management process and the relationship between risk assessment and hazard/risk evaluation are also discussed. The flowchart currently in NFPA 70E does not start with the right question and needs modification. This article will explore a new starting place for the thought process and suggest that the flowchart in NFPA 70E needs modification.

Key learnings from the IAS Electrical Safety Workshops

The IAS Electrical Safety Workshop has three components in its mission: accelerate the application of breakthrough improvements in human factors, technology, and managing systems that reduce the risk of electrical injuries; stimulate innovation in overcoming barriers; and change and advance the electrical safety culture to enable sustainable improvements in the prevention of electrical accidents and injuries. This paper gives a brief history highlighting the profound impact IAS safety workshops have had on planning and implementing safety programs and standards.

Electrical safety programs

An electrical safety program is a plan designed so that neither workplace conditions, nor the actions of people, expose personnel unnecessarily to electrical hazards. Employers should develop and implement an electrical safety program to give overall safety directions for facility activities related to electrical work. Effective electrical safety programs are a major key in preventing electrical incidents. This paper is based on best practices in developed countries, primarily in the United States as outlined in the IEEE Yellow Book: Guide for Maintenance, Operation and Safety of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems. The purpose is to provide employers the recommended tools to establish an electrical safety policy.