Can You Afford the High Cost of Arc Flash?

Electrical shocks have been a recognized safety issue in the workplace for a long time. But danger from arc flash (or arc blast) is a growing concern.

Arc flash is the result of a sudden release of large amounts of heat and light energy at the point of a fault. The wrong tools, improper electrical equipment, equipment corrosion, incorrect work techniques, and lack of training can all trigger an arc flash event.

Exposure to arc flash often results in serious injuries and even death. It can also destroy equipment and cause extensive downtime. The impact can be devastating to your operations and your budget.

Why You Need NFPA 70E Compliance

NFPA 70E is the consensus standard for electrical safety in the workplace. To help prevent arc flash, OSHA adheres to NFPA 70E guidelines when issuing citations. Committing to NFPA 70E compliance helps you:

• Mitigate arc flash hazards & risks • Protect workers & assets
• Avoid OSHA violations & citations • Reduce costly liability & litigation

7 Steps to Compliance

There’s a ton of information on NFPA 70E compliance. To simplify what you need to know, we’ve outlined this seven-step plan:

1. Develop an overall electrical safety program that includes policies, procedures, and controls

2.Perform arc flash assessment surveys, provide a single line diagram, and label equipment to identify and control risks

3. Educate and qualify employees through an ongoing training program

4. Provide protective clothing (PPE), insulated equipment, and voltage-rated tools

5. Develop a proactive preventive maintenance program for equipment and assets

6. Implement mitigation solutions such as current limiting fuses, arc resistant switchgear, and high resistance grounding to design out arc flash hazards

7. Establish continuous change management to ensure user adoption and regularly update safety and preventive maintenance programs

As Easy as A-B-M

While NFPA 70E compliance is your responsibility, implementing solutions can be bit challenging. ABM deals with this every day and has developed a comprehensive arc flash compliance program to identify, remediate, and certify facilities and personnel. Leaving your NFPA 70E compliance to an expert ensures reliability and safety while allowing you to remain focused on your core business goals.

NFPA 70E Compliance in a Flash

7-Step NFPA 70E Compliance Checklist

1. Develop an overall electrical safety program‍

NFPA 70E Guideline: 110.3 (A) - Electrical Safety Program

2. Perform arc flash assessment surveys, provide a single line diagram, and label equipment to identify and control risks

NFPA 70E Guidelines: 130.5 - Arc Flash Hazard Analysis; 120.1 - Process of Achieving an Electrically Safe Work Condition; 205.2 - Single Line Diagram; 130.5 (C) - Equipment Labeling

3. Educate and qualify employees through an ongoing training program

NFPA 70E Guidelines: “105.3 - Responsibility; 110.2 - Training Requirements, 110.2 (E) - Training Documentation; Qualified Person

4. Provide protective clothing (PPE), insulated equipment, and voltage-rated tools

NFPA 70E Guidelines: 130.7 (A) - Personal and Other Protective Equipment.

5. Develop a proactive preventive maintenance program for equipment and assets

NFPA 70E Guidelines: 130.5, Article 205; 205.3 - General Maintenance Requirements and Overcurrent Protective Devices

6. Implement mitigation solutions to design out arc flash hazards

7. Establish continuous change management to ensure user adoption and regularly update safety and preventive maintenance programs

About ABM

ABM (NYSE: ABM) is a leading provider of facility services in the United States and various international locations. ABM’s comprehensive capabilities include janitorial, electrical & lighting, energy solutions, facilities engineering, HVAC & mechanical, landscape & turf, mission critical solutions and parking, provided through stand-alone or integrated solutions. ABM provides custom facility solutions in urban, suburban and rural areas to properties of all sizes - from schools and commercial buildings to hospitals, data centers, manufacturing plants and airports. ABM Industries Incorporated, which operates through its subsidiaries, was founded in 1909. For more information, visit ABM.com.