Reducing arc-flash hazards: One company's efforts to systematically improve electrical safety

The risk of arc flashes in power distribution equipment has long been recognized as a serious hazard in the petroleum and chemical industry. This article explores the methods one company used to systematically reduce the risk of personnel injury due to arc flashes on its existing facilities and on a new project. The process includes incorporating procedures and technologies that allow for minimizing the need to work on or near energized equipment, moving essential work tasks to safe distances, and eliminating or reducing the arc-flash potential.