Arc-Flash Compliance Implementation at Industrial Processing Facilities

This paper highlights an assortment of case studies and explains how arc-flash hazards were identified, measured, and mitigated in various industrial processing facilities. Case studies reviewed include the following: (1) the completion of arc-flash studies and arc-flash remediation for a group of existing cement pyroprocessing plants in North America to achieve compliance with Electrical Workplace Standards National Fire Protection Association 70E-2012 and Canadian Standards Association Z462-2012 for a multisite cement manufacturer; (2) the implementation of an arc-flash analysis at an existing U.S.-based copper mine/copper concentrate facility; (3) the investigation of an arc-flash incident that occurred during energized work at a U.S. chemical processing facility; and (4) a “Safety by Design” installation for a new Greenfield coal preparation plant in Australia. This paper will examine the plans and processes reviewed and considered and the strategy deployed to manage/reduce arc-flash hazards and then discuss lessons learned in the implementation of new systems to improve electrical workplace safety.