Arc Flash hazard analysis on an electrical distribution system is a very important safety step in maintaining a safe electrical distribution system. An Arc Flash study is a snapshot of the electrical system at a specific point in time. Any changes to the system can potentially affect the Arc Flash analysis accuracy. Section 130.5 of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace specifies that Arc Flash hazard analysis shall be updated whenever there is a major modification or renovation to the electrical system (changing a feed or adding large motors, for example). Even in the absence of such changes, NFPA 70E mandates reviewing the Arc Flash study a maximum of every five years to account for any changes that can have an impact on study results.
NFPA 70E section 110.2 (D) (3) specifies additional as-needed worker training under certain conditions, but it also mandates retraining all qualified workers at an interval not to exceed three years. Some companies adopt a yearly re-training policy due to the importance of the NFPA 70E electrical safety concepts.
Contact BEC Testing for more information on how to protect your business with Arc Flash studies and Arc Flash hazard maintenance.