A global approach to managing risks of arc flash hazards

Electrical safety is highly regulated in all industrialized countries. Historically, electrical hazard mitigation focused on measures to prevent electric shock. As awareness of arc flash as a unique hazard separate and distinct from shock emerged in the 1980s, standards began to address its mitigation. Comparing standards from North America and the European Union, there are both commonality and differences. This paper provides a case history of an approach to mitigate the risks of arc flash hazards by looking beyond individual standards and integrating a more comprehensive solution, based on the hazard control measures in safety management systems standards, such as OHSAS 18001, Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems - Requirements. The authors bring together their experience in leading global collaboration and harmonization of standards with practical application in electrical safety management for a global company with a workforce of approximately 100,000 people and widely recognized for leadership performance in industrial safety. The paper provides a roadmap to aide planning, design and implementation of a comprehensive and effective arc flash hazards mitigation program, from initial assessment to program audit.