Electrical hazard analysis

The subject of electrical hazard analysis has been recognized by a small segment of the electrical industry for many years. The petrochemical industry and many government institutions have performed research on this subject for over 20 years. For the most part, however, the electrical industry - at least at the user level - has largely ignored the subject. Essentially, the industry has reacted to catastrophic accidents, rather than proactively trying to predict and prevent them. Recent changes in consensus standards, along with a better general understanding of the seriousness of electrical hazards, have resulted in a renewal of interest in the subject. This article addresses the requirements for performing the shock hazard analysis and flash hazard analysis required by NFPA 70E, Section 110.8(B)(1), "Electrical Hazard Analysis," as well as the blast hazard analysis and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.