Ask About This ArticleThe United States Department of Labor's OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires that all companies or "Non-Dwelling" facilities have an Arc Flash Analysis done on the entire electrical system to determine several important bits of information. That information has to be placed in clear view on each electrical panel using the ANSI z535 approved "Arc Flash Warning Label".
Since 2002 this regulation has been in place but OSHA has allowed companies to slide until now, giving companies enough time to get in compliance. Now, after these few years of waiting, OSHA has begun checking to see if in fact it has been done! A trip to the OSHA website will yield several serious fines that have been levied against violators! Up to a half a million dollars is allow as a maximum fine for a corporation, should that corporation be found "Not in Compliance".
Several Engineering firms have stepped up to provide the needed "Arc Flash Analysis". However, as always, many are in it for the "Big Bucks", be careful to choose an engineering firm that will provide just the needed basics and not try to trick you into getting un-needed services or products. OSHA requires that you only have completed and Arc Flash Analysis to determine the Level of arc flash hazard, the arc flash boundary distance, and the amount of personal protection equipment a worker should use, along with placing that information on an ANSI approved label on each required panel.
Stay away from firms trying to sell you services such as providing a "One Line Diagram", Evaluating your existing electrical system for downsizing breakers and fuses, ( the national electrical code, NFPA, allows upsizing for future expansion) along with many other un-needed and not required high cost services.
Industrial Training University Inc's Arc Flash Group, offers the needed "Bare-Bones" services at a much lower cost that most competitors. Because of ITU's company structure, working with Universities and other advances learning groups, ITU can exceed the normal expectations, and get the required analysis done in a shorter time, lowering the cost to you. Call ITU at 866-851-9993 or log on the web at arcflashengineering.com .
Tags: nutshell, half a million, united states department, fuses, department of labor, downsizing, electrical system, occupational safety and health administration, occupational safety and health, engineering firms
