Escaping arc danger

The paper presents the arc flash assessment in petrochemical and chemical industry. This article provides the IAS Cement Industry Committee information and references to help apply the expertise in risk and safety management experience for the specific hazard of electrical arc flash. The information and references provided include the following: (1) injury frequency and prediction methods (2) cost information to help in building a business case to enable fact-based management decision on priority and resource allocation (3) comparison of several implementation options, including a recommendation for the best long-term strategy for minimizing both injuries and costs (4) considerations to help assure effective arc hazard analysis (5) examples of control measures that can be implemented based on the results from an arc hazard assessment (6) sources for more information. The author's intent is to aid in accelerating the implementation of technology and work practices proven effective through the technical forums sponsored by the PCIC of the IAS. The harmonization of workplace electrical safety standards biased toward optimizing the integration of inherently safer technology, improved safe work practices, and state-of-the-art safety management systems will improve the electrical safety of workers in all industries.