Arc-flash quick guides enhance safety
Challenge. Solely placing arc-flash labels on breakers limits the available information for making safety-based decisions on the boundaries, PPE requirement, and affected equipment. Labels are good information sources on scene; however, when preparing work packages and reviewing pre-job briefs, additional resources for O&M personnel help reduce the risk involved with work and help to ensure compliance with NFPA 70E.
Solution. The team assembled all resources available and looked for a method to present the information to work-package preparers, as well as operations staff, during pre-job briefs and tailboard discussions. By including a photograph of the arc-flash label, a load list, and the definitions of the boundaries, terminology used, and PPE requirements, plus a list of equipment affected by the breaker, switchgear, or MCC, a better format was discovered. Adding all information with its definition removes questions from the workers on the scene.
Results. Listing the component by its common name, with the P&ID name, and all requirements in a database allowed a report form to be generated and saved in PDF format. The PDF sheets are in a “quick guide” book in the control room posted on the breaker and embedded in the pre-job brief form for work-package inclusion. A third copy is laminated and placed on the MCC itself. Follow-up training on the form’s use as a reference document “got everyone on the same page.” Having the embedded form on the pre-job brief provides a quick reference for PPE requirements and additional precautions.
Project participants:
Steven Smith, plant manager
James Guevara, operations manager
Gil Kaelin, maintenance manager
Osprey Energy Center
Calpine Corp
600-MW, gas-fired, 2 × 1 combined cycle located in Auburndale, Fla
Plant manager: Steven Smith
