The European Arc Flash Guide

Book excerpt: This book is essential reading for anyone responsible for designing or putting workers to task on, or near, large power electrical systems. This is especially relevant where local health and safety law uses a risk-based approach to electrical safety such as in Europe. It is based upon a bedrock of risk management methodology using the 4Ps of Predict, Prevent, Process and Protect to ensure that arc flash hazards are systematically identified, analysed, and prevented from causing harm. Each of the 4Ps are described in detail starting with a quantitative prediction of harm from the arc flash hazard and then a separate chapter on prevention based upon practical measures avoid or minimise harm set against a hierarchy of risk control measures. The chapter on process, policy and procedures gives advice on a methodical approach to creating rules and ensuring competence. Finally, the chapter on protection describes, as a last resort, how personal protective equipment can be selected, used, and maintained. This book is packed with the fruits of the author’s vast experience and there is a chapter dedicated to myths and mysteries as well as separate chapters for electrical utilities, duty holders, service providers, contractors, legislation, and data collection.