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What is Arc Flash? |
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Arc flash is an extremely dangerous phenomena
associated with the release of energy caused by an electric
arc. An electric arc flash can occur if a conductive object
gets too close to an energized electrical source or as a
result of equipment breakdown or failure.
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What are the Hazards? |
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The primary hazard in an arc flash event is the
thermal wave of energy released. The arc can heat the air to
temperatures as high as 35,0000 F, and vaporize metal in the
equipment. Arc Flash energy can cause severe skin burns by
direct heat exposure and by igniting or melting clothing.
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Secondary hazards include pressure
and auditory hazards, projectile hazards, and inhalation
hazards. Heating of the air and vaporization of metal
creates a pressure wave (300 lb/ft2) and can damage hearing,
causing sound levels to exceed 160dB resulting in possible
hearing loss and other injuries. Molten metal and parts are
also ejected with high velocity. Inhalation of extremely hot
air, molten metal and vaporized metal, as well as burning
insulation smoke and fumes can do significant damage to the
lungs.
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What Legislation / Standards Apply? |
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Canadian Electrical Code |
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Provincial Electrical Codes |
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Provincial Occupational Health
& Safety Acts |
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Bill C45 |
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CSA Z462-08 |
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IEEE 1584 |
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NFPA 70E |
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Let us
Guide you where you need to be
to be fully compliant.
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Arc Flash Analysis |
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WINTEK uses the latest IEEE methods for
calculating arc flash and determining appropriate PPE. Our
skilled engineers have been trained with the latest arc
flash and coordination software. We can help you identify
arc flash boundaries, flash hazard, and category of PPE
required for live work on electrical equipment in your
facility. We will work with you to develop an Electrical
Safety Program for your employees as required by CSA Z462.
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Follow-up Assistance |
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WINTEK is able to provide you with engineering
and technical support to solve some of the challenges and
deficiencies identified in the arc flash report. This may be
the reduction of “hot spots”, determining ways to avoid
electrical exposure, or general electrical system
improvement/expansion. Also, with new electrical changes to
the system, the possibility of unsafe situations can arise.
We can ensure this does not happen by updating your model to
reflect the facilities’ upgrades.
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Training |
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WINTEK offers several courses in Arc Flash
Awareness specific to your needs. The basic level course
will provide your employees with the necessary understanding
of what arc flash is and knowing how to avoid the hazards.
Our intermediate level course focuses on work on and around
energized equipment and providing the knowledge required to
be a “qualified” worker. The advanced course is aimed to
provide technical staff with all the intellectual tools to
enable them to perform-in house arc flash analysis on their
facility’s equipment.
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Electrical Safety Program |
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WINTEK can assist you with preparing an
Electrical Safety Program. This program is based on the CSA
Z463-08 requirements and will be suitable to satisfy the
requirements of the Electrical Safety Authority and the
Ministry of Labour. We will work closely with you so that
specific procedures can be developed to address all the
tasks in your facility requiring exposure to energized
electrical equipment.
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