Intertek Launches Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and Labeling Service
11 Sep 2013
New service helps companies identify risks of electrical injury and meet OSHA and NFPA safety requirements
Chicago, IL - Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, today announces the launch of its Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and Labeling Service. This new service is aimed primarily at manufacturing and industrial facilities where electrical equipment has the potential to create an arc flash. Intertek’s service helps these organizations identify potential risks, label equipment for safe usage, and train employees on correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
An arc flash is a phenomenon where an electric current leaves its intended path from one conductor to another, or to ground, and instead the electrical energy is suddenly released through the air. According to a 2007 paper published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), thermal radiation temperatures from an arc flash can reach or exceed 35,000 °F. Potential risk of serious injury to a worker in close proximity of the arc flash, as well as and damage to the surrounding area, is significant. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) have compliance requirements in place that aim to mitigate risk and ensure safety.
Intertek has an extensive history of testing electrical products in order to show compliance with published safety standards, such as those by ANSI, UL, NFPA, and others. The Company’s Field Services team also has extensive experience going into clients’ facilities and testing electrical equipment in its normal operating environment. This experience enables Intertek’s evaluators to work safely and efficiently as they assess the arc flash hazards associated with equipment at a client’s facility and make recommendations to the company that could help mitigate potential risk of arc flash injury.
“This new service is a reflection of Intertek’s commitment to product safety and workplace safety overall,” said Gary Flom, Service Line Leader, Field Services, Intertek. “Many workplace injuries can be prevented with ongoing assessments and employee training. Intertek’s evaluators know the codes, they understand the equipment and technologies deployed in the field, and can provide guidance to these facility managers and safety officers who may not have understood the potential risks involved with arc flash.”
Components of the new Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and Labeling service, which is now available throughout the United States, include: equipment and site analysis; a labeling plan; overall site compliance assessment; review and generation of one-line drawings/diagrams; employee training; and plans for implementing proper PPE for all workers using electrical equipment while it is in an electrically-energized condition.
For more information, visit Intertek’s Arc Flash Hazard page at www.intertek.com/electrical-safety-testing/arc-flash.
Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Nicole Stavish
Marketing Manager
+1 (312) 906-7730
Nicole.stavish@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is the leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 35,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com.