Do you need an Arc Flash Study without electricians on staff?

It may be a common misconception (we have heard it a few times): "We don't have electricians on our staff, so an arc flash study isn't necessary." 

Nothing could be further from the truth!

What is arc flash? Click here to find out. 

An arc flash study isn't just about protecting those who work on your electrical equipment; it's about protecting everyone who works near/around it to safeguard your entire plant or facility. 

Protecting All Personnel

We always have to remember… people’s safety is everything!

While you might not have electricians, you likely have staff who interact with or work adjacent to electrical equipment.

This could include:

• Maintenance Personnel: Who might open electrical panels to reset breakers or service machinery. This could include equipment with varying levels of associated hazards. 
• Janitorial Staff: Cleaning in electrical rooms or near equipment. If you don’t also have a solid electrical safety plan, these tasks could be exceptionally dangerous with things like extension cords etc. 
• Contractors: repair, plumbing, or installers working in proximity to energized gear.

Note – Both NFPA 70E (U.S.) and CSA Z462 (Canada) establish a duty of care for consultants and contractors by requiring the host employer to protect all personnel on site.

The above scenarios may seem simple or easy to avoid an incident, but all these activities are happening weekly or even daily. People get complacent, and without arc flash labels there may be very little awareness on the hazards. 
An arc flash can cause a multitude of injuries and even death. The study determines the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe boundary distances—information critical for anyone who might encounter the hazard. 
 

Requirements

Regulatory bodies, and health and safety organizations, may require employers to assess hazards and protect employees. 
An arc flash study is the industry standard way to identify the danger posed by electrical equipment. Failing to conduct one exposes your company to fines, liabilities, and more. 

Asset Protection

An arc flash event can lead to a catastrophic equipment failure, causing significant damage and prolonged downtime. Downtime can account for thousands or even millions of dollars in losses depending on what type of facility you run. This is not ideal for anyone. 
Even a small arc event can disable critical equipment or your main service for days or weeks. 
An arc flash study helps identify high-risk areas, allowing you to prioritize maintenance and safety upgrades to ensure operational resilience. If you need help prioritizing maintenance, please read this! 

Conclusion

If you care about safety, you need an arc flash study… regardless of your staff and their roles. 
An arc flash study is a fundamental part of your facility's overall safety and risk management program…. And it saves lives. 

Contact an electrical safety expert today to discuss your facility's needs.