Arc Flash injuries and related costs 1

[savethetigers]

I am trying to build a case for a comprehensive arc flash hazard analysis and would like to use some relatively current projected or actual costs of a serious arc flash incident and related injuries. Does anyone have a non-biased report or study on this topic.

Thanks

 

[Zogzog]

According to a 1999 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) study cited by CapSchell, a utility company’s total spending estimate for electrical incidents over a two-year period was $15.75 million per case when related indirect costs were considered along with the direct expenses.

 

[JayWes]

No idea of the cost. Near Reading two people were in an electrical room only to replace a low level printed circuit board. For some reason the 480 volt main panelboard blew up while they were in the room due to no action on their part. The less severely injured of three people had all his membranes in the respiratory tract, burned away, and is just beginning to be able to go outside and not work. What is the cost of this type of injury?

In a water plant a worker was killed, The manufacturer of the equipment will hang up if we mention the plant name or location over the phone.

If a person earns $50,000 a year and is disabled at 20, this represents $2,500,000 in earnings. Add medical costs, round the clock care could add another $15,000,000. Add pain and suffering. Add litigation costs. Ask a lawyer to tell you about the recent court verdicts. . This is only a guess at the costs

However you can see that you cannot afford even one arc-flash accident!!!!

Any study will surely cost less then the first accident.

The Amish are right; electricity is the tool of the devil. o

 

[desrod]

Arc flash risk management is mandatory in many locations (Countries/state/province) now and the first step toward compliance is naturally a arc flash analysis. Check if it does apply to your situation.

Remember that in some jurisdiction, not only is the company responsible for any damage or injury to public and workers but management can be personally hold responsible as well.

Arc flash studies also have to be updated every 5 years.

Furthermore, if there is any incident/accident remotely link to arc flash, you are likely to have to produce such an analysis in a hurry ($$$)
Daniel

 

[wcarter]

savethetigers,

You might be able to contact a engineering company, manufacturer, or third party test group that does arc flash analysis'. I'd bet quite a few would be willing to provide instances/data for this. Also you should probably contact your insurance company. Many give tax breaks for having a study/program in place.

 

[juleselec]

Have a look at IEEE Std 1584 Annex C - it has a table documenting around 50 arc flash incidents at various voltage levels. However only personnel injuries / fatalities are recorded and the associated monetary costs are not discussed.

Jules