Steps for Arc Flash Safety and Security in Electrical Substations

Electrical substations truly have the power. In the wrong hands, that power is dangerous. That's why it's important to ensure safety and security inside buildings as well as outside on the grounds. Experts share their tips on effective management.

It takes a lot of work to keep the lights on. Growing electricity demands are creating a need for more electrical substations. Cities throughout the world are upgrading infrastructures and adding more substations to serve rapidly developing areas. While these substations help secure reliable electricity to prevent power outages and support booming large-scale industrial facilities, airports, and the like, they require security and safety themselves. It's important to mitigate hazards in the electric power substations to keep the workers who maintain them safe from electrical hazards like an arc flash or electrical explosion.

Safety and Security to Reduce Arc Flash

Substations can have distribution voltages of up to 33kV and 69kV, which can seriously damage a person or kill them if an arc flash occurs. In 2019, there were 39 deaths in the utility industry, a category that includes substations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Market projections for medium-level (33 kV and 69 kV) global substations show an increase of 5.6% by 2026 as part of integrations of sustainable energy infrastructure alone. With the addition of substations, it's important to make sure they are safe, compliant, and efficient from the start to further prevent arc flash. Electrical safety requirements are part of OSHA 29 CFR 1910, but there are a lot of other safety elements that go beyond compliance. 

One of the top tasks electrical substation workers handle is keeping unqualified personnel out of the substation.  

"Over the years, we have had numerous trips/upsets from individuals accidentally tripping breakers/equipment," said Richard Todd, an electrical engineer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "The area should be locked, and only qualified personnel should have access." 

People are not the only invaders of substation spaces. That's why pest control can sometimes be another mindful activity. Birds, insects, and other small creatures can cause big problems around substations, such as an electrical explosion.

Checking the perimeter of the substation is a crucial step before any maintenance is done, said Aaron LeBlanc, a longtime lineman and vlogger of Bob's Decline on YouTube. He says there are three important steps: 

1. Notify your company's dispatcher, if you have one, that you are at the substation. Inform what you'll be working on. "A lot of substations are remotely operated," he said. This extends communication for safety. Once you're finished, he said, let them know you're leaving and give them the "all clear."
2. Conduct a perimeter check to make sure the grounds are not damaged, debris is clear from walking and working paths, and observe and report anything else that might need repair.
3. Perform a general inspection of equipment such as cables, transformers, the sub yard, etc.

Other important steps in ensuring substation safety, efficiency, and compliance are to check the substation's information and organization. The substation should have warning signs that meet arc flash label requirements. Cleanliness keeps other hazards from rearing. Clean up clutter, keep out combustibles, and do not use substation houses for storage. Personal protective equipment should have its place for proper storage as well as equipment and tools, such as nonconductive ladders, cleaning materials, and supplies.

Make Logical Marks to Warn About Arc Flash

Substation communication is essential for a responsible electrical safety program. That's why it's important to use critical thinking and evaluate where to place electrical safety signs, labels, and even floor marking that adheres to arc flash label requirements. They are cost-effective and easy to install on demand. Post signs that alert people to access points, voltage information, emergency information, and more. Labels identify electrical motor controls, cables, wires, panel information, and switches.

"The shutdown units should be well-identified, like with flags, plastic warning ribbons," said Alain Mosian, an electrical safety expert in Quebec. This goes along with lockout/tagout safety programs.

Additionally, electrical safety signs can communicate safe distances and reinforce proper security and barriers. Accidents and injuries from an electrical explosion can be devastating to personnel and hurt a company's productivity and bottom line. Workplaces should include safety procedures and checklists for all workers. Include them along with frequent training and toolbox talks. Follow up on activity reports, maintenance records, and other documentation. Following safety standards and employing useful communication can help decrease the chances of dangerous events occurring at substations.

Arc Flash Solutions from DuraLabel 

Easily design and print arc flash labels and electrical safety signs any time you need them, onsite or in the field with the versatile Kodiak Max. This printer also serves as an excellent facility-wide industrial labeling system to print signs and labels for all kinds of applications and environmental conditions indoors and out.

Get help crafting a system that will provide the safety communication you need. Call 1-888-326-9244 and one of our experts will guide you through the process. 

Conduct an arc flash risk assessment and create your own labels that meet arc flash label requirements with guidance from our arc flash labeling guide. It's important to periodically evaluate your facility for electrical safety and ensure all arc flash labels are up to date to keep workers safe and your facility operating smoothly.  

Learn more about arc flash labeling with the DuraLabel Arc Flash Labeling Instant Action Guide. This guide will improve safety on your site, as well as walk you through how to create effective arc flash labels for your entire site. Download our free guide on Arc Flash Labeling below. 

Read Next:

Halt Arc Flash Incidents

Arc Flash Boundary

Arc Flash Labeling Quick Start Guide
Learn How to Make Compliant Arc Flash Safety Labels