Protect Your People, Your Facility, and Your Bottom Line
Electrical safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical component of your facility’s operational integrity and the well-being of your workforce. At VITOK, we understand the complexities and challenges of maintaining compliance with ever-evolving safety standards. Our Arc Flash Risk Assessment services are designed to help you meet OSHA, NFPA 70E/70B, and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, while also providing practical solutions that safeguard your people and your business.
What is An Arc Flash Risk Assessment?
An Arc Flash Risk Assessment, often referred to as an Arc Flash Study, is a comprehensive analysis of your facility’s electrical systems to determine the potential for dangerous arc flash events. These events can result in severe injuries, equipment damage, and costly downtime. The assessment calculates the incident energy levels at various points in your electrical system and determines the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for anyone working on or near energized equipment.
The outcome of this assessment is the application of arc flash labels to your equipment, providing clear, actionable information to your staff and contractors. These labels are not just best practice—they are a regulatory requirement for most industrial and commercial facilities.
Why Is an Arc Flash Study Required?
Regulatory Compliance
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OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that employers provide a safe workplace, including protection from electrical hazards. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and legal liability.
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NFPA 70E & 70B: The National Fire Protection Association’s standards require regular arc flash risk assessments and the application of arc flash labels. NFPA 70E specifies that assessments must be updated at least every five years or whenever significant changes are made to the electrical system. NFPA 70B introduces requirements for electrical maintenance plans, further emphasizing the need for ongoing compliance.
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NEC: The National Electrical Code requires arc flash labeling and fault current calculations for most non-residential electrical installations.
Safety and Liability
Arc flash incidents can cause catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Proper assessment and labeling are essential for ensuring that workers use the correct PPE and follow safe work practices. In the event of an accident, documented compliance with arc flash standards can be a critical factor in limiting liability.
The VITOK Approach: Expertise, Efficiency, and Partnership
Comprehensive Data Collection and Analysis
Our process includes:
- Detailed inventory and analysis of all electrical equipment, including fuses, breakers, transformers, and panelboards.
- Use of industry-leading modeling software (such as SKM Power Tools) to simulate fault conditions and calculate incident energy levels.
- Identification of all points in your system where arc flash hazards exist.
- Determination of required PPE and safe work boundaries for each location.
Clear, Actionable Results
Upon completion of the assessment, we provide:
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Durable, easy-to-read arc flash labels for all relevant equipment.
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A comprehensive report detailing the findings, recommendations, and compliance status.
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Guidance on implementing corrective actions, if needed.
Ongoing Compliance and Support
Arc flash risk is not a “one-and-done” issue. NFPA 70E requires reassessment at least every five years, and if any changes have been made to your electrical system—such as equipment upgrades, expansions, or modifications—necessitate a review and update of your arc flash study. VITOK offers ongoing support to ensure your facility remains compliant and your workers stay protected.
Why Choose VITOK for Your Arc Flash Risk Assessment?
Deep Industry Experience
Our team brings decades of experience in electrical engineering, safety compliance, and industrial operations. We have worked with clients across a wide range of industries, from distilleries and chemical plants to manufacturing and healthcare facilities.
Competitive Advantage
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Technical Expertise: Our engineers are skilled in the latest modeling techniques and regulatory requirements.
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Integrated Services: We can bundle arc flash studies with other safety and maintenance services, providing a comprehensive solution for your facility.
Client-Centric Solutions
We understand that every facility is unique. Our approach is consultative—we work with you to understand your specific needs, operational constraints, and risk profile. Whether you are building a new facility, upgrading existing systems, or simply seeking to maintain compliance, VITOK is your trusted partner.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait for an incident or an inspection to discover gaps in your electrical safety program. Contact VITOK today to schedule your Arc Flash Risk Assessment and take the first step toward a safer, more compliant facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What information do you need from us to conduct the study?
A: We’ll collect detailed data on your electrical distribution system, including one-line diagrams, equipment ratings, transformer and breaker settings, and utility data. Our engineers can assist with gathering this information onsite.
Q: What will my facility receive after the study?
A: You’ll receive a comprehensive report, updated one-line diagrams, arc flash/shock hazard labels for electrical equipment, and recommendations for system improvements or PPE. VITOK can also provide employee training if desired.
Q: How long does an arc flash study take?
A: The timeline depends on the size and complexity of your facility. A small plant may be completed in weeks, while larger or multi-site operations may require several months. We’ll provide a clear schedule during the proposal process.
Q: Will the study disrupt operations?
A: Most data collection can be done without interrupting your processes. If a shutdown is required to safely gather information, we’ll coordinate with you to minimize downtime.
Q: How do arc flash labels help my employees?
A: Labels clearly display incident energy levels, approach boundaries, and required PPE. This gives employees the information they need at the point of use to work safely around electrical equipment.
Q: What happens if I don’t have an arc flash study?
A: Without an up-to-date study, your facility risks OSHA violations, higher liability exposure, and unsafe working conditions for employees. In the event of an incident, the consequences can be severe—both financially and personally.