Your FAQs Answered: Risk Assessments and PPE Requirements for Busway Systems
🕓 5 minute read | Bryan Burgess, Technical Services Manager at Starline
During our recent arc flash safety webinar with Consulting-Specifying Engineer, audience members asked insightful questions about improving operator safety in high-density data centers. Many questions focused on how operators and engineers evaluate risk and what that means for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. In this blog, Starline Technical Services Manager, Bryan Burgess, answers four of the most common questions.
1. Can I add plug-in units to the busway without wearing PPE?
Whether PPE is required when adding plug-in units depends on the results of the site’s arc flash risk assessment. The assessment determines the incident energy level and defines the PPE category, which is then posted on the busway system labeling. In many cases, these labels indicate that PPE is required; however, some labels may specify that no PPE is necessary under normal operating conditions.
To reduce the need for PPE, Remote Plug-in Actuators (RPAs) enable technicians to remotely install or remove plug-ins from outside the incident energy boundary. Additional guidance on this can be found in NFPA 70E.
2. Which method is most commonly used for data center arc flash risk assessments?
The incident energy analysis method is the most common and preferred method for arc flash risk assessments in high density data centers. This method is standard because it provides accurate, location-specific results and integrates them with labeling and engineered controls. This method evaluates overall system protection and coordination schemes to accurately determine PPE requirements and restrictions, highlighting any issues.
3. How do you determine which PPE is required for a specific task?
An arc flash risk assessment is needed to calculate the potential incident energy levels at different points along the electrical system. The study is typically performed by a qualified third-party engineering firm, which models the system, performs short-circuit and coordination studies, and calculates the arc flash risk. The results determine what type/category of PPE is required for each task, which is posted on system labeling in accordance with NFPA 70E.
4. Where are the IR windows located on the busway?
IR scanning windows are located on the busway end-feeds where feeder cables are terminated. IR windows facilitate scanning at this critical termination point.
Arc flash safety starts with performing accurate risk assessments and determining proper PPE usage. By understanding where hazards exist and how to prepare for them, data center operators and engineers can better protect personnel and maintain uptime. For more information and resources, visit the Starline Safety Hub or read our white paper, Reducing the Risk of Arc Flash Incidents in High Density Data Centers.