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Arc Flash Compliance Checklist: Does Your Facility Need an Arc Flash Study Right Now?

  • Writer: Stephen Fike
    Stephen Fike
  • 8 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Many facilities assume they’re compliant simply because they completed an arc flash study years ago.

That assumption can create serious risk.

Electrical systems change constantly:

  • New equipment gets installed

  • Loads increase

  • Breaker settings are modified

  • Panels are upgraded

  • Labels become outdated

And when your electrical system changes—but your arc flash study doesn’t—you may be operating with inaccurate safety data.

At Assured NDT, we help facilities determine whether their arc flash studies are current, compliant, and capable of protecting workers.

This checklist helps you quickly determine whether your facility needs a new study right now.

arc flash compliance checklist

Quick Answer: When Do You Need an Arc Flash Study?

You likely need an updated arc flash study if:

  • Your current study is over 5 years old

  • Your electrical system has changed

  • Your labels are outdated

  • You’ve added new equipment

  • Your one-line diagrams are inaccurate

  • You’ve never completed a study

If any of these apply, your facility may be out of compliance.


Why Arc Flash Compliance Matters

Arc flash incidents can cause:

  • Severe burns

  • Fatal injuries

  • OSHA violations

  • Equipment damage

  • Fire risks

  • Operational downtime

NFPA 70E requires employers to identify and mitigate electrical hazards.

Arc flash studies help meet that requirement.

Arc Flash Compliance Checklist

Use this arch flash compliance checklist to determine whether action is needed.

1. Is Your Arc Flash Study Older Than 5 Years?

NFPA 70E requires studies to be reviewed at least every five years.

If YES:

You likely need an updated study.

2. Have You Added New Electrical Equipment?

Examples include:

  • New panels

  • Transformers

  • Switchgear

  • Generators

  • Motor control centers

If YES:

Your study may no longer reflect actual system conditions.

3. Have Breaker Settings Been Changed?

Even small setting adjustments can affect:

  • Incident energy calculations

  • Coordination studies

  • PPE requirements

If YES:

Your study may be outdated.

4. Are Your Arc Flash Labels Missing or Outdated?

Check your labels for:

  • Missing labels

  • Damaged labels

  • Old incident energy values

  • Incorrect PPE guidance

If YES:

Workers may be using inaccurate safety information.

5. Have You Expanded Your Facility?

Facility expansions often impact:

  • Electrical loads

  • Distribution systems

  • Protective devices

If YES:

Your study should be updated.

6. Are Your One-Line Diagrams Accurate?

Many facilities rely on outdated electrical drawings.

If diagrams no longer reflect actual infrastructure:

Your study may be invalid.

7. Have You Never Completed an Arc Flash Study?

This is one of the biggest compliance risks.

If you’ve never completed a study:

You likely need one immediately.

Common Industries That Need Arc Flash Studies

Any facility with energized electrical equipment may need a study.

What Happens If You Ignore Arc Flash Compliance?

Potential consequences include:

  • OSHA citations

  • Worker injuries

  • Legal liability

  • Insurance complications

  • Increased downtime

  • Failed safety audits

The cost of non-compliance is far greater than the cost of prevention.

What Happens During an Arc Flash Study?

A professional study typically includes:

  • Data collection

  • Field verification

  • Short circuit analysis

  • Coordination study

  • Incident energy calculations

  • Label updates

  • Final recommendations

Why Facilities Choose Assured NDT

Assured NDT helps organizations simplify arc flash compliance through:

✅ Comprehensive studies ✅ NFPA 70E expertise ✅ Detailed reporting ✅ Labeling support ✅ Nationwide service coverage

We help facilities stay compliant and protect workers.

Need Help Determining Your Compliance Status?

If this arc flash compliance checklist raised concerns, now is the time to act.

FAQs: Arc Flash Compliance Checklist

1. How often do arc flash studies need to be updated?

At least every five years or whenever major electrical changes occur.

2. Is an arc flash study required by OSHA?

OSHA requires employers to identify electrical hazards. Arc flash studies help meet that requirement.

3. What if my labels are outdated?

Outdated labels may expose workers to incorrect safety information.

4. Do small electrical changes require a new study?

Potentially yes—especially if those changes impact fault current or protective devices.

5. What industries need arc flash studies?

Manufacturing, healthcare, education, commercial real estate, industrial facilities, and more.

 
 
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