Nuclear Arc Flash Protection

Due to the risk of personnel injury from arc flash hazards at nuclear plants, we performed an evaluation to determine if (1) TVA’s arc flash procedures were being performed as required, (2) required personal protective equipment was available and properly maintained, and (3) required training was completed. We found some requirements of TVA’s arc flash procedures were not being performed. Specifically, (1) arc flash hazard analyses were incomplete, not reflective of current plant operating conditions, and not reviewed timely; (2) identified hazards were not communicated accurately to workers; (3) plants had not adequately evaluated and implemented controls to reduce exposure to high hazard incident energies; and (4) hazards and mitigations were not routinely documented.In addition, we determined arc flash training needs improvement. TVA’s identified population of individuals required to have arc flash training had completed initial training; however, the trainee population was incomplete and not a reliable indicator as to who is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to receive the training. TVA has also not implemented retraining at the frequency required by its procedures. Also, while personal protective equipment was generally available and in good condition, its management could be improved with an inventory listing and preventive maintenance.