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Transmission and Power Supply Arc Flash Protection

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number
2020-15768
Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Description
The Office of the Inspector General determined some requirements of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s procedures related to arc flash protection and engineering calculations were not performed. Specifically, (1) some arc flash hazard analyses were not performed, (2) arc flash hazard analyses were not periodically reviewed, (3) some arc flash hazard analyses were incomplete or inaccurate, and (4) some hazards were not accurately communicated on warning labels as required. In addition, we found arc flash hazard calculations were not formatted, approved, or maintained as required. We also determined personal protective equipment was maintained and most training was completed as required by the arc flash procedure; however, we identified a few individuals who had not completed the assigned curriculum. Lastly, we identified an opportunity for improvement related to developing a Transmission and Power Supply specific arc flash procedure. Based on issues identified during the course of our evaluation, Transmission and Power Supply performed an assessment of its arc flash program and developed an action plan to address identified gaps.
Joint Report
Yes
Participating OIG
Tennessee Valley Authority OIG
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
View report on Oversight.gov

Recommendations

We recommend the Senior Vice President, Transmission and Power Supply, continue planned actions to develop a Transmission and Power Supply specific standard programs and processes to align with the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Arc Flash Protection procedure.

We recommend the Senior Vice President, Transmission and Power Supply, in coordination with Technical Training, review the list of job codes assigned the arc flash curriculum training for completeness and accuracy.

We recommend the Senior Vice President, Transmission and Power Supply, verify arc flash calculations are recorded in Enterprise Content Management as required.

We recommend the Senior Vice President, Transmission and Power Supply, verify warning labels are placed on hazardous equipment and meet requirements.

We recommend the Senior Vice President, Transmission and Power Supply, conduct periodic reviews as required by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Arc Flash Protection procedure and verify hazard analyses are complete, accurate, and reflective of current operating conditions.