In accordance with one aspect of the present technique a method includes receiving at least one of a speed and an acceleration of a rotating component in a rotating machine. The method includes determining whether at least one of the speed and the acceleration of the rotating component exceeds a non-trip operating (NTO) space in a speed-acceleration plane, wherein the NTO space is based on a trip overshoot model. The method further includes sending a notification for tripping the rotating machine in response to determining that at least one of the speed and the acceleration of the rotating component exceeds the NTO space.