It’s thought that many instances of Arc Flash are generically reported as electrical RIDDOR incidents. Unfortunately, this means it’s impossible to know exactly how many Arc Flash incidents occur each year. Through our own ProGARM studies and industry knowledge though, we believe it’s far more common than most people realise. The consequences of Arc Flashes can be devastating for those involved as the injuries sustained can be life changing or life ending. But as well as the legal and moral...

Last month we reported on Arc Flash risks during construction groundworks and how risks to contractors and engineers on site can be mitigated, especially by following HSG47 safety guidance. HSG47 is the Health & Safety Executive's issued guidance aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services. It’s comprehensive in covering the three basic elements of safe systems of work through planning, locating & identifying buried services and safe excavation. The...

For those working in the power generation sector, who are likely to be interacting with extremely high voltages and large currents, the risks of Arc Flash have always been better understood than in many other industries. Yet there’s a new risk emerging in the shape of false security. False sense of security creates Arc Flash risk In recent years there have been huge advances in the technology available to detect circuitry faults. Within fractions of a second, these fantastic systems...

While Arc Flash training and PPE equipment tend to be focused mainly, or even only, on those working in high voltage environments, civil engineering contractors preparing a site for construction often face Flash Risks & incidents. This is because service maps often return inaccurate information about the location of underground utilities, including electrical cables. So, anyone digging or breaking ground could face a Flash Risk from a life-altering or life-threatening Arc Flash incident. The Impact of Inadequate Service Maps on...

It’s all too common for people to think Arc Flash risks are only presented to those working in high voltage environments. But that’s just not true. One of the main problems of this widespread belief is that Arc Flash training and PPE equipment tends to be focused only on those working in high voltage working environments. This means other employees are left completely unprotected and unprepared for potential arc flash risks in the event of an Arc Flash incident. THE...

Arc Flash risks are becoming more widely recognised as a specific cause for concern to those working in the rail industry, over and above general electrical incidents, although there is still work to do on raising awareness of the Arc Flash risks in the rail industry. An Arc Flash incident can occur any time people are working with electrical components. For the rail industry there are particular risks around working with electrical services and also when breaking ground. What are...

We’re proud of the rigorous testing all of our Arc Flash protective clothing are put through to ensure they will perform in the event of an Arc Flash incident. All our core Arc Flash protective clothing products meet the international standard for protection against Arc Flash incidents, IEC 61482. But what testing do our Arc Flash protective clothing products go through to earn their place in our brochure? And how can you use the results to be sure you order...