In modern industry, it’s now a widely acknowledged fact that Arc Flash incidents are a major hazard in the workplace. However, it’s one thing to know that in the abstract, but what does it mean in practice? What is Arc Flash and how can you and protect yourself and your team?
An Arc Flash is essentially the release of explosive energy when an electrical fault causes an arc. This can happen if a short circuit occurs, for instance.
The initial energy explosion from an Arc Flash can release heat that is over 36,000ºF – or four times hotter than the sun.
An Arc Flash is not simply bursts of intense heat and light it is also incredibly powerful. Think of it in these terms – during an Arc Flash incident, copper expands at 67,000 times its volume. That’s not something to be trifled with.
Industries at most risk of Arc Flash incidents are generally those in continuous use. If an environment operates with large transformers then you should be aware of Arc Flash risks and protect yourself and your team appropriately.
If you’re operating in an industry at risk of Arc Flash, you should be appropriately trained in Arc Flash safety. A key part of this is knowing the PPE you need to wear, including any specialist Arc Flash and Flame Resistant garments, and wearing them when necessary.
Equipment which may cause an Arc Flash should be well labelled to highlight how far a worker should stay from the equipment to avoid the risk of severe burns. However, this distance is no substitute for proper PPE.
As knowledge of Arc Flash incidents and preventative measures grow, machinery and working practices have developed to further limit the risk of Arc Flash hazards. Even so, to ensure the safety of operators within close proximity to hazardous situations, they must be properly equipped with PPE including Arc rated clothing.
Ultimately, a workforce can only be as safe as their working culture dictates. There is no substitute for stringent safety measures and procedures that all personnel are aware of, up to and including wearing the right PPE for the job. Stay safe and know your Arc Flash hazards.
Arc Flash protection is a long game. You’re preparing for something rare with potentially devastating consequences if you fail to take the appropriate safety considerations. It’s why the value of durability in Arc Flash PPE can’t be understated. The longer a garment retains its performance, the more you save on replacement PPE while protecting lives. […]
“Hotter than the surface of the sun” is a way we often describe the temperatures generated by an Arc Flash – so why is an Arc Flash incident so hot and how hot is an arc flash? What generates the heat in an Arc Flash incident? Arc Flash incidents can create temperatures of up to […]
Summer presents unique challenges for those needing Arc Flash PPE. The combination of high temperatures and comprehensive protection can make balancing comfort and safety difficult. In these conditions, lightweight Arc Flash PPE is crucial to ensure workers stay protected without succumbing to heat stress, but the key to true comfort is breathability.
