ARC Flash Is Deadly!
Did You Know that 50% of all electrical work fatalities are due to Arc Flash?
There are approximately 5 Arc Flashes per day in the U.S.
Links below are some examples for your employees on the affects and dangers of Arc Flash.
What is Arc Flash? A short circuit through the air which creates a blast of temperatures 4X as hot as the sun, molten metal at >740MPH, and as loud as a shotgun. Most electrical injuries are from arc flash. Arc/electrical burns can cause human flesh to cook for over a week! The NFPA 70E is updated every 3 years for work on or around energized electricity in order to protect from Arc Flash.
In 2009, the NFPA recommended PPE for employees potentially exposed to less than 750V electricity with: arc rated clothing at 8 cal/cm2; a voltage rated hardhat; face shield/flash suit hood; and an arc rated balaclava. These recommendations were made into requirements by the 2012 NFPA update. Now, the 2015 NFPA 70E has new requirements.
Employees shall establish an electrically safe working condition: "a state in which an electrical conductor or circuit is disconnected from energized parts, locked, tagged, tested to ensure the absence of voltage, and grounded." Until you have verified the existence of an electrically safe working condition, the equipment must be considered energized.
An electrically safe condition shall be created before work unless one of the following conditions exists. Energized work is permitted:
When demonstrated that de-energizing introduces hazards: life support systems or hazardous location ventilation equipment
When demonstrated that the test to be performed is infeasible (not inconvenient!) in a de-energized state due to equipment design or operational limitations
There are specific approach boundaries from exposed energized electric parts:
Limited approach boundary (I.e.: 3'6" for 480V AC systems) – unqualified persons can’t pass
Restricted approach boundary (I.e.: 12" for 480V AC systems.) – employee must use proper PPE
An energized electrical work permit is required:
Anytime work is performed within the restricted approach boundary
Anytime a worker interacts with equipment when an increased likelihood of injury from an exposure to an arc flash hazard exists *Conductors or circuits do not have to be exposed for an increased likelihood of an arc flash to occur.
There are exceptions to the requirement for an energized electrical work permit. Although PPE is still required, a permit is not required for:
Testing troubleshooting and voltage measuring
Thermography in visual inspections (if restricted approach boundaries are not crossed)
Access or egress from an area with energized equipment
The update defines a qualified person as one who "has demonstrated" skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and has received safety training to identify and avoid the hazards involved.
· The words "has demonstrated" implies that each employee who performs energized electrical work (technicians and electricians) must have documented proficiency to qualify them for that work.
If you are exposed to these hazards and are in need of additional tools and training, please contact your Supervisor or Safety Department immediately.
