Arc Flash

ARC FLASH: Precautions, Dangers, and Safety Hazard Prevention Arc flash accidents cause 80% of professional electrical injuries that occur in the US each year. Over 2,000 workers a year, or 5 a day, fall victim to arc flash. Arc flashes reach 35,000° F, easily causing severe injury. Following safety procedure saves lives. Implementing best practices to avoid arc flash accidents will decrease injuries considerably. Precautions and Safety Measures OSHA, National Fire Protection Association, IEEE, and NIOSH have all drafted guidelines for arc equipment safety. The main precautions suggested include: Proper Attire > All arc flash resistant clothing/gear must meet current NFPA 70E standards based upon Definitions Arc Thermal Performance Value for four categories based on level of potential exposure to flashes. Flame Resistant Hat Hearing Protection Suits Face Shield Neck Protection Rubber Insulated Gloves Arc Flash Coverall Well-Insulated Leather Boots > Workers must know how to launder flame resistant garment -non-chlorine bleach is advised for use as it removes the risk of flame retardant fabric breakdown. Workspace Safety Measures Defining the workspace and its boundaries to avoid exposure to any parts of a circuit or energized conductor, including flash protection area, restricted area, and prohibited area where circuits and/or conductors are located. Enclosure Flash Protection Boundary can be greater than or less than the limited approach boundary Prohibited Space Limited Restricted Space Space Exposed Energized Conductor or Circuit Part Limited Approach Boundary Restricted Approach Boundary Prohibited Approach Boundary ZERO DISTANCE > Working on arc equipment and circuits MUST be done ONLY after the equipment has been de-energized. A "flash hazard analysis" must be conducted before workers approach any circuits or arc equipment. Energized Electrical Work Permit PERMITO ISSUED Workers must have this permit, and an on-site supervisor, who ascertains the worker has reviewed hazards after s/he completes industry-specific training, must verify it. Avoiding Arc Flash Dangers Knowing current industry standards is a must. Workers must know which level of work they are permitted to do and never engage in work above this level. Reduce Arc Flash Risks If an incident is underway or suspected, immediately: Remove ALL people into safety area Decrease arcing time of circuits Direct flash AWAY from safety area Potential Arc Flash Injury Shockwave: Electrocution: Burn: Compression of air from circuits and other equipment can injure via eardrum rupture. Energy emitting from arc flashes causes serious injury. Igneous materials emanating from arc flashes injure with flames up to 20 feet away. AMERICAN TRAINCO Real World Training...for Real World Needs Electric Safety Foundation International: Injury and Fatality Statistics: http://www.esfi.org/index.cfm/page/Injury-and-Fatality-Statistics/pid/12015 OSHA Introduction to the Arc Flash (PPT available): https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&c- d=2&ved=0CFMQFJAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.osha.gov%2Fdte%2Fgrant_materials%2Ffyo7%2Fsh-16614-07%2Fintro_to_a rc_flash2.ppt&ei=bOw4UsilHI_yiQKEoYD4Dw&usg=AFQICNFP_aE1ŘBi3CSfP866z7vxCiApvTw&bvm=bv.52288139,d.cGE Arc Flash Clothing: http://www.electricityforum.com/arc-flash/arc-flash-clothing.html Arc Flash Research Project: http://standards.ieee.org/about/arcflash/ Understanding and Quantifying Arc Flash Hazards in the Mining Industry: http://stacks.cdc.gov/objectView!getDataStreamCon- tent.action?pid=cdc:9329&dsid=DS1&mimeType=application/pdf US Department of Energy (Electrical Work Permits with Instructions): https://sbms.bnl.gov/sbmsearch/subjarea/192/192_exh4.cfm http://www.arcsafety.com/resources/arc-flash-statistics