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An arch flash refers to an incident when a flash of an electric current leaves its prescribed path and travels through the air from one medium to another. The current may also terminate on the ground. If a flash arc occurs with human beings in proximity, the results may be catastrophic. An arc flash is caused by different things including a dropped tool, condensation, material failure, corrosion, dust or accidental touching of electric conductors. Fire safety experts list three main factors that determine the severity of an arc flash injury. The temperature of the arc flash, how close the worker was to the arc flash and the time of the circuit breaker. Since electricity is virtually present in every workplace, employers need to pay attention to this type of hazard to eliminate imminent dangers of working in electricity and especially in situations where it is necessary to work on a “live” electrical system.
Why protect against arc flashes?
- Arc flashes may be extremely violent
In most cases, the arc flashes are intense and may result in serious injuries to workers or even death. The average temperature of an arc flash is 36,000 degrees F, almost four times the temperatures of the sun. An arc flash fire is compact and highly concentrated, and the burns are more severe. The victims of arc flash burn never regain their normal life, and in most cases, they require extended medical care.
- Arc flashes may cause permanent disability to workers
Statistics released by the National Fire Protection Association indicate that at least 36,000 permanent disabling accidents have been reported in the past one year. On average, one person is electrocuted daily. Every year, various companies sent at least 2000 workers to burn centres for extra care after sustaining severe injuries from arc flashes. In most cases, the accidents usually involve electrical currents at less than 300 volts.
- Arc flash may cause lots of damage on equipment
Damages to equipment mean reduction in production for an extended period as you repair the equipment. Occasionally, the arc flash may strike and destroy the main electrical equipment which is completely irreparable resulting into a massive loss in revenues. Any employer who fails to take the right steps towards mitigating the impacts of an arc flash they are rolling the dice, and you never know the extent of the damage that awaits you.
Reduce the arc flash energy levels
Once you understand the dangers of arc flashes, then it is advisable you take appropriate measures towards reducing the energy levels in case they occur at your workplace. You can achieve this through various ways including circuit breakers, specialised relaying or over-current protective device coordination studies.
Electricity is everywhere
As noted earlier on, it is impossible to work in environments completely free from power. Since electricity is everywhere, employers need to pay attention to the possibility of an arc hazard occurring. Companies need to take action and implement some of the regulations that have been put forward to help in combating the effects of arc flashes.
Such regulations include the electrical safety work practices (29 CFR 1910.331-336) and the personal protective equipment control for those workers who are working in highly volatile environments. The regulation demands that employers should identify all the employees who work around hazardous areas. They are further required to estimate the incident heat energy of any electric-related hazard to which their employees are exposed. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the employees who are directly vulnerable to these hazards wear protective equipment with an arc rating greater than the estimated heat energy.
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