Arc Flash

What is Arc Flash? - Arc flash is a short circuit through air that flashes over from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground. Arc flash incidents are common and costly, and the frequency of reported accidents is increasing. This is why arc flash has become a very hot topic within OSHA and the safety industry overall.

What Causes Arc Flash? - Arc flashes can be caused in a variety of ways:

· Just coming close to a high-amp source with a conductive object can cause the electricity to flash over.

· Dropping a tool or otherwise creating a spark can ignite an arc flash.

· Equipment failure due to use of substandard parts, improper installation, or even normal wear and tear.

· Breaks or gaps in insulation.

· Dust, corrosion or other impurities on the surface of the conductor.

How Common Is Arc Flash? - In the past, if someone suffered burns in an electrical accident, people thought the burns were caused by the electrical shock passing through the body. Electrical shocks can cause burns. But what research has shown is that most burns from electrical accidents actually come from arc flash.

The majority of hospital admissions due to electrical accidents are from arc flash burns, not from electrical shocks. (Taken from NFPA 70E-2004 standard) Of the approximately 350 persons killed in the work place by electricity last year, roughly 50% were related to arc flash. A report by Capelli-Schellpfeffer, Inc., estimates that 5-10 arc flash explosions happen in the USA every day, resulting in 1 to 2 deaths per day.

That figure only in takes into account incidents where victims were sent to special burn centers. The number does not include cases sent to regular hospitals or clinics, nor unreported cases or near misses.

Safety Facts

Fact: Almost 8000 electrical contact accidents occur in the U.S. each year.

Fact: At least one worker dies each day from electrical contact.

Fact: Fatalities from electrical accidents with a potential arc flash component have been trending downward since recent mandatory safe work practices have become “law.”

Training

Do you and your employees know the risks? Knowing the level of potential hazard is critical to taking the proper level of precaution.

Fact: Everyone at risk of arc flash needs a basic understanding of:

Risk Analysis; Arc Energy Theory; How to determine safe working distances; and the Required PPE. There are free video clips available on line…just go to Google, click on the video icon and type in arc flash.