Did you know that there are 12 work-related fatalities on average every day across the United States? The most common cause of electrical worker injury is arc flash.
Are you an electrician? It’s critical that you understand arc flash safety. It is to keep your employees and yourself safe on the job. So what is arc flash and how do you protect yourself from it?
We invite you to read on for answers to all your questions about it and what electrical engineers should know about it.
Understand the Nature of Arc Flash
Electrical engineers should have a strong understanding of arc flash and its hazards. It occurs when a short circuit happens between two points. It causes a rapid thermal rise in temperature.
These intense temperatures can reach 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In a second, it can produce dangerous pressure waves, heat, and light.
It can cause catastrophic injuries or worse for people close enough to it during the incident.
Identify Hazards Associated with Arc Flash
It is a phenomenon caused by the combination of heat energy and light during an arc fault. It is a dangerous event that can involve high temperatures, pressure waves, and flying debris, as well as other hazardous conditions.
If not managed, it can be fatal. They should be able to identify possible risk factors. Check the risk, and apply appropriate electrical safety precautions and equipment.
Additionally, the typical initiation sources of an arc flash include an exposed conductor, a live component, insulation breakdown, and a protective device failure.
Understand that post-exposure to arc flash hazards. It can include skin and eye burns and lung damage from inhalation of vaporized metal.
It also includes include severe abrasion and electrical machinery destruction, so safety protocols are in place to protect personnel from arcs.
Safety Practices to Prevent Arc Flash
To prevent serious injury or death, electrical engineers must ensure that all electrical apparatuses are in proper condition and maintained.
Besides, they should ensure that all workers have arc flash safety training. It includes safety procedures related to using any type of apparatus. In addition to that is how to recognize and respond to the warning signs of an arc flash.
Finally, the electrical engineer should be aware of personal protective equipment (PPE) to use when working on or near electrical devices.
PPE such as flame-resistant clothing, face shields, and hard hats can help prevent serious events.
The Impact of Arc Flash on Electrical System Design and Maintenance
Overall, electrical engineers should understand the electrical hazards associated with arc flashes. How to protect themselves when working with electrical circuits is also important
Knowing the appropriate protective measures, acceptable work practices, and how to evaluate the risks will help keep engineers safe at all times.
Don’t wait until there’s an issue to learn about these topics. Contact a professional today to learn more about arc flash safety.
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