Arc Flash Safety
Arc flashes, sometimes called arc blasts, are severe short circuits that frequently occur around electrical workers. The term "arc flash" refers to the intense light and heat from the short circuit. Currents that move through the air from one conductor to another are powerful and unpredictable. It is important to follow workplace safety regulations and help prevent these arc flashes, because electrical shock can cause lasting health problems and even death.
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Identification
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The electrical current of an arc flash will move through the air when a conductor is exposed and another conductor is close enough to attract the current. Electrical conductors are materials that can carry electrical charges. Most of these materials are metallic but some non-metallic materials, such as graphite and solutions of salts, can carry electrical charges, too. The path of an arc flash is unpredictable; the current can jump from one conductor to another or from one conductor to the ground.
Causes
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Placing a conductive object close to an exposed conductor or dropping a tool and causing a spark can cause arc flashes. Old faulty equipment that has bad parts, is incorrectly installed or is simply worn down can cause arc flashes as well. Current jumps also can happen when things are not adequately insulated or there are impurities, such as dust and corrosion, on the surface of an electrical conductor.
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Arc Flash Injuries
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Arc flashes and electrical currents are harmful because of the intense heat they produce. The air around the current can be as hot as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is four times the surface temperature of the sun. Severe burns are the most common injury. These can occur even if a person is not standing near the arc flash. Also, when a current jumps, it causes bright flashes of light, which can damage eyesight.
Regulations
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in place to improve conditions for electrical workers. Employers who fail to properly train employees and protect them from arc flash dangers can receive citations and be fined. Employers are required to conduct an arc flash analysis to determine how much thermal energy could be produced in the workplace. This thermal energy level then determines the amount of heat resistant clothing an employee must wear as well as sets the boundaries around potential arc flash sources.
Prevention
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Dangers in the workplace should be accurately labeled, and all employees should be made aware of the potential severity of arc flash injuries. Teach employees about the distance they should keep from exposed conductors, what to do in the event of an arc flash and how to keep equipment properly maintained to reduce the risk of an arc flash.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of David Castagneto
