Arc flash is one of the most dangerous and unpredictable electrical hazards that an engineer may face and, as human error is often the cause of the phenomenon, it’s vital that anyone involved in the maintenance of electrical installations receives arc flash safety training to minimise the risk to their wellbeing.
- Arc flash can occur in less time that it takes to blink, yet the consequences can be devastating. Typical arc flash trauma includes:
- Third-degree burns
- Loss of vision
- Permanent loss of hearing or hearing damage
- Internal burns
- Intoxication from the inhalation of toxic gases
- Physical trauma
- Death
What Is Arc Flash and What Causes It?
Also known as a flashover, arc flash is an electrical explosion or discharge that occurs when a flashover of electrical current departs from its intended path and travels through the air between conductors or between a conductor and an earthed surface. The temperature at the source of the arc flash may reach 20,000°C, resulting in severe injuries for engineers in close proximity and damage to property caused by debris which may be propelled at over 300 metres per second.
A common cause of arc flash is the accidental contact between an energised conductor, such as a cable, and another conductor or earth. However, other causes include:
- Electrical equipment failure
- Live work on damaged cables
- Exposed live components
- Loose connections
- Dust and condensation
- Substandard training or awareness of arc flash safety procedures
How To Prevent Electrical Arc Flash
While the probability of an arc flash is low, the consequences if it does occur are so severe that control measures must be taken to minimise the risks and reduce potential hazards. These include:
- De-energising electrical equipment
- Maintaining a safe distance where possible
- Carrying out detailed risk assessments prior to work commencing
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical engineers to be competent in order to prevent ‘death or personal injury from electric shock, electric burn, electrical explosion or arcing, or from fire or explosion initiated by electrical energy’. An arc flash course, therefore, is a crucial way to educate engineers about all aspects of arc flash prevention and safety.
At PPT, we are fully conversant with all arc flash training requirements and can enable electricians, and electrical engineers to make informed decisions to determine the extent and degree of risk, before planning work to minimise the danger of arc flash and perform all tasks safely.
Our arc flash courses include:
- The causes of electrical arcs and arc flashes
- Shock hazard prevention
- Arc flash risk assessments
- Arc Flash Clothing and PPE
- Electrical safety legislation, safety policies and procedures
Contact PTT To Find Out More
To find out more about our arc flash courses, or to sign up for our next course, please get in touch.
