Arc Flash Safety
An arc flash is one of the most prominent safety concerns for those who work with or around electricity. This dangerous occurrence generates a massive release of energy in the form of, heat, toxic fumes, blinding light, deafening noise and massive pressure waves. Commercial facilities must take careful measures to prevent arc flash events and protect employees.
Table of Contents
What Is an Arc Flash?
An electrical arc occurs during an electrical fault when very high levels of current flow between two live conductors. When this happens, the arc flash creates plasma, resulting in dangerous levels of light, heat, pressure, and sound. A very brief, abrupt electrical arc is called a spark, this would be extinguished before an arc flash can occur but if it continues due to a large supply of electric current, it is considered an electric arc.
When this type of electric arc occurs, they turn into an arc flash event, also known as flashover.
What Are the Dangers of Arc Flashes?
Arc flash events are a very serious hazard, with several components that can cause injuries, damage, fire, and death:
- Temperature: An arc flash can reach extremely high temperatures of up to 35,000℉ in a fraction of a second. This comes with effects like severe burns and the combustion or melting of materials such as clothing, even when standing several feet away. It can also vaporize or melt metal objects, releasing toxic vapors into the air.
- Ultraviolet Radiation: A flash of UV radiation can briefly blind and disorient you and can cause severe eye injuries.
- Pressure: The massive wave of pressure from an arc blast can cause internal injuries like collapsed lungs and ruptured eardrums. It can also knock people over, break objects and send shrapnel flying.
- Toxic Fumes: The release of plasma is a very serious hazard when inhaled causing burns inside of the body.
Preventing An Arc Flash
Prevention of arc flash events is an important part of protecting workers and anyone in the area. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) have specific standards for arc flash prevention, such as NFPA 70E. They can impose hefty fines if an incident occurs and these standards are not met.
While de-energizing equipment is often the most effective way to eliminate arc flash risks, it’s not always feasible. In that case, there are three different boundaries you must be aware of when working with potential arc flash spaces:
- Arc flash boundary: This boundary is typically the furthest from the equipment, created at the point where a worker would receive second-degree burns from an arc flash. This occurs when the incident energy is 1.2 calories per centimeter squared.
- Limited approach boundary: In this boundary, shock hazards still exist, so workers in this space need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Restricted boundary: The closest boundary to the live equipment is the restricted boundary, which can only be passed by qualified, trained workers with the right PPE. Work permits and documentation may also be required.
In addition to knowing these boundaries, you need to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and meets safety ratings.
What Is An Arc Flash Analysis
An arc flash hazard analysis is the process of studying a facility’s electrical equipment to determine the incident energy levels at any given part of the electrical system. Performed by an electrical professional, this assessment helps determine whether employees who come into contact with certain parts of an electrical system will be safe during an arc flash event — energy produced during a short circuit event, which results in high heat (in excess of 35,000 deg F), light and explosive force.
Conducting Arc Flash Analysis
From training and equipment analysis to boundary definition and lock-out-tag-out procedures, there’s a lot to consider when establishing arc flash safety. At Lippolis Electric, we can conduct a thorough arc flash analysis to help you identify arc flash boundaries and look for any issues, such as gaps in worker training, processes and equipment standards. These services also provide documentation of your preventative efforts for better worker protection and OSHA and NFPA compliance.
To learn more about our arc flash analysis services, reach out to us online or call (914) 738-3550.
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