The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 8)

Definitions

ARC RATING – The maximum incident energy resistance demonstrated by a material PRIOR TO
BREAKOPEN OR AT THE ONSET OF A SECOND DEGREE BURN. A 1st Degree Burn or less is the goal during an electrical arc flash.

HRC – Hazard Risk Category. Current categories that apply to workers are Level 0-4. Remember 4, 8, [...]

The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 7)

In Summary

Burn Injuries From Electric Arc Exposures Can Be Fatal or Can Severely Injure the Worker
Based on Known Electrical Parameters and Work Practices, Arc Exposure Intensity Can Be Estimated for the Hazard, hence job tasks listed and recommendations on PPE to wear.
Based On Estimated Arc Exposure Intensity, Appropriate Protective Clothing Selections Can Be Made [...]

Timely Safety

Which activity accounts for more than 36,000 hospital emergency room visits every year? Here’s a hint… they include stains, sprains, cuts and finger amputations!

If you guessed Snow removal you were right! Here are a few tips to make sure that you don’t end up being the one in the hospital this year.

If you [...]

The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 6)

Personal Protective Equipment

Select Required “FR Clothing” & “PPE” Based on Specific Hazard Present Within Flash Protection Boundary

Wear the appropriate protection when working on or around energized equipment!

 
What Types Of Arc Protective Flame Resistant Garments Are Available?

Basic FR Clothing Options

Shirts

Knit and Woven

Short and Long Sleeve

Pants

Uniform

Dress

Jeans

Coveralls

Cold and Inclement Weather FR Clothing Options

Rain wear

Lined and Unlined Jackets

Fleece [...]

The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 5)

How can we prevent arc flash when we have to work on or near energized parts?

Special situations:

Interruption of life support equipment

Deactivation of emergency alarm systems

Shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment

Removal of illumination for an area

 
A. Use written permit system for planning & conducting work in these situations

B. Use the appropriate tools [...]

The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 4)

HOW TO PREVENT ARC FLASH
Regulations and Standards
Several industry standards concern the prevention of arc flash incidents:

OSHA 29 – Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910 Subpart S.
NFPA 70-2002 – National Electrical Code.
NFPA 70E-2000 – Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces.
IEEE Standard 1584-2002 – Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations.

Regulations for the State [...]

Keeping your Christmas tree watered

Just came across this video online comparing a well watered Christmas tree vs. a Christmas tree that has been allowed to dry out to less than 10% moisture content. Check out how fast the dry Christmas tree goes up in flames.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/media/drytreefire/comparison_wetdry.wmv

The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 3)

Arc Blast Hazards

Up to 80% of all electrical injuries are burns resulting from an arc flash and ignition of FLAMABLE clothing

Approximately 1 person dies daily in the U.S. from arc blasts, and 6-7 people are admitted to hospitals for associated injuries

Pressure waves associated with Arc Blasts can:

Vaporize copper, expanding it 67,000 times its initial volume

Create [...]

The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 2)

Clothed areas can be more severely burned than exposed skin!

The Costs of Burn Injury
Personal

Burns are one of the most painful injuries a human can experience
Burn victims often seek psychological care
Rehabilitation is a slow and difficult process

Financial

Medical costs quickly accumulate due to years of treatment
Rehabilitation costs can exceed 1 million US$ per person

The Basics of Arc Flash Protection (Part 1)

What is an Arc-Flash?

An arc flash starts with an arcing fault. An arcing fault can be defined as the flow of current through a path where it is not intended to flow. The current creates an electric arc plasma and releases dangerous amounts of energy

An electric arc is the passage of substantial electrical current through [...]