What Is ARC Flashing?
An ARC flash is when an unexpected electrical discharge travels through the air from one conductor to another or from a conductor to the ground causing an explosion that can result in a fire and serious bodily harm to people or damages to equipment.
An ARC flash can occur when equipment is not up to standard according to the short circuit current, through accidental contact, deterioration of parts or equipment, contamination over insulated areas etc. An ARC flash occurrence can give off tremendous amounts of fatal energy, and due to the ionisation of the air, ARC flash temperatures can escalate as high as 35000 degrees Fahrenheit which is hotter than the sun’s surface. ARC flashing can be occur anytime may be in the middle of the night, in that case you want electricity emergency contact number So, don’t lose hope! with westline electrical service, you can have peace of mind with our 24-hour emergency electrical service.
Injuries sustained due to an ARC flash:
The injuries which are sustainable through an ARC flash depends on whether the individual was wearing any PPE, the intensity of the ARC flashing and the proximity of the person to the source of the ARC flashing.
Possible Injuries Can Include:
- Third degree burns as a result of molten splatter or extreme heat
- Intoxication and internal burns as a result of inhalation of toxic gasses
- Loss of sight as a result of electromagnetic radiation
- Loss of hearing as a result of the explosive bang
- Other physical injuries as a result of flying debris or blast pressure
- Fatalities
Prevention Of ARC Flash Injuries And Incidents
Employers should implement a written safety plan that contains all the aspects of their electrical safety procedures including risk assessments, work permits, maintenance of safe works and the responsible site supervisors and safety officers.
ARC Flash Injuries Can Be Prevented By Undertaking The Following Preventative Measures:
- Enquire beforehand whether the required maintenance on the electrical system can be done when the system is in a de-energised state. With pre-planning and scheduling in advance, this can be accomplished.
- Isolation and locking out of energy sources.
- Ensuring that there is no sign of stored energy and ensuring that the necessary grounding is applied.
- Ensuring that only adequately rated voltage meters and a qualified person are used for verifying the absence of voltage at each energy point.
- When work must be carried out energised make sure that all the requirements as specified in NFPA 70E (2004) are adhered to.
- All electrical contractor work must be safe. They should be trained and qualified electricians. The task must be planned and reviewed carefully, and all energy sources must be checked, and potential risks and preventive methods are identified before the commencement of the work.
- All personnel must wear the required personal protective equipment rated for the task including fire-resistant clothes and avoid wearing clothing that is made from acetate, polyester, rayon or nylon.
- An Electrician should only be assisted by other electricians and electrical apprentices in the field.
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