Electrical flashover, or arc flash, is one of the most deadly and least understood hazards of electricity and is prevalent in most industries. It is widely recognised that the higher the voltage of an electrical power system, the greater the risk for people working on or near energised conductors and equipment.
What is arc flash hazard?
Simply put, an arc flash is a phenomenon where a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another , or to ground. ... Because of the violent nature of an arc flash exposure when an employee is injured, the injury is serious – even resulting in death.
What are electrical hazards?
According to OSHA... An Electrical Hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions . By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
Why is arc flash so harmful?
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), five to 10 arc flash incidents occur each day in the U.S. Arc flash is extremely dangerous because it can produce some of the highest temperatures known to occur on earth, up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit , which is four times the temperature ...
Is arc flash required by OSHA?
OSHA requires employers to protect employees from electrical hazards , including arc flash. OSHA issues citations based on the requirements of NFPA 70E through existing Agency regulations.
What is the most common type of electrical hazard?
- Contact with live wires resulting in electric shock and burns,
- Fires due to faulty wiring,
- Exposed electrical parts,
- Ignition of fires or explosions due to electrical contact with potentially flammable or explosive materials,
- Inadequate wiring,
What are the 5 main electrical hazards?
- Working on live circuits. ...
- Skipping lockout/tagout. ...
- Forgetting PPE. ...
- Improper grounding. ...
- Damaged extension cords.
Can an arc flash blind you?
His persistence led to the introduction of the term arc flash in the 1995 edition of NFPA 70E. The flash is a high-intensity light that can damage the eye and cause temporary or permanent blindness .
What is the purpose of an arc flash study?
An arc flash study is an engineered incident energy analysis defined to establish safety protocol for qualified electrical personnel required to work on electrical equipment and circuit parts that cannot be placed in an electrically safe work condition .
What can an arc flash cause?
Arc flash is the light and heat created from an arc fault
Who needs an arc flash study?
Arc Flash Hazard Analysis – As noted at the beginning of this article OSHA, the NESC, and NFPA 70E require an arc flash hazard or incident energy analysis be performed before anyone approaches exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts that have not been placed in an electrically safe work condition .
Who requires an arc flash study?
Arc flash hazard studies should be performed by experienced and qualified electrical engineers knowledgeable in power system engineering , IEEE 1584, NFPA 70E, short circuit, device coordination and arc flash studies.
At what voltage is arc flash a concern?
Most 400 V and above electrical services have sufficient capacity to cause an arc flash hazard. Medium-voltage equipment (above 600 V) is higher potential and therefore a higher risk for an arc flash hazard.
What are the 3 main electrical hazards?
- Shock: A response to electric current passing through the body.
- Arc Flash/Blast: Emits heat and intense light that causes burns.
- Fire: Occurs with faulty outlets, old wiring, cords, and switches.
- Explosions: When electricity ignites explosive material in the air.
What are the four main hazards of electricity?
- Shock: A response to electric current passing through the body.
- Arc Flash/Blast: Emits heat and intense light that causes burns.
- Fire: Occurs with faulty outlets, old wiring, cords, and switches.
- Explosions: When electricity ignites explosive material in the air.
Where there might be an electrical hazard?
Overhead and buried power lines at your site are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. Fatal electrocution is the main risk, but burns and falls from elevations are also hazards. Using tools and equipment that can contact power lines increases the risk.
