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Arc Flash Safety: Recognizing the Hazards

Arc flash safety is an important concept to electrical workers who may be exposed to a wide variety of hazards. This is a phenomenon that can lead to serious injury – or worse. Short circuits are commonplace in many industries, but a short circuit between one live energy source and another energy source or even the ground causes this flashing that can be hazardous and is avoidable.

Energy flashes have become increasingly more common in recent years making this one hot topic in the industry. How does one go about preventing this arcing or flashing? What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of serious injury when arcing or flashing does occur? What causes this to occur?

Arc flash safety can and does save lives. While this is relatively new, regulations have been set into place promoting the employee, the employer, and the public. These safe measures are going to allow fewer injuries, and when injuries do occur, the seriousness will be lowered. Thanks to an industry where safety comes first, regulations are making it easier than ever to promote a safer working environment. Remember, “staying safe” starts with you.

Have you ever wondered what actually causes those arcing flashes? Believe it or not, negligence is low on the totem pole of reasons. More commonly, dropping a simple tool or just getting a little too close is the main reason. Equipment failure can be caused by many situations ranging from substandard installation to everyday wear and tear. Even dust or corrosion can cause this to happen. As you can see, there are many things to consider when preventing this from occurring.

How common is this arcing energy? Not too long ago, it was believed that the burning to the person suffering from arcing energy received that injury by the electricity passing through their person. However, it has been shown the actual injury comes from the arcing flashes themselves. This means that the appropriate protection will make it safer and healthier for everyone involved.

What type of injury can occur? Arcing energy produces extremely hot conditions. This intense heat is capable of generating temperatures 4 times hotter than the surface of the sun, or 35,000 degree Fahrenheit. That is intense and extreme! Even those standing as far away as ten feet can be struck by the arcing. Mild injury may be as mild as slight burns, or as intense as damage to eyesight or worse.

This is a temperature capable of melting metal. A lot of injuries occur when molten metal debris flies across the room or area. This molten metal can cause serious injury. Having the appropriate arc flash safety gear can insure that the metal stops before it reaches your person. That is why playing it safe is so important to you as well as those around you.

When it comes to arc flash safety, understanding simple questions goes a long way in helping you and yours understand the necessity of having the best protection available today. You can choose between shoes, pants, shirts, or other types of designs that will get you meeting the guidelines today.

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