What are some Real-Life Examples of Arc Flash Incidents

Arc flash incidents involve the sudden release of energy in an electrical arc, creating a violent explosion which radiates intense heat and light. They are life-threatening accidents which emphasize the need for thorough health and safety protocols and sufficient training for employees working in potentially hazardous environments. In this article, we discuss real-life examples of past arc flash incidents to

What is an electrical arc?

An electrical arc is when electricity flows between two points, or electrodes. The electricity travels through the air, creating a bright light and high levels of heat. In many cases, creating an electrical arc is intentional and very useful. In other situations, however, an electrical arc can be very dangerous. Learning more about what an electrical arc is, and when

What causes electrical arcing?

Electrical arcing occurs when a discharge of electricity is produced during an electrical breakdown of gases within the air. This discharge is continuous rather than momentary, which is what separates an electrical arc from an electric spark. The current’s intended path becomes disrupted, and it will instead travel between two points, either from one conductor to another, or to a

What is the difference between an arc flash and an arc blast?

Electrical injuries can be some of the most severe in the workplace. Of those electrical injuries, over 75% of them are caused by arc flashes. An arc flash can cause deadly electrocution and other types of injuries. Along with many powerful arc flashes, however, comes with an arc blast, which can greatly increase the hazards for those in the surrounding

Who is at risk of an arc flash?

Arc flashes are widely understood to be one of the most dangerous events that can happen in the workplace. Safety managers and employees who work around electrical systems both know that an arc flash can cause life threatening injuries to those who are working in the area. The fact is, however, that an arc flash can put many more people

Is arc flash analysis required by OSHA?

Complying with all OSHA requirements is essential for the success of any manufacturing, warehousing, or other company. Not only will this help to avoid any fines or penalties, but it will also help to ensure your employees and facility are as safe as possible. Unfortunately, OSHA’s requirements aren’t always as clear as they could be. This is true when it

What organizations enforce arc flash standards?

Arc flashes are one of the most dangerous events that can occur in the workplace. This is why all employers need to take arc flash training and safety very seriously. In addition to simply wanting to keep everyone safe, it is also encouraged by both the NFPA and OSHA. Many people are surprised to learn that there aren’t any arc

Who needs arc flash training?

When working toward a safer workplace, arc flash safety training is an important addition to any environment. When deciding who needs arc flash training in your facility, there are a number of factors that need to be considered. The simple answer is to say that anyone who works with electrical equipment, or works in an area where an arc flash

What is arc flash labeling?

The best way to help keep people from getting injured or killed due to an arc flash is to keep them informed of the dangers. When people are aware of the risk of an arc flash in a given area, they are much more likely to take the necessary precautions. This would include staying out of the area entirely, using

How can I mark off arc flash boundaries?

When working on minimizing the risk of an arc flash in your facility, one of the first things you should do is take arc flash measurements. These measurements will identify how far away from the source of an arc flash one must be before the risk is no longer life threatening. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are

How do I determine arc flash boundaries?

An arc flash boundary is the distance from the equipment in question to the point where the energy that would be present in an arc flash is 1.2 cal/cm2. This is the level at which it will cause only second-degree burns rather than third-degree. Calculating where the boundary will be in any given situation is something that should be done

What is an arc flash boundary?

Arc flashes are dangerous events that can impact an entire facility. They are most dangerous, however, for those who are in the immediate vicinity of where the fault occurs. Anyone in the area is going to be exposed to extremely high temperatures, which can cause serious burns very quickly. Of course, anyone who comes into contact with the arc flash

Are arc flash labels required?

One of the best ways to keep people safe from the threat of an arc flash is to ensure they aren’t in the area should one occur. Or, if they must be in the area, that they are wearing the proper personal protection equipment. In order to do that, OSHA requires that employers use arc flash labels on any systems

What is an arc flash rating?

When working in areas where an arc flash is possible, it is important to know what the risk is, and how to best protect those in the area. To help with this, NFPA 70E has come up with Hazard Risk Categories (HRC) based on different duties in the workplace. These ratings are given to different types of clothing and equipment

At what voltage can an arc flash occur?

How much voltage is required for an arc flash to occur is a very common question, but the answer isn’t always as simple as one would like. In general, arc faults only occur in systems that are 120 volts or higher, but that is not a hard rule. If the conductors are very close together, even a lower voltage level

Where do arc flashes occur?

An arc flash is a very dangerous event that can cause explosions, fires, and electrocution. These potentially deadly events need to be prepared for so that they can be prevented when possible, and the damage and injuries they cause can be minimized. In order to best prepare for an arc flash of any kind, you must first know where they

How do I prevent an arc flash from happening?

Whenever working with high voltage systems, it is important to do everything possible to avoid an arc flash. Given the fact that arc flashes are among the most deadly types of incident that can occur, all facilities should have a set plan of action on how to prevent them from happening. The following should all be included in any workplace

How do I complete an arc flash hazard analysis?

Arc flashes are among the most dangerous hazards in the workplace. They can occur in far less than a second, are unpredictable, and can be deadly. For this reason, all employers need to make sure that their systems are kept in proper working order, and know how to identify when there is an elevated risk of an arc flash occurring.

What are different ratings of arc flash PPE?

When buying arc flash personal protective equipment, you will find that each item is rated differently. The ratings are based on how much protection they are able to provide. Tests are performed on the fabric or other material using a variety of different methods to see whether they can safely protect employees who use the PPE and are exposed to

What types of PPE are there for arc flash protection?

Arc flashes are very dangerous and all facilities should take active steps to prevent them from occurring. No matter how careful a company is, however, it is impossible to eliminate all risk of an arc flash from occurring. In addition, there are times when someone needs to work an environment where the risk of an arc flash is elevated. Whenever

How does an arc flash occur?

An arc flash will occur when there is a path of lower resistance exists between the electrical system and some other point than exists within the electrical system. Normally, electrical systems, and especially electrical wires, are well-insulated to make it very difficult for the electricity to pass outside of the system. If the insulation is damaged or improperly installed, however,

What is an arc flash?

There are many different hazards present in the workplace, but for many facilities, an arc flash has the potential to be the most dangerous. An arc flash is the arc of light and heat that is produced by electricity traveling through the air between two points. These happen when there is a path of low-impedance outside of where the electricity

Arc Flash Questions and Answers

Arc Flash

If you aren’t properly prepared for an unexpected arc flash, you will be putting your employees and the entire facility at serious risk of electrocution, injury related to flying objects, fire, and more. Proper training, visual communication, and the correct protective equipment are absolutely necessary, otherwise those catastrophes have a higher chance of becoming fatal to employees.

Topics covered:
Companies that regularly work with electrical equipment must be well versed in the dangers of arc flashes. We are here to help you with understanding the basics! Some of the topics that we will cover include:

How arc flashes occur: Arc flashes have the potential to occur in environments that are not clean, improper use of tools, and more. The employee must recognize these risks and look to prevent them while on the job.
Visual communication: Arc flash labels are required by OSHA and assist employees in being aware of their surroundings. We will go over what information must be on the label as well as where they are to be placed in facilities.
PPE requirements: Learn about the different classes of PPE that may be needed depending on the level of danger that is present.

Arc flashes are not to be underestimated. Make sure you are protected by first learning everything you can about arc flash risks with our free resources.