LivSafe 64th Issue Safety Tips To Prevent Arc Flashing
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Nithun BiswasLivSafe 64th Issue Safety Tips To Prevent Arc Flashing
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Nithun BiswasCommon questions
Powered by AIPreventive maintenance practices to reduce arc flash hazards include performing regular electrical thermography to detect increased resistance due to loose connections or dust accumulation, ensuring proper insulation, maintaining adequate fault protection devices, conducting inspections to identify and repair damaged or worn equipment, and maintaining clean electrical conductors free of dust and debris .
Businesses can mitigate arc flashing risks by deploying a detailed arc flash plan or guide referencing standards such as NFPA 70E, avoiding maintenance work on energized electrical equipment, ensuring equipment is de-energized and isolated before work begins, using remote racking technology for operating circuit breakers of energized equipment, installing arc limiting fuses and high impedance bus protection systems in critical circuits, adhering to Lock Out Tag Out and Energized Electrical Work Permit systems, allowing only trained and qualified personnel to enter work zones, requiring appropriate personal protective equipment, performing regular electrical thermography, and installing optical fiber-based arc flash fire detection and protection systems .
Adhering to Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) systems is critical in preventing arc flashing accidents because it ensures that electrical equipment is properly de-energized and cannot be accidentally re-energized while maintenance or servicing work is being done. This reduces the likelihood of accidental contact with live circuits and minimizes the risk of arc flash incidents .
In February 2018, an electrician installing a new power supply in a live switchboard caused an arc flash while removing a circuit breaker, resulting in thermal burns and temporary blindness for him and his assistant. The investigation found the risk assessment was inadequate, there were insufficient fault protection devices upstream, and the personal protective equipment worn was inadequate. This highlighted the importance of comprehensive risk assessments and proper protective measures .
Personal protective equipment is essential for workers in arc flash zones to protect them from severe burns, eyesight, and auditory damage caused by the intense heat and explosion from an arc flash. Essential PPE includes an arc flash suit, hood, face shield, gloves, safety glasses, and ear plugs, all designed to withstand high temperatures and protect against flying debris and heat exposure .
Primary factors contributing to arc flashing incidents include carelessness or accidents such as touching the wrong surface with a test probe, improper tools, installation, and work techniques, lack of electrical safety awareness and training, use of damaged or substandard electrical materials or equipment, insulation damage, gaps, wear & tear, temporary connections, dust, debris, and corrosion on electrical conductors, improper preventive maintenance for circuit breakers and switches, exposed live parts in electrical circuits or panels, static electricity or high voltage cables, and exposure of electrical equipment to water or other liquids .
An arc flash is the light and heat produced by an electrical explosion due to an arc fault, while an arc blast involves a pressure wave generated by the same electrical explosion. The arc flash presents dangers like severe burns and equipment damage due to high temperatures, while the arc blast poses risks of physical injuries from the pressure wave and flying debris .
Lack of electrical safety awareness and training contributes to arc flash hazards by increasing the likelihood of accidents due to improper handling and operation of electrical equipment. Untrained personnel may not recognize potential hazards, perform inadequate risk assessments, or fail to wear necessary personal protective equipment, thereby heightening the risk of arc flash incidents .
It is important to use optical fiber-based arc flash detection systems because they can swiftly detect the extraordinarily high temperatures and light intensity of an arc flash, allowing for quick intervention to minimize damage, prevent injuries, and enhance overall safety in environments susceptible to arc flash incidents .
The September 2012 arc flash incident demonstrates the critical need for proper PPE use. The worker suffered burns because he lacked an arc flash suit and adequate PPE, underscoring that appropriate protective gear can prevent severe injuries during electrical failures. It emphasizes the necessity for strict adherence to PPE usage protocols to safeguard against injuries in similar hazardous conditions .
