MRO Today - Arc flash safety

Arc flash safety

Five to 10 times per day in the United States, a worker is severely injured or killed in an electrical arc flash accident. A new report from Square D offers safety guidelines to help workers and companies avoid electrical arc flash injuries.

Arc flash explosions are caused by a reduction of the insulation or isolation distance between energized components — a tool being inserted or dropped into a breaker or service area, or other elements that have been accidentally left behind that compromise the distance between energized components. Often, incidents occur when a worker fails to ensure that equipment has been properly de-energized.

As part of the free report, Square D offers these critical reminders to electrical industry workers and others:
► Establish a facility electrical safety program with clearly defined responsibilities.
► Appoint an electrical safety program manager.
► Conduct an electrical system engineering analysis to determine what degree of arc flash hazard is present.
► Conduct safety training for all workers.
► Ensure you have an adequate supply of properly rated protective clothing and equipment on hand.
► Ensure that you have the proper tools on hand for safe electrical work.
► Apply warning labels to all equipment.
► Properly maintain all electrical distribution system components.
► Update and maintain all electrical distribution documentation.

To download the report, entitled, “Avoid Devastating Electrical Arc Flash Accidents By Following These Safety Standards,” visit the Web site: www.squared.com.