Arc Flash is Deadly, But Why do Myths Prevail?
Welcome to 2017! I hope you had a safe and fun Holiday Season! To start the year off right, I think it is a good idea to highlight a very serious danger: Arc Flash.
Most people recognize that working around electricity is hazardous. But did you realize that OSHA ranks electrical work as being one of the most dangerous profession? Part of the issue is the fact that electricity is colorless, odorless and invisible. You know that it is there, but you don’t see the physical signs of it until an accident takes place. Many electrical accidents can be serious, but an arc flash can be devastating.
Entire volumes could be and have been written on the subject of arc flash. Yet, it is still an issue that is largely misunderstood. Understanding arc flash helps you to have a greater respect for it. That respect makes it less likely that it will be a problem for you. Not only is it important to understand what arc flash is, it is also important to understand what it is not. The following are some of the more common myths about arc flash.
Arc Flash Myths
Myth: I Have Never Seen an Arc Flash Explosion, so They Do Not Happen
Fact: Consider yourself fortunate that you have never seen an accident. They do happen, although they occur on an infrequent basis. An arc flash may take place for any number of different reasons. They occur due to human error, improper electrical system equipment/design, or negligence in preventative maintenance.
Myth: Arc Flash Analysis Is All about Panel Labeling
Fact: The labeling of panels may be part of an analysis, but it goes much deeper. Ultimately, having an arc flash analysis done at your facility is about reducing the hazards to both humans and equipment. The analysis identifies areas where proper PPE must be worn and where only qualified individuals can enter.
Myth: Infrared Scans Reduce the Need for Arc Flash Analysis
Fact: Routine infrared scanning of equipment help identify loose connections or the potential for equipment failure. But, it does not identify the most common cause of arc flash: human error. To reduce the possibility of human error, perform an analysis, and review routine safety training with workers who operate in the area.
Myth: It Is Unnecessary to Have Equipment less than 240 Volts Tested
Fact: Higher voltage equipment may be at a higher risk for an accident, but testing equipment is not the only step. This is not only true of arc flash, but it is also true for other issues, such as overload and shock hazards.
Myth: All Equipment Downstream from a Hazard Risk Category 0 Is Also Hazard Risk Category 0
Fact: It is the responsibility of the facility owner to have all equipment tested if it is operating at 50 volts or higher. Test that equipment needs to for both arc flash and shock hazards. It is possible for hazard risk categories and shock hazards to increase as you get further away from the power source.
The Top 10 Mistakes in a Program
In a related article, Martin Technical lists The Top 10 Mistakes in an Arc Flash Program:
Purchasing Clothing Without Proper Reference
Arc Flash rated clothing is needed to protect workers from an arc flash, but purchasing the wrong clothing prior to an arc flash analysis can be dangerous and expensive.
Forgetting Safety Training
Not only is electrical safety training required by OSHA, but it’s an important part in fulfilling an analysis or electrical safety program. Once the labels are on, workers need to know how to properly understand the program and read the labels in addition to proper use care for their PPE. The need for every worker to understand electrical safety for their equipment and tasks in particular can not be overstated.
Forgetting About Shock Hazards
Today arc-flash hazards rated clothing are getting much attention, however fatality statistics still show that more workers die from electrocutions than from an accident. It may be that more people go to the hospital with burn injuries than shock injuries, but shock is still the greater threat.
And the Number 1 mistake:
Deciding Not to Implement a Program Because of the Cost
Completing an analysis can be an expensive proposition, but it is a small investment compared to the potential injuries or death it can cause for workers and the high costs of the equipment, downtime, fines, insurance and legal problems. The bottom line is that there is no defense for “it cost too much money” to keep our workers safe for any court or OSHA inspector.
