INJURY PREVENTION

ARC FLASH

REGIONAL SAFETY MEETING

Arc Flash & Arc Blast
Arc Flash electrical short circuit

that occurs when air flashes from

an exposed live conductor, to

either another conductor or to

ground.

Arc Blast pressure wave caused

by the arc flash

Arc Flash/Blast
Concentrated energy explodes
outward
High intensity flash

Temperatures can reach 35,000

(skin ignites 480)
Pressure wave can reach
200lbs/sq. inch
Vaporizes conductors and
copper with exploding particles.
SEVERITY FACTORS
Arc Flash Effects
Severe burns
Broken bones
Vision damage
Hearing loss
Brain/internal injuries
Punctures and lacerations
Death
 SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM

Each year, MSHA identifies about 100

injuries as non-contact electric arc
burns

55% are in bituminous coal

84% are on systems of 600V or less

MSHA DATA
Causes of Arc Flash
Improper training
Improper work procedures
Dropped tools
Accidental contact with electrical
systems
Installation failure
Improper Design/Repair
Voltage testing with inappropriate
equipment
Causes of Arc Flash (cont.)
Buildup of dust, corrosion
on insulating surfaces
Lack of maintenance

Sparks produced during

racking of breakers,
replacement of fuses and
closing into faulty lines.
Over confidence
Resource Documents
MSHA 75 and 77

All power circuits and electrical

equipment shall be deenergized before
work is done on such circuits and
equipment, except when necessary for
trouble shooting or testing.
Trouble shooting and Testing

Only low and medium voltage circuits

Purpose is to determine voltage and current

Qualified person with protective gloves

ARC FLASH PREVENTION

The best way to prevent arc flash

incidents is to DE-ENERGIZE and
LOCK/TAG circuits before
beginning work.
How is your Lock out program?
If we are Locking out properly, then
when do we have exposure/risk?

Trouble shooting and testing

Removing covers, doors and lids with energized parts.

Inadequate Barriers between circuits.

Energized Work Approval

Description of the task to be performed

Justification for energized work
Job specific hazards
PPE

Can be verbal or written (AMS Operator)

Adds accountability/ Helps define SAFE
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
Low/Medium rated Gloves

Can use dry Leather work gloves in Good Condition

Over 120 volts systems must be intrinsically safe

What is a Calorie?
IEEE Standard 1584

Systems rated below 240 V to ground and below about

400A (125kVA) are not considered ARC FLASH
Hazards.

These systems still present a SHOCK Hazard.

Arc-Rated FR Clothing & PPE

Layering
Outer layers must be flame resistant
Under layers must be non-melting
Coverage Clothing must cover potentially exposed areas (wrist, neck)
Care & Maintenance
Inspect before use
Launder according to mfgs instructions
PPE - Hazard Risk Category 0
0-1.2 cal/cm2

100% cotton long sleeve shirt

Long pants
Safety glasses
Hearing protection
Leather and insulated gloves (as
required)
Leather work boots
PPE - Hazard Risk Category 1
1.2 - 4 cal/cm2

4+ cal long sleeve shirt & long pants (or)

coveralls
Hardhat
Safety glasses
Arc rated faceshield
Hearing protection (inserts)
VR gloves
Leather gloves
Leather work boots
PPE - Hazard Risk Category 2
4 - 8 cal/cm2

8+ cal long sleeve shirt & long pants (or)

coveralls
Hardhat
Safety glasses
Arc rated faceshield
Hearing protection (inserts)
VR gloves
Leather work boots
PPE - Hazard Risk Category 3
8 - 25 cal/cm2
25+ flashsuit w/ hood over long
sleeve shirt and long pants
Safety glasses
Arc rated faceshield
Hearing protection (inserts)
VR gloves
Leather gloves
Leather work boots
PPE - Hazard Risk Category 4
25 - 40 cal/cm2
40+ flashsuit w/ hood over FR long sleeve
shirt and long pants
Safety glasses
Arc rated faceshield
Hearing protection (inserts)
VR gloves
Leather gloves
Leather work boots
BEST PRACTICES
Analyze your ELECTRICAL System
Low arc flash circuit breakers
Current Limiting Fuses
Equipment Design
VOLT METER- SWITCHES TO PROPER
VOLTAGE
Label Hazard/PPE Requirements
Make Lock Out Easy
Use Good Safety Practices
Summary
Lock and Tag Program
Identify activities with exposure
Determine potential of injury
Look for alternative methods
Put administrative controls in place
Train and provide appropriate PPE
Evaluate the effectiveness of your process
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