Arc flash protection plays an essential role in preventing injuries from arc flash, which is quite common in the electrical industry.
By reading our article, you will have a better understanding of the security measures needed to reduce the risks of arc flash injuries and create a more secure working environment.
How Do You Protect Against Arc Flash?
How is the issue of electrical safety organized in your company and how do you protect against arc flash?
If you’re hesitant to respond, perhaps you should explore this topic in more detail, and figure out what is arc flash protection.
In short, these are measures that help minimize the risk of such injuries. Arc flash protection includes clothing and special equipment with the required arc protection class, corresponding to or exceeding the levels of danger that may occur during the work with live machinery.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Arc Flash
Arc flash protection equipment is necessary to protect:
- Head: face, chin and neck, eyes and ears. To do this, your employees need special face shields, ear ducts, glasses, and balaclava.
- Body: arc flash suit (for example, long-sleeved shirt and trousers with Arc rating) and/or raincoats are used for protection.
- Legs, feet, and hands: the workers must protect themselves with arc flash PPE such as special leather shoes and rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors.
Arc Flash PPE Standards and Requirements
Don’t know, when do you need arc flash protection?
Such protection is required wherever electrical systems are used.
You can get acquainted with modern arc flash protection requirements in the following industry standards:
- NFPA 70E
This document contains recommendations on electrical safety in the workplace. It includes basic requirements for assessing the risk of arc flashes, establishing safe operating practices, and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
- OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also makes special regulations concerning electrical safety, which vary according to industry and workplace. They include informing employees about potential hazards (marking), arc flash PPE requirements, etc.
Selection and Maintenance of Arc Flash PPE
Choosing the right arc flash protection clothing for your staff depends on the level of danger they are exposed to.
There are arc flash suit ratings, where PPE is selected based on the type and parameters of the equipment that your workers operate.
When choosing an arc flash PPE you can not rely on luck.
We recommend you entrust this process to Leaf Electrical Safety professionals who know how to organize proper arc flash protection. It includes the correct marking, selection of PPE, as well as various courses that provide an understanding of safe distances, the effects of arc flashes, and much more that should be considered when organizing a safe working environment.
