An arc flash can happen without warning and occurs much too fast for you to react.

The heat released during an arc flash can reach as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hotter than the surface of the sun. Large arc flashes can cause an explosion noise loud enough to cause hearing loss and injuries from being thrown back from the electrical explosion.

To better address this issue, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has teamed with NIOSH and the Centers for Disease Control to distribute Arc Flash Awareness, a DVD training course, available in both English and Spanish. The DVD includes basic information about arc flash awareness and contains the first hand accounts of three electrical workers who were severely injured in arc flash accidents.

Surprisingly, it has just been in recent years that the term “arc flash” has garnered much attention. Many companies have started to raise awareness about the problem. Some companies, however, do not think that arc flash is a serious concern because they have not yet had an arc flash incident.

An arc flash can result from the spontaneous failure of equipment during normal operation or from accidentally bridging two live electrical contacts with a conducting object, like a metal screwdriver or wrench. Other causes may include the improper use of electrical multimeters, poor housekeeping that allows the buildup of conductive dust, or severe corrosion that allows connections to break.

How large is the problem?
– According to CapSchell, Inc., a Chicago-based research and consulting firm that specializes in workplace injury prevention, there are five to 10 arc flash explosions every day in the United States.
– The final cost to employers and their insurers for a single, serious injury can approach $10 million. (CapSchell)
– 2,000 workers are admitted annually to burn centers for extended injury treatments caused by arc flash, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
– A recent study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) determined 17,101 injuries were caused by electric arc flash burns between 1992 though 2001.

With statistics like this, companies cannot afford to ignore electrical safety issues surrounding accidental electrocution from arc flash explosions.

For more information on Arc Flash or to order a copy of the Arc Flash Awareness DVD visit the ESFI Library on the ESFI’s website, http://www.electrical-safety.org/ or call ESFI at 703-841-3229.
 

The Electrical Safety Foundation International has some great tips for both workplace and home electrical work.

Every year, people are injured or killed by circuits they thought were safely turned off.  Simply shutting off the power is not enough.  Hazardous conditions can still exist.  Working with electricity requires thorough planning and extreme care. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer tackling a weekend project or an experienced contractor, learning and practicing safe work habits can significantly reduce your risk.  That’s why you must always TEST BEFORE YOU TOUCH. You may not get a second chance to learn this important lesson.

Here is a great home electrical checklist which you can include in your Employee Safety Newsletter.  If you don’t have one we can help you create one.