1. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 1 Arc Flash Protection

2. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 2 Scary Stats Hundreds burned every year 2 nd and 3 rd degree burns to: –Eyes, often causing blindness –Hands –Clothed or exposed skin Lucky ones see their families again

3. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 3 The Basics Definition: A short circuit through the air that may reach 35,000 degrees F Insulation or isolation isn’t sufficient PPE provides insulation Distance from arc is critical

4. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 4 Underestimating the Risk Still some mystery about arcs Some firms underestimate risk Lockout/tagout and PPE are critical

5. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 5 Arc Flash’s Destructive Force Hot gases Molten metal Intense heat Blinding flash Pressure damaging sight, hearing Flying objects

6. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 6 Many Causes Dust, impurities on insulating surface Corrosion Condensation, dripping water Spark discharge: –Accidental contact –Dropped tools

7. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 7 Many causes (cont’d.) Over-voltages across narrow gaps Failed insulating materials Improperly designed/utilized equipment Improper work procedures

8. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 8 Taking Control We can’t control all causes We can control: –PPE, and –Lockout/tagout They’re the two critical keys for preventing injuries

9. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 9 Wear PPE – always PPE is critical for: –Welding, cutting, brazing –Work on high-voltage equipment PPE includes: –Fire-resistant clothing –Helmet, headgear –Face shield, glasses –Safe gloves, shoes

10. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 10 Risk Categories: Required PPE Category 0 (no arc risk): safety glasses, pants, long-sleeve shirt Cat 1 (5 cal/cm2): fire-resistant (FR) clothing; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses Cat 2 (8 cal/cm2): face shield; ear plugs; cotton underwear; FR clothing; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses Cat 3 (25 cal/cm2): FR coverall; face shield; ear plugs; cotton underwear; FR clothing; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses Cat 4 (40 cal/cm2): full flash suit with hood; FR coverall or clothing; face shield; ear plugs; cotton underwear; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses

11. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 11 Lockout/Tagout Step 1: Notify employees Step 2: ID power source(s) Hard-wired equipment requires locking, tagging out circuit

12. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 12 Lockout/tagout (cont’d.) Step 3: Disconnect power –Circuits –Energy-isolating devices –Multiple energy sources Step 4: Apply locks, tags

13. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 13 Lockout/tagout (cont’d.) Step 5: Drain stored energy Step 6: Test equipment If equipment starts up, repeat all 6 steps

14. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 14 Boundaries and Labels FPB – flash protection boundary Arc flash labels tell you: –The FPB –Required PPE –Shock hazard –Arc energy (cal/cm2) –Restricted approach distance –Prohibited approach distance

15. Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 15 Summary Safety is individual and team effort Arc flash explosions cause: –Severe burns –Brain damage/blunt trauma –Deafness and/or blindness Two critical keys: –PPE, and –Lockout/tagout