Working with electricity and electrically charged machinery is dangerous work. But just because there is danger, doesn't mean the work can't provide stability.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electricians will add just over 84,000 new jobs over the next 8 years. This is a promising statistic that could easily come to pass.
But working with electricity means the dangers of arc flash injuries are present. And sometimes, no matter how much training you do, you won't be able to avoid the potential for injury.
Arc flash hazards present a significant safety problem in electrical work, and the key to preventing accidents is understanding them. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that 3,260 non-fatal electrical injuries that caused time away from work. These injuries are not only causing time away from work, but are also painful and sometimes life-altering.
However, with the right knowledge and precautions, the risks of arc flash can be greatly reduced. In this post, we will discuss three simple ways to avoid arc flash incidents and ensure a safer work environment for everyone.
Before we can talk about protection, we need to know what arc flash hazards are and what could happen if we don't take them seriously. An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap is created and ionized. This can happen in many electrical systems, from factories to homes.
It usually happens in factories where high-voltage equipment is used. The effects of an arc flash can be severe, including burns, hearing loss, eye damage, and death. Because of the nature of these injuries, it is important for electrical workers to understand the risks they face.
Electrical workers, particularly those involved in maintenance tasks, are at the highest risk of facing arc flash hazards. During regular maintenance, it's possible you'll accidentally touch live electrical parts. The results can be bad.
We won't go too much further into defining arc flash hazards. We've gone deeper in another article of ours that serves as a more comprehensive guide to arc flash hazards.
Now, let's jump into what you can do to avoid arc flash injuries. While total prevention might not be achievable, following these guidelines can help you stay safer in your work environment.
One of the most effective ways to protect against arc flash injuries is to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is one of the most important parts of PPE. It protects you from the strong heat and possible burns that can happen during an arc flash.
FR clothing is made to self-extinguish, reducing the severity of burn injuries and providing vital protection. Wearing FR clothing is a simple way to make your job safer and protect yourself from the dangers of arc flash.
In addition to FR clothing, the selection of face shields and gloves is also critical. Face shields must be chosen based on the specific hazards in the work area. They must protect the eyes and face well.
Gloves must also be rated for the voltage and task. We won't go into too much detail here, as the folks at PowerPak do a great job explaining the different class ratings. Just know that choosing and fitting the right PPE can make workers safer and more confident while at work.
Once you've identified the right PPE for you, regular inspection should follow. Regular inspection of just about anything is good practice, and PPE is no different.
Damaged or worn PPE can fail to provide the necessary protection when it is needed most. Inspections should be conducted before each use, and any signs of wear, such as tears, holes, or cracks, should be addressed immediately. Employees should be trained to recognize these signs and report any issues to their supervisors.
Additionally, PPE should be stored in a clean, dry place to prevent damage and contamination. By maintaining a consistent inspection and maintenance routine, employers can significantly reduce the risk of arc flash injuries and ensure that their workers are well-protected.
In the spirit of doing things regularly for safety purposes, next should come regular maintenance and testing of equipment.
In addition to PPE, regular maintenance and testing of equipment are important to reduce the risk of arc flashes. After all, it's often energized equipment that is the source of an arc flash to begin with.
Over time, electrical systems can develop faults that can lead to serious incidents, including arc flash injuries. Regular checks can help find and fix possible dangers, like loose connections, broken insulation, and worn parts. Addressing these issues can significantly reduce the likelihood of an arc flash event.
Testing circuit breakers and protective devices is another critical aspect of maintaining electrical safety. These devices are made to stop the flow of electricity when something goes wrong. But they can only do this well if they work properly.
Regular testing ensures that these safety systems are reliable and will operate as intended, when needed. This is particularly important in high-risk environments where the consequences of a malfunction can be severe. Having a complete maintenance plan that includes both visual checks and test results can help keep all electrical systems in good shape.
This continues to speak to the importance of training. Maintenance personnel are crucial in upholding the safety and dependability of electrical equipment. They must know safe ways to handle and test electrical systems. This includes using the right testing equipment, finding signs of damage, and fixing things safely.
In addition, the integration of advanced tools such as thermal imaging can significantly boost the effectiveness of maintenance. This technology enables the early detection of overheating parts, which could be precursors to arc flash hazards. By incorporating thermal imaging into routine maintenance, issues can be identified and rectified before they escalate.
Because we're huge fans of workplace safety training, let's continue down that path.
Finally, giving workers knowledge and tools through training and awareness programs can greatly reduce the chance of accidents.
But what are the best ways to build your safety training program? We've written a more extensive article on how we recommend doing this. But for the purposes of this article, we'll provide a nice overview.
Safety drills are a key part of these programs. They help workers learn about emergency procedures and reduce response time during real incidents. These drills not only prepare employees for the unexpected but also foster a culture of safety and readiness.
By learning how to respond to an arc flash, workers can act more confidently and effectively. This could save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Interactive training sessions are another effective method for improving a worker's understanding of arc flash risks. These sessions can include hands-on activities, simulations, and real-world scenarios that make the learning experience more engaging and memorable. When employees actively participate in the training, they are more likely to retain the information and apply it in their daily tasks.
Visual aids such as posters and videos play a vital role in reinforcing safe practices in the workplace as well. These aids always remind people of the possible dangers and the things they need to do. This makes sure that safety is always a top priority.
Employee feedback is a pivotal part of any training program. By asking your workers what they think and suggest, you can find ways to improve and change the training to be more effective. This way of working together makes the training better and makes your employees feel responsible. When they feel heard and valued, they are more likely to adhere to safety protocols, contributing to a safer work environment.
In conclusion, your people are your most important asset. Your business doesn't exist without them. Their safety should be your number one priority, especially in more dangerous work environments.
Start looking at workplace safety as an investment to be made in the business instead of a cost. While it's true that these efforts will cost time and money, they're still much more affordable than the alternatives.