Workplace safety is paramount no matter where you are employed or what sort of job you do, but some types of work are more hazardous than others or have elements of extreme danger. Working with electricity is one of those areas. The most obvious concern when dealing with electricity is avoiding contact with the electrical supply, but it is just as crucial to prevent or prepare for the possibility of arc flash. Simply speaking, the arc flash is the phenomenon where electricity jumps its intended path and suddenly shorts to the most convenient one. The result is an arc field and a super-heated flash that can be hotter than the surface of the sun. You can learn more about this with arc flash training online.
Education is the key to controlling, preventing or avoiding any situation and this is true with arc flash. For instance, an arc flash training powerpoint presentation or an arc flash training video can educate you on the ways to prepare your work area, yourself or your coworkers, but this is just the beginning. You can also learn the causes of arc flash and the reason it is so dangerous. Some things which can cause arc flash to occur include dust in the area, dropped tools, someone accidentally touching the electrical source, faulty installation methods or materials and nfpa 70e unexpected concerns such as condensation. Factors which can affect the strength or severity of an arc flash include how long it takes for the circuit to break, ambient temperature, temperature of the equipment in question and proximity of the person(s) exposed.
It can be difficult to predict the exact results of an arc flash, but physical effects can include severe burns, extreme heat, fire, blinding light, a sound blast upwards of one hundred and forty decibels and miscellaneous debris such as molten metal or burning plastic. Some of these problems can be avoided with FR (Fire Rated) clothing and preparation of the work area including keeping the space clean and the removal of any loose tools or parts.
Sometimes, it is impossible to avoid an accident which is why arc flash training requirements are a necessity. For example, proper education can tell you how to place the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) developed approach and protection boundaries for working with or around energized equipment. These include an outer boundary to protect from flash, an inner limited approach area, the restricted zone and the prohibited boundary location. The size of these areas will depend on the equipment being worked on, voltages involved and other factors.
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