Monday 21 October 2013

How To Protect Employees With Arc Flash Analysis And Training

By Elena McDowell


In today's power engineering, people should not only assure that all facilities receive the power needed reliably and efficiently, it is also very important to always make sure that they are performed as safely as possible. Being very near to any live electrical equipment can be very dangerous for your workers. Administrative controls, appropriate arc flash analysis and applied safety practices can possibly reduce the risk of arc flash injuries.

The arc flash is described as electrical explosion that are typically arising from low electrical resistance of another voltage phase or the ground connection of an electrical system. This usually occurs when electrical current moves between two conducting surfaces or a separated electrical line. Among the most common causes are insulation failure, accidental contact, improper work processes, human error and other external factors that may cause the connections to snap.

Given with these facts, the National Fire Protection Association has established standards to ensure safety within the workplace. The Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace plays a major role in overall industrial safety measures which is designed to promote safety of the personnel and prevent possible equipment damages. Hence, it has to be followed religiously.

The leading electrical industries are mandated to perform arc flash training and analysis. Every employee needs to undergo intensive training related to electrical safety. Certification is required by every state and all companies are expected to comply. This ensures that the workers understand the importance of such policies and, therefore, pledge to apply all safety procedures.

With increased awareness of the common dangers present, there have been various methods developed and applied in many companies of protecting their personnel. This may include workers wearing PPE, proper configuration of their electrical equipment and modifying their existing designs. However, it is said that one of the best ways to reduce the hazard is to de-energize the equipment during personnel interaction.

It is important to stick by the regulation not to operate live equipment higher than 50 volts. If it cannot be helped and the personnel have to work with energized equipment, he must conform with the strictest safety practices before performing the task. He has to wear the appropriate protective equipment, assess the risk, perform expert analysis and use the proper materials only.

Safe work procedure is another way of preventing injuries and issues relating to arc flash especially in the event of incident. One major precaution implemented within the workplace is following all labels and warning signs. Also, it is highly recommended that all employees should only perform the functions which they are trained and qualified.

PPE is essential in electrical works, too. The training program prepares the personnel with the knowledge on how to prevent potential hazards. Every employee must be made aware of the right materials and equipment used to avoid harm. The PPE includes appropriate flame-resistant gears, head protection, insulating gloves and face masks.

Workers and managements in this industry need to understand and perform arc flash analysis in order to prevent it and ensure safety. Understanding these things can provide ultimate protection from any electrical dangers and incidents. Most of all, following proper safety measures cost only a fraction of the effort when we perform our job.




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