• Educate workers about the dangers of arc flashes and the potential consequences.
• Discuss preventive measures to mitigate risks.
• Emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate PPE.
• Outline safe work practices and emergency response procedures.

High Temperatures:

• Temperatures can reach up to 35,000°F, causing severe burns.

Explosive Pressure:

• The blast can cause physical injuries, hearing damage, or projectiles.

Intense Light and Radiation:

• Can result in blindness or long-term vision damage.

Electrical Shock:

• Direct contact with electrical currents can lead to severe injury or death.

Fire and Secondary Hazards:

• Sparks or hot metal can ignite flammable materials nearby.

Electrical Hazard Assessment:

• Conduct an arc flash risk assessment as required by standards like NFPA 70E.
• Identify and label equipment with the appropriate arc flash boundaries and hazard levels.

De-energization:

• Always de-energize circuits before performing work.
• Use lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent accidental re-energization.

Safe Work Practices:

• Maintain a safe distance from live electrical equipment.
• Avoid working on live equipment unless absolutely necessary and authorized.

Inspections and Maintenance:

• Ensure electrical equipment is properly maintained to reduce faults.
• Regularly inspect tools and PPE for damage.

Do’s:

• Always follow your company’s electrical safety program.
• Use insulated tools and equipment when working near live circuits.
• Verify the absence of voltage with an appropriate tester before beginning work.
• Establish and respect arc flash boundaries.
• Wear the appropriate PPE for the hazard level of the task.

Don’ts:

• Don’t bypass safety interlocks or covers on electrical equipment.
• Don’t wear conductive items (e.g., metal jewelry) near electrical systems.
• Don’t work alone when performing tasks with arc flash risks.
• Don’t ignore warning labels or equipment boundaries.
• Don’t rush or take shortcuts when performing electrical work.

Mandatory PPE Based on Hazard Level:

• Flame-resistant (FR) clothing rated for the specific arc flash level.
• Rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors.
• Arc-rated face shields or hoods with appropriate balaclavas.
• Safety glasses under the face shield for added eye protection.
• Insulated footwear or dielectric overshoes.

Additional PPE Considerations:

• Ensure PPE is free from contaminants (e.g., oil, grease) that could ignite.
• Inspect all PPE for damage before each use.

If an Arc Flash Occurs:

• Stop all work immediately and move to a safe location.
• Call for medical assistance for any injured workers.
• Notify your supervisor and follow company protocols for incident reporting.

For Burns or Injuries:

• Cool burns with water if safe to do so but avoid breaking blisters or applying creams.
• Administer first aid and wait for professional medical care.

Evacuation and Containment:

• Secure the area and prevent unauthorized access.
• Shut down electrical systems if it can be done safely.