Energy is highly important in every industry. Every facility must have an efficient and reliable source of energy to keep it going. Notwithstanding, the electrical system must be properly installed to keep it safe from dangers. Errors in electrical system or equipment can pose dangers to everyone around. Hence, every facility must enforce safety practices, administrative controls and appropriate arc flash analysis to reduce chances of arc flash injuries.
As defined, arc flash is an electrical explosion which typically results from low electrical impedance of another voltage phase or connection to ground of an electrical system. In other words, it occurs when current of electricity flows between separated or two energized conducting surfaces. It has been known that common causes of this to occur include human error, improper work processes, accidental contact, insulation failure and other environmental factors that lead to snapping of its connections.
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 procedures are designed to prevent injuries and issues related to arc flash. Proper labeling and observance of warning signs is a major precaution that must not be overlooked. It goes without saying that only a trained and qualified employee must perform the most critical jobs to avoid issues and mitigate any ill-effects.
Training to personal protective equipment or also known as PPE is also an essential for any electrical work. The training is provided to every employee to make him aware of all the equipment and materials necessary to assure safety. Depending on risks associated, the PPE may include materials such as face shield, insulating gloves, headgear and appropriate flame resistant clothing.
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.
As defined, arc flash is an electrical explosion which typically results from low electrical impedance of another voltage phase or connection to ground of an electrical system. In other words, it occurs when current of electricity flows between separated or two energized conducting surfaces. It has been known that common causes of this to occur include human error, improper work processes, accidental contact, insulation failure and other environmental factors that lead to snapping of its connections.
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 procedures are designed to prevent injuries and issues related to arc flash. Proper labeling and observance of warning signs is a major precaution that must not be overlooked. It goes without saying that only a trained and qualified employee must perform the most critical jobs to avoid issues and mitigate any ill-effects.
Training to personal protective equipment or also known as PPE is also an essential for any electrical work. The training is provided to every employee to make him aware of all the equipment and materials necessary to assure safety. Depending on risks associated, the PPE may include materials such as face shield, insulating gloves, headgear and appropriate flame resistant clothing.
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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