copyright progressive business publications 1 arc flash protection
TRANSCRIPT
Copyright Progressive Business Publications1
Arc Flash Protection
Copyright Progressive Business Publications2
Scary Stats
Hundreds burned every year
2nd and 3rd degree burns to:– Eyes, often causing blindness
– Hands
– Clothed or exposed skin
Lucky ones see their families again
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The Basics
Definition: A short circuit through the air that may reach 35,000 degrees F
Insulation or isolation isn’t sufficient
PPE provides insulation
Distance from arc is critical
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Underestimating the Risk
Still some mystery about arcs
Some firms underestimate risk
Lockout/tagout and PPE are critical
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Arc Flash’s Destructive Force
Hot gases
Molten metal
Intense heat
Blinding flash
Pressure damaging sight, hearing
Flying objects
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Many Causes
Dust, impurities on insulating surface
Corrosion
Condensation, dripping water
Spark discharge:
– Accidental contact
– Dropped tools
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Many causes (cont’d.)
Over-voltages across narrow gaps
Failed insulating materials
Improperly designed/utilized equipment
Improper work procedures
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Taking Control
We can’t control all causes
We can control:
– PPE, and
– Lockout/tagout
They’re the two critical keys for preventing injuries
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Wear PPE – always
PPE is critical for:
– Welding, cutting, brazing
– Work on high-voltage equipment
PPE includes:
– Fire-resistant clothing
– Helmet, headgear
– Face shield, glasses
– Safe gloves, shoes
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Risk Categories: Required PPE
Category 0 (no arc risk): safety glasses, pants, long-sleeve shirt
Cat 1 (5 cal/cm2): fire-resistant (FR) clothing; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses
Cat 2 (8 cal/cm2): face shield; ear plugs; cotton underwear; FR clothing; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses
Cat 3 (25 cal/cm2): FR coverall; face shield; ear plugs; cotton underwear; FR clothing; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses
Cat 4 (40 cal/cm2): full flash suit with hood; FR coverall or clothing; face shield; ear plugs; cotton underwear; hard hat; leather gloves, shoes; glasses
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Lockout/Tagout
Step 1: Notify employees
Step 2: ID power source(s)
Hard-wired equipment requires locking, tagging out circuit
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Lockout/tagout (cont’d.)
Step 3: Disconnect power
– Circuits
– Energy-isolating devices
– Multiple energy sources
Step 4: Apply locks, tags
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Lockout/tagout (cont’d.)
Step 5: Drain stored energy
Step 6: Test equipment
If equipment starts up,repeat all 6 steps
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Boundaries and Labels
FPB – flash protection boundary
Arc flash labels tell you:
– The FPB
– Required PPE
– Shock hazard
– Arc energy (cal/cm2)
– Restricted approach distance
– Prohibited approach distance
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Summary
Safety is individual and team effort
Arc flash explosions cause:
– Severe burns
– Brain damage/blunt trauma
– Deafness and/or blindness
Two critical keys:
– PPE, and
– Lockout/tagout