How to Protect Yourself in an Arc Flash Explosion

Arc flash explosions are what happens when a large amount of electrical energy is released all at once due to a sudden grounding or arc jump through a gas from one electrode to another. These explosions result in huge fireballs that can burn workers and create a great deal of destruction even as the result of an accidental touch or movement. There are ways to protect yourself from an arc flash explosion when it happens.

Things You'll Need

• Safety equipment
• Flame-retardant clothing

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Find out if the equipment you're working on is charged and if there's current in it. If the equipment is dead and there's no electricity, then you don't have to worry about an arc flash explosion. If the wires are live though, you need to take precautions.

• 2

  Wear protective gear rated for the job you're doing. The gear should be flame-retardant and include a hood to protect your head and gauntlets to protect your hands. You are likely to lose some dexterity as well as some visibility, but you will be protected in case the arc flash explosion occurs.

• 3

  Follow all safety procedures to avoid an arc flash explosion. Don't make contact with live electrical components. Make sure you have fire fighting equipment on hand and that you know what to do in case you're caught in the explosion. If there is an explosion, call medical services just to be sure, even if you think that you're all right.