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The Basics of ARC Flash Protection

Electrical safety is a concern for businesses that work with high voltage electrical equipment and arc flash hazards are a primary concern. Employers and employees bear the responsibility of arc flash hazard safety. Protection against arc flash hazards can save lives and thousands of dollars.

  1. Background

    • According to the National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) arc flash is the abrupt release of electrical energy into the air in the presence of a high voltage gap and a breakdown between conductors. An arc flash emits heat as high as 35,000 Fahrenheit and an intense, bright light that causes serious burns. NIOSH states that an arc flash blast can hit a person with "great force" and send melted metal droplets from electrical components a great distance at high velocities. These characteristics of arc flash hazards have prompted additional guidelines to be created specifically for arc flash on the state level and by the National Fire Protection Association (NPFA).

    Regulations

    • Arc flash safety is covered under the broad regulations set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) sections 5(a)(1), 5(a)(2) and 29 CFR-1910 Subpart S provide the foundation for electrical safety. Section 5(a)(1) is referred to as the General Duty Clause and requires employers to provide each worker a safe work environment free from hazards that may cause death or serious harm to the workers. Section 5(a)(2) requires compliance with the OSH Act. Section 29 CFR-1910 Subpart S specifically pertains to electrical safety establishing regulations concerning electrical safety training, placement of warning labels on equipment, the use of proper tools deemed safe for electrical work, and annual inspection to ensure compliance with the regulations.

      The NFPA has two guidelines and standards that address arc flash safety and protection, NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E. These are not federal guidelines. However, if OSHA determines that a lack of adherence to guidelines found in NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E caused an arc flash incident, fines up to $500,000 can be imposed on companies and fines up to $250,000 can be imposed on individuals. NFPA 70 pertains to marking equipment with proper warning labels that clearly advise of a potential hazard such as arc flash. NFPA 70E outlines how to create a safe electrical work environment. According to the Arc Flash Information Resource Center, a safe work environment is the first line of defense in protecting against arc flash and other electrical hazards.

    Clothing

    • OSHA requires personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce workers' exposure to hazards when operational controls are not effective to reduce exposure to "acceptable levels." However, employers are allowed to determine if PPE is needed for their employees' protection. Arc flash clothing is a form of PPE used to protect workers from serious burns associated with arc flash hazards. Clothing made from flame-retardant fabrics such as Indura and Indura Ultra Soft (made by Westex), Banwear (by Itex) and Nomex IIIA (by DuPont) are standard PPE used for arc flash protection.

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