Reducing the Risks of Arc Flash: Comply with New Regulations, Increase Safety and Save Costs with Proper Identification

Electrical workers are exposed to a number of hazards, including electrical shock. Arc flash is a hazard that can cause serious injury or death - even if an employee doesn't come into direct contact with an energized conductor. The flash can generate extremely high heat causing severe burns. Costs to companies can be extreme relating to medical treatments or lawsuits. And it's not just people who get hurt: equipment can be damaged, requiring repair or replacement, and possibly causing the line or even the entire plant to shut down for a period of time.

Arc flash is a short circuit through air that flashes over from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground. Arc flashes can be caused in a variety of ways including coming close to a high-amp source with a conductor, dropping a tool or creating a spark, equipment failure due to use of substandard parts, improper installation, or even normal wear and tear. Because the frequency of reported accidents is increasing, OSHA and the safety industry overall are implementing standards.