Arc Flash Clothing: What Is An Arc Flash?

An Arc Flash transpires when an electrical discharge traverses through the air, unleashing a potent burst of energy. This phenomenon holds the potential to inflict severe harm on individuals within its vicinity, underscoring the critical need for sufficient Arc Flash Clothing protection.

Termed as an electric arc or arc discharge, this event manifests when an electrical discharge or short circuit navigates through the air. Various factors, including voltage spikes, worn connections, cable strikes, or gaps in insulation, contribute to the occurrence of an Arc Flash, resulting in a flash of intense energy.

The energy emitted during an Arc Flash event can prove fatal, with temperatures soaring to a staggering 35,000ºF or exceeding 19,000ºC. Importantly, this intense heat can incinerate clothing and human skin within fractions of a second, even if individuals are positioned five or six metres away from the Arc Flash event.

The aftermath of an Arc Flash encompasses an explosive pressure wave capable of hurling workers across the room, accompanied by a sound blast that poses the risk of rupturing eardrums. Furthermore, a bright flash accompanies the incident, potentially causing temporary or even permanent blindness.

Recognising the real danger of Arc Flash incidents, ProGARM, as Arc Flash specialists, dedicated to this field, prioritises safety. The protective clothing not only meets but often exceeds industry and EN standards, providing paramount protection.

Why Do You Need Arc Flash Protection?

The thermal energy emanating from an Arc Flash incident carries a lethal potential. Effectively employing Arc Flash clothing can significantly mitigate and even prevent serious burns and potentially life-threatening injuries when an individual is exposed to such an event.

While an Arc Flash occurrence may not be a daily event in your business, unfortunately they are happening multiple times every working day in the UK. Your company can initiate risk assessments and adopt precautionary measures through safe working practices, effectively reducing the likelihood of an Arc Flash incident. These comprehensive Arc Flash studies scrutinise and evaluate the risks present in your working environment.

Enhanced safety can be achieved by donning the appropriate Arc Flash protective garments tailored to a specific risk level. Although a residual risk may persist, the utilisation of correct garments provides substantial Arc Flash protection, significantly elevating overall safety measures.

Is Arc Flash Protection Required In Your Industry?

Arc Flash occurrences are widespread in industries such as power generation, utilities, industrial electrical, and the rail sector. Deploying Arc Flash protective clothing is crucial to preventing severe burns and lasting injuries for workers in these fields.

If your operations fall within these five pivotal industry sectors, it is imperative to contemplate Arc Flash protection for your team:

• Power Generation – Both inside and outside power stations, your team faces the risk of Arc Flash incidents.
• Utilities – Field workers, particularly those frequently involved in ground-breaking activities, require protection from Arc Flash dangers.
• Petrochemicals – Recognizing the significance of Arc Flash dangers in your risk assessments is integral, with Arc Flash garments emerging as the preferred safety attire in this sector.
• Rail – Essential for railway safety, Arc Flash protection is vital. Protective garments complying with the specific requirements of UK regulations for high visibility are readily available.
• Industrial Electrical – Workers dealing with high voltage power supplies, whether in distribution centres or industrial and commercial maintenance teams, are all susceptible to Arc Flash incidents. Ensuring their protection is paramount.

Do We Need Arc Flash PPE?

Ensuring the safety of your team always takes precedence, particularly when it comes to protecting them from potential Arc Flash incidents during work.

If your teams operate in the aforementioned industries or in proximity to high-voltage sources, there is a significant likelihood that they require protection. A prudent initial step would be to initiate an Arc Flash study at your site. This study serves as a comprehensive risk assessment of the workplace environment, identifying Arc Flash hazards. Conducted by an electrical safety expert, the assessment aims to provide a clear understanding of the risks inherent in the workplace and how to effectively safeguard the team. Additionally, assessment providers may offer training sessions to enhance your team’s awareness and provide options for periodic reviews.

What Does an Arc Flash Study Involve?

Determining the magnitude of the potential impact is the pivotal inquiry addressed by an Arc Flash study. Only with this understanding can you effectively shield your team from the risks posed by Arc Flash incidents in their working environment. The study is designed to pinpoint areas with varying degrees of risk, distinguishing between those with low and high potential for an Arc Flash incident. This insight enables you to tailor your Arc Flash protection strategy accordingly.

Moreover, the study evaluates the potential severity of injuries at specified distances, identifying the protection boundary where the risk of second-degree burns is significantly high. A successful Arc Flash assessment encompasses various facets, typically tailored to meet the unique demands of your industry. Components may include Arc Flash calculations, fault level studies, and thorough site surveys to comprehensively address the specific requirements of your workplace.

Who Needs to Carry Out an Arc Flash Study?

In the UK, companies are presently not obligated to conduct Arc Flash assessments on their premises, a notable contrast to the United States, where there is heightened awareness regarding the hazards associated with Arc Flash incidents. Although an Arc Flash study is considered optional, its potential positive impact on safety within your organisation is likely to be substantial. Ensuring the safety of your team is crucial, making Arc Flash protective clothing indispensable if they are exposed to such risks.

An Arc Flash study serves as a valuable tool to determine the necessary level of protection, aiding in making informed decisions about the specific Arc Flash protective clothing requirements for your team. Arc Flash garments are available from both specialised Arc Flash suppliers and non-specialist sources; however, trusting a specialist is emphasised, particularly when lives are at stake. While all garments rated for Arc Flash protection conform to EN Standards, the quality and level of protection can vary significantly among them.

Specialised Arc Flash protective garments encompass a range of options, from insulating warm Arc Flash base layers to Arc Flash waterproof jackets and trousers. The effectiveness of Arc Flash protection is enhanced by wearing layers of protective garments crafted from inherent fibres and featuring specific Arc Flash-resistant components. The garment’s level of protection, expressed through the Arc Rated Category and other relevant information, should be clearly visible.

It is imperative to recognise that not all Arc Flash protective garments are created equal. While many meet minimum standards, ensuring the sufficient level of protection and garment quality is essential for the wearer’s safety.

ProGARM, provides quality garments designed not only to help individuals survive an incident but also to significantly reduce the extent of injuries sustained. Trusting a specialist like ProGARM ensures the use of 100% inherent fibres, the development of highly durable garments, and a commitment to maintaining consistent quality and garment traceability throughout their lifespan.