Arc flash injuries are often devastating, leaving workers in New York with third-degree burns or even killing them. Whenever an arc flash injury occurs, it’s likely the result of avoidable hazards. If you work in an environment where arc flashes might happen, it’s essential that you know about arc flash injury prevention.
Analysis
Employers should engage in arc flash hazard analysis. This analysis should include:
Determination of whether arc flashes might occur
The flash protection boundary
Appropriate personal protective equipment
Equipment upkeep
Maintenance failures are a common precursor to arc flash injuries. Clean equipment prevents things like dust from creating routes for electricity to flare. Damaged equipment is more prone to malfunctions of every type.
Some equipment needs to stay covered. In other cases, pests get into electrical items, causing them to malfunction. Regular upkeep helps prevent all of these problems.
Safety-focused installation and equipment
People must install equipment correctly without cutting any corners. Safety-oriented equipment options also exist. For instance, computers allow you to turn certain electrical components on and off remotely. Voltage presence indicators and arc-quenching switchgear are also helpful.
No energized work
Even if you’re in a hurry, never work on electrical equipment unless it’s de-energized. You might have to ground the equipment to create a safe environment, but it’s worth it.
Personal Protective Equipment
Sometimes, even when everyone has done their best to avoid danger, on-the-job accidents happen regardless. In those cases, personal protective equipment can help lives. Arc-rated clothing is a necessity to protect workers.
Though arc flashes are possible in some lines of work, you aren’t powerless. If you follow prevention guidelines, you can significantly reduce your chances of arc flash injuries. Should you happen to get injured in an accident caused by someone’s negligence, you may want to ask an attorney about collecting workers’ compensation.
