Arc flashes are a sudden release of electrical energy that creates a sudden and dangerous burst of light and heat. They can be very dangerous and potentially fatal to anyone caught in its path. They occur when energy released from electrical machinery connects with particles in the air, creating a chain reaction. In order to prevent these incidents from occurring, companies should invest in an arc flash study to examine their worksites and find any hazardous areas and potential weak links that could lead to an arc flash. Companies can then invest resources in dealing with these issues. In this article, we will look at common misconceptions organizations have about arc flash studies so you can avoid them.
Arc Flash Studies are Only Relevant for Electricians
It can be easy to assume that the only people who need to be aware of the complete evaluation of an electrical system are the electricians in a worksite, as they will be handling the high-voltage systems directly. However, the information gained from an arc flash study is crucial to anyone working near electrical machinery. Knowing the precautions to take and potential danger areas can help protect your employees regardless of their job title.
Arc Flash Labels are Just for Compliance
Filling out arc flash labels correctly and diligently may seem like something then just to pass compliance standards like the NFPA 70E, and while passing compliance is certainly important to any employer to help mitigate legal issues. Labeling electrical equipment correctly goes a long way in promoting electrical safety in the workplace. With a correctly documented label, a quick glance is all it takes to see any potential hazards a piece of machinery has.
An Arc Flash Study is Only Necessary for Large Facilities
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about an arc flash study is that it is only useful for large facilities with many moving parts and employees. Even the smallest worksite can use the information gathered from an arc flash study to help protect its employees. Remember, an arc flash doesn’t care how small the worksite is; it will still do damage. Protect your employees and invest in an arc flash study.
Arc Flash Studies Guarantee Safety
An arc flash study offers a comprehensive overview of your electrical system so you can determine your weak points and hazard areas. However, knowing this information doesn’t do much if you do not take actionable steps to improve the safety of your worksite. Employee training and promoting risk awareness among your staff is still required to guarantee workplace safety. And even still, accidents can happen, so you need to train your employees to properly handle emergency situations and use personal protective gear when operating with electrical machinery.
Conducting An Arc Flash Study Protects Your Employees
Employee safety should be the biggest concern for any employer. However, it can be easy to mismanage that part of your duties, especially if you believe the myths and misconceptions listed above about arc flash studies. Investing in an arc flash study and following the proper steps afterward will go a long way toward keeping your employees safe.
