Arc Flash Safety

Overview

Arc Flash Safety should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to controlling arc-flash and shock exposure around energized electrical equipment.

Main Hazards

• • Thermal energy, pressure wave and molten metal from an arc event
• • Approach to exposed energized parts without adequate boundaries or protection
• • Unexpected energization or start-up
• • Electric shock, arc or stored-energy release
• • Contact with moving or unguarded machine parts

Essential Controls

1. 1De-energize electrical equipment whenever feasible before work begins.
2. 2Where energized work is justified, establish boundaries, competent-person controls and suitable protective equipment.
3. 3Identify every hazardous energy source before intervention.
4. 4Isolate, lock, release stored energy and verify a safe state before work.
5. 5Keep guards and protective devices in place unless an approved safe isolation requires removal.
6. 6Use competent persons and equipment suitable for the electrical or mechanical duty.

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