Thursday, October 24, 2013

Employee Protection And Arc Flash Analysis And Training

By Elena McDowell


Energy is highly important in every industry. Every facility must have an efficient and reliable source of energy to keep it going. Notwithstanding, the electrical system must be properly installed to keep it safe from dangers. Errors in electrical system or equipment can pose dangers to everyone around. Hence, every facility must enforce safety practices, administrative controls and appropriate arc flash analysis to reduce chances of arc flash injuries.

The arc flash is described as electrical explosion that are typically arising from low electrical resistance of another voltage phase or the ground connection of an electrical system. This usually occurs when electrical current moves between two conducting surfaces or a separated electrical line. Among the most common causes are insulation failure, accidental contact, improper work processes, human error and other external factors that may cause the connections to snap.

In line with this, the National Fire Protection Associated established standards that ensure safety in the workplace. These standards are designed to promote safety for the personnel as well as prevent possible damages to the equipment. Therefore, it must be strictly followed in every industry.

Today, arc flash training and analysis are highly required in the leading electrical industry. In addition, it is very important for every company and employee to facilitate and undergo a training. Getting a safety certification is highly required in every state to ensure that workers understand and apply all the safety procedures established.

Various methods are constantly developed, tested and applied in different companies in an attempt to protect their valued assets. Thanks to the heightened awareness of the most common safety hazards. This may include proper calibration of electrical equipment, modifying existing designs and wearing of protective clothing and gears. Nonetheless, the best means of reducing electrical hazard in the workplace remains to be de-energizing of equipment during personnel interaction.

Employees are discouraged to operate a live equipment more than fifty volts. This is integrated in every training session. However, if the situation calls and the personnel will need to wok on an energized equipment, safe work practices must be thoroughly observed during the job. Expert analysis on the equipment, risk assessment, protective equipment and proper materials must be carried out.

Safe work procedures are designed to prevent injuries and issues related to arc flash. Proper labeling and observance of warning signs is a major precaution that must not be overlooked. It goes without saying that only a trained and qualified employee must perform the most critical jobs to avoid issues and mitigate any ill-effects.

PPE is essential in electrical works, too. The training program prepares the personnel with the knowledge on how to prevent potential hazards. Every employee must be made aware of the right materials and equipment used to avoid harm. The PPE includes appropriate flame-resistant gears, head protection, insulating gloves and face masks.

To fully maximize the benefits of arc flash analysis, it must be understood and performed not only by the workers but by the management as well. Unless the management fully understand its importance, it may conveniently overlook such a crucial preparation. The fraction of effort it asks for is nothing when compared to the protection it provides to the company's asset.




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