Keep Workers Safe from Electrical Dangers

An arc flash is an electrical breakdown where electric current jumps through an air gap between conductors. With a flash of bright light, intense radiant heat and loud noise, an arc flash explosion can produce a temperature of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Both the heat and the energy can cause substantial damage to equipment, fire or severe injury or death.

To prevent serious injury, it's imperative that workers wear the appropriate PPE when working around electrical equipment. To prevent arc flash explosions, employers need to ensure that all electrical equipment and systems are constructed and installed correctly to reduce electrical dangers.

Did You Know?

The construction industry has the greatest number of nonfatal electrical injuries, and the leading cause of these injuries is electrical burns, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that nonfatal electrical injury most often occurs from contact with electric circuitry of machines, tools, appliances and light fixtures, or energized equipment, including transformers, motors and switchgear.

According to the BLS, over 2,500 nonfatal occupational electric shocks and electric burns were reported in 2007. In 2009, electrical burns required an average of 27 days away from work.