Electrical and Arc Flash Safety

According to statistics from the Division of Worker’s Compensation of the State Department of Labor and Training,  Rhode Island electricians suffered 3 deaths and 2207 injuries during the 10 year period of 2001-2010.   Rhode Island’s Committee on Occupational Safety and Health indicates that the most common cause of workplace injuries and fatalities is failure to recognize hazards involved;  [...]

Two men who survived arc flash blasts give their personal testimony. Click here to read the article dated 3/20/12.

Read this article on reducing exposure in LV Distribution Systems as written by Maurice M’Mello, PE-Systems Engineer of GE Energy / Industrial Solutions / Canada. Article conclusion:   “….arc flash hazard analysis now tells us that the setting of protective devices on this basis could be detrimental to operational and maintenance personnel if an arcing fault [...]

A study was performed utilizing a combination of imaging techniques and chemical analysis to assess damage to tissues from electrical shock.   The studies showed an interesting, albeit complex, picture of electrical injury, where several pathological events occur contemporaneously. Click here to read the results of the study published on the website of SPIE (International Society [...]

The purpose of the “Arc Flash Energy Reduction Workbook” by Littelfuse is to help the plant engineer or electrician create a preliminary calculation of the reduction of Incident Energy by applying the PGR-8800 Arc-Flash Relay. Click here to access the workbook made available online on 4/10/12.

An employee from the South Jakarta Sanitation Agency was electrocuted when he touched the railing of a  pedestrian bridge.  He had been taking a break from cleaning ditches and was lying on his back on the bridge;  a frayed power cable from a nearby utilty pole adhered to the bridge, transmitting the current to the man’s hand [...]

Several men working on an electrical panel at Roger Dunn Golf Shop in Santa Ana received minor burns to face and head when the panel exploded.  Arc flash in a golf shop.  Every electrician needs the basic skills and minimal protection which will prevent most burns from arc flash. Click here to read the article [...]

Training for electrical safety. Article on use of voltage testers for testing absence of voltage. Click here to read Jim White’s excellent article on Voltage Testers and Testing for Absence of Voltage.

This is the best technical article I have seen on combustible dust issues. The article lays out the standards which can be used in assessment and shows a breadth of knowledge usually lacking.  It does not list clothing as a part of the solution (which I believe it should be) but he has a firm [...]

Three contract employees of Ottawa Hydo suffered electrical shock when the boom on a machine used to install utility poles came into contact with overhead lines.  One man was seriously injured & required CPR, while the other two received electrical shock in attempting to rescue their co-worker. Click here to read the article dated 3/22/12.