Arc Flash Hazards - Ways to Protect the Workers

www.safetygoodwe.com

Chapter : Hot Work

Ways to Protect the Workers

There exists a number of ways to protect workers from the threat of electrical hazards. Some of the methods are for the protection of qualified employees doing work on electrical circuit and other methods are geared towards non-qualified employees who work nearby energized equipment.

Here are a few of the protective methods:

• De-energize the circuit
• Work Practices
• Insulation
• Guarding
• Barricades
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
• Grounding (secondary protection)

If You Must Work on Energized Circuits:

• If it has been determined that de-energizing a circuit is not feasible and the employee must work “hot”, the employer shall develop and enforce safety-related work practices to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts.
• The specific safety-related work practices shall be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards.

These safety related work practices could include:

• Energized Electrical Work Permit
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Insulated Tools
• Written Safety Program
• Job Briefing

Additional Boundary Requirements:

• Conductive Articles of Jewelry and Clothing - Watchbands, bracelets, rings, key chains, necklaces, metal frame glasses, etc. shall not be worn within the restricted approach boundary.
• Working Space - Shall not be used for storage. Space shall be kept clear to permit safe operation and maintenance.
• Barricades - When the arc flash boundary is greater than the limited approach boundary, barricades shall not be placed closer than the arc flash boundary.
• Insulated Tools - Employees shall use insulated tools when working inside the restricted approach boundary of exposed energized electrical conductors.