Understanding How Personal Protective Equipment Can Protect Workers From Arc Flash Hazards
The importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in protecting workers from arc flash hazards cannot be understated. It is crucial that workers are fitted with proper PPE to drastically reduce the chances for injury while working on electrical equipment. Injuries sustained from arc flashes can be severe and may lead to long-term disabilities. Here we will discuss some of the ways PPE can be used to prevent workplace injuries in regards to arc flash hazards.
Breaking Down the Four Categories of Arc Flash PPE
In the most recently released standards for PPE regarding arc flash hazards, NFPA 70E, the requirements were changed to reflect 4 PPE categories to be used when dealing with different incident energy analysis. These categories are as follows:
NFPA 70E, 130.7 Personal and Other Protective Equipment Guidelines
The guidelines set forth by the NFPA 70E, 130.7 state that when the associated risk of injury is not sufficiently reduced by installation safety requirements, workers exposed to electrical hazards must be provided with and use protective equipment designed to protect specific parts of the body.
That is why it is vital to make certain that employees are provided with the necessary PPE to protect themselves from the hazards of working with arc flash.
Creating an Atmosphere of Safety for the Benefit of All
By implementing safety standards in accordance with current regulations and providing consistent training updates to workers, you can minimize workplace injuries caused by arc flash hazards. It is imperative that workers follow all applicable guidelines set in place in the industry to ensure not only their safety but the safety of their coworkers as well.
Although such efforts to increase safety in your workplace may be considered unnecessary by some of your employees, it is the responsibility of management to make sure that all efforts are made to follow safety protocols while working with arc-flash hazards.
Pioneer Power Group is highly experienced in performing arc flash analysis and short circuit studies of electrical systems to determine compliance with existing safety standards. With our knowledge and experience, your company can assess the safety of your existing electrical systems to maximize the safety for all of those that are involved with your projects. To learn more about Pioneer Power Group and what we have to offer, contact us today.