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Problem:

Eletrical accident/ electrical hazard


Most electrical accidents are not the result of direct electric shocks, but instead result from a particularly
hazardous type of shorting fault, called an arc fault or flash, that can occur throughout oil and gas facilities. Arc
flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when insulation or air separation causes a high
voltage gap between conductors, leading to a breakdown in safe conduction of electricity. Arc flashes can
result from a variety of causes:
A worker being in close proximity to a high amp source with a conductive object can cause the
electricity to flash over
Human error, including dropped tools, accidental contact with electrical systems, and improper
work procedures
Equipment failure due to use of substandard parts, improper installation, or even normal wear and
tear
Breaks or gaps in insulation
Dust, corrosion, or other impurities on the surface of the conductor

Solution
Safety Precautions
To ensure safety and compliance measures are being taken throughout a workplace, it is critical that both
upper management and employees know how to identify arc flash hazards in their facilities, utilise safe work
practises, and understand labels and other awareness aids. It is critical that everyone stays up to date on
standards and reinforces safe behaviour.
This requires training and education for workers to identify the risks, as well as an arc flash
mitigation plan in place both for existing equipment and new projects, with initiatives such as:
Creating and enforcing a complete arc flash strategy
Conducting ongoing employee training
Providing the proper arc flash personal protective equipment for the level of risk
Identifying and evaluating arc flash potential throughout a location
Calculating incident energy exposure and arc flash boundaries
Utilising warning labels to specify arc flash hazard levels

The most effective way to eliminate the risk of electrical shock or arc flash is to simply de-energise
the equipment some important safety recommendations on how to establish an electrically safe
work condition before working on a circuit:
Identify all power sources
Interrupt the load and disconnect power
Visually verify the disconnect has opened the circuit
Lock out and tag the circuit
Perform voltage testing
Ground all power conductors
In truth, there is no way to completely eliminate arc flash accidents, but the risk can be further
mitigated by providing those working on electrical equipment with suitable personal protective
equipment, as covered above and below.

Personal Protective Equipment


This includes safety glasses, voltage rated gloves, flame resistant neck protection, arc-rated face shields, flash
suits with hoods, and hearing protection.

Also, workers are outfitted with arc rated work suits, insulated rubber gloves (preferably with leather protectors),
and insulated leather footwear. All materials must be metal-free to avoid the possibility of arc flash, whereby a
fault creates electrical contact with the worker.
Personal protective equipment for arc flash includes the following:
1. Gloves. These are a crucial piece of PPE for electrical workers, combining high dielectric and
physical strength with flexibility and durability. Depending on the hazard level of work, there are
several kinds of gloves to choose from, such as heavy duty leather gloves, rubber insulating gloves,
or a combination of both.
2. Clothing. Employees must wear protective clothing that is deemed appropriate based on the
energy and risk associated with the task being performed. Other PPE may be required for specific
tasks with various weight fabrics, which can be provided as a shirt and trousers, as coveralls, or as a
combination of both for increased protection.
3. Headgear. Employees must wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of
head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with live parts, or from objects flying as a
result of an electrical explosion. Headgear also includes nonconductive protective equipment for the
face, neck, and chin. When necessary, face shields should have an arc rating suitable for the arc
flash exposure, and eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, which should be worn under
face shields or hoods.
4. Foot protection. There are two types of shoes that provide some protection from electrical shock,
both of which have insulated soles: dielectric and electrical hazard rated. Dielectric overshoes are
used where there is a risk of electric shock from high voltages in both dry and damp conditions.
Electrical hazard footwear is usually used in low voltage and dry conditions. Insulated soles should
not be used as the primary electrical protection, however.
5. Insulated tools and equipment. Employees must use insulated tools and handling equipment
when working around energised electrical equipment or exposed live parts where there is potential
for contact. Insulated tools should be protected from damage to the insulating material, such as
being composed of impact resistant and flame retardant material.

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