The main reason to be concerned about arc flash is for the safety of staff or contractors. With the rising frequency of reported arc flash accidents, and the potential for serious injury or death, arc flash deserves the concern it is generating from within the health and safety industry.
Every lineman, electrical contractor, industrial electrician and thermographer, working in the proximity of a live circuit , is at risk of severe burns or death in the event of an arc flash incident. Each day in the US, there are approximately ten arc flash incidents and up to two fatalities. An arc flash can cause third degree burns in a fraction of a second. Following the NFPA 70E standard can reduce the risk of injury.
Electric arcs produce intense heat and can heat the air to temperatures as high as 35,000°F. This is four times the surface temperature of the sun. Fatal burns can occur when the victim is several feet from the arc. Serious burns are not uncommon even at a distance of 10ft. Arc flash can cause the following injuries:
- Skin burns by direct heat exposure
- Metal is vaporized at this temperature. Droplets of molten metal can be propelled over great distances, causing serious burns or igniting clothing
- High-intensity flash can cause damage to eyesight
- The arc blast can cause hearing loss
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