3rd Arc Flash & Isolation Safety Conference in Manchester on May 21st & 22nd 2019
Published 06 Feb 2019
Article by Chris Dodds – Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Arc Flash & Isolation Safety Conference – Manchester 2019
The 3rd Arc Flash & Isolation Safety Conference took place in Manchester on 21–22 May 2019.
The two-day event brought together electrical safety professionals to discuss arc flash hazards, safe isolation and practical risk management.
Its programme focused on real workplace experiences, technical developments and the challenges faced by electrical engineers.
Delegates had the opportunity to hear from specialists, review case studies and discuss ways to improve electrical safety.
The event also examined relevant standards, risk assessment methods and the selection of appropriate arc flash protective equipment.
Why Is Arc Flash Safety Important?
An arc flash is a dangerous electrical event that can release intense heat, light and pressure.
It may occur when an electrical fault produces an arc through the surrounding air.
Workers exposed to an arc flash can suffer severe burns and other injuries.
Effective risk management therefore requires suitable electrical system design, safe working procedures and appropriate protective measures.
Where a residual thermal hazard remains, correctly selected arc-rated PPE can provide an additional layer of protection.
Arc Flash Conference – Technical Topics
The conference addressed several important areas of electrical safety.
Its programme included the following technical subjects:
- The human factor in electrical safety: Reducing errors and improving workplace performance.
- Arc flash risk assessments: Understanding the UK approach to electrical hazard evaluation.
- Arc-rated clothing programmes: Developing and implementing suitable protective clothing arrangements.
- Maritime electrical safety: Managing arc flash hazards through vessel electrical system design.
- IEC 62271-200: Internal arc classification of relevant high voltage switchgear.
- IEC 61439: Improving safety in low voltage switchgear assemblies.
- Electrical safety training: Identifying gaps in worker knowledge and competence.
- Arc flash PPE: Understanding when protective clothing is required.
- Nuclear industry risk assessment: Lessons from a Swedish nuclear power plant.
- Protective clothing design: Understanding the construction and performance of arc flash PPE.
- IEEE 1584: Methods used to calculate arc flash incident energy.
- Practical workplace case studies: Applying arc flash assessments to real electrical installations.
- PPE selection methods: Comparing approaches to electrical arc hazard assessment.
Together, these sessions explored both the technical and human aspects of electrical safety.
Legal Responsibility and Electrical Safety Management
One of the conference sessions focused on the legal responsibilities associated with electrical installations.
Anthony Smith, CEO of Lantei Compliance Services and The Electrical Safety Network, delivered the presentation.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Anthony’s session examined the legal requirements for maintaining electrical systems and equipment.
It covered low, medium and high voltage installations, with particular attention to the responsibilities of duty holders.
The presentation included discussion of:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- The IET Code of Practice for Electrical Safety Management.
- Electrical maintenance responsibilities.
- Workplace compliance and safety management.
The aim was to help duty holders understand their responsibilities and manage electrical safety more effectively.
This presentation appeared as Session 14 in the original conference programme.
Electrical Safety Equipment
Safe electrical working may require specialist testing and protective equipment.
For example, appropriate voltage detectors and portable earthing arrangements can form part of approved isolation procedures.
Thorne & Derrick supply electrical safety equipment for suitable LV, MV and HV applications.
Voltage Detectors | Portable Earthing | Insulating Sticks | Insulating Gloves | CATU Electrical Equipment
Arc Flash Conference – Day 1 Highlights
The first day explored electrical safety culture, risk assessments, protective equipment and switchgear design.
Speakers also shared case studies from different industries.
Day 1 Speakers and Presentations
| Speaker | Presentation |
|---|---|
| Jim Pollard | The Human Factor in Electrical Safety – Ways to Reduce Error and Improve Performance |
| John Maplesden | Arc Flash Risk Assessment from a UK Perspective – What’s New? |
| Derek Sang | Building and Implementing a Flame-Resistant/Arc-Rated Clothing Programme |
| Shaun White | Arc Flash in the Maritime Industry – Hazard Mitigation Through System Design on a New-Build Vessel |
| Andy Seccombe | Internal Arc Classification According to IEC 62271-200 |
| Lutz Graufmann | Improving the Safety of LV Switchgear Assemblies According to IEC 61439 |
| Kevin Hann | Electrical Training Gaps and Their Arc Flash Safety Implications |
| Anthony Long | Arc Flash PPE – Do You or Don’t You Need It? |
| Thomas Winter | Arc Flash Risk Assessment – Case Study from Sweden’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant |
International Keynote Speaker – Jim Pollard
Jim Pollard, an arc flash specialist associated with Unlimited PPE Inc., was featured as an international keynote speaker.
His presentation focused on the human factors that influence electrical safety.
For example, working practices, decision-making and training can all affect how workers respond to electrical hazards.
Addressing these factors can help organisations improve safety performance.
Arc Flash Conference – Day 2 Highlights
The second day focused on arc flash PPE, calculation methods and practical risk assessment.
It also included a session on electrical safety responsibilities.
Day 2 Speakers and Presentations
| Speaker | Presentation |
|---|---|
| Jim Pollard | The Anatomy of Arc Flash PPE |
| Alan O’Kelly | IEEE 1584 – Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations |
| Pay Mynett | Three Case Studies Exploring Practical Arc Flash Risk Assessment in the Workplace |
| Thomas Jordan | PPE Selection – Practical Experience and Comparison of Arc Assessment Methods |
| Anthony Smith | Duty Holder Responsibility and Electrical Safety Management |
IEEE 1584 and Arc Flash Calculations
The conference included a presentation about IEEE 1584 and arc flash hazard calculations.
Arc flash calculations help engineers estimate the incident energy associated with certain electrical faults.
These results can support risk assessment and protective measures within the method’s defined scope.
However, calculations require accurate electrical system information and the appropriate calculation standard.
Download the 2019 Arc Flash Conference Brochure
The original conference brochure contains details of the event programme, speakers and registration arrangements.
Although the event has concluded, the document remains a useful historical reference.
What Could Delegates Learn?
The conference aimed to help electrical professionals develop their understanding of arc flash safety.
Its original programme highlighted several learning objectives.
- Understand developments in UK, European and international electrical safety standards.
- Review case studies involving arc flash hazard mitigation.
- Explore methods of assessing electrical arc flash risks.
- Understand the potential injuries associated with an arc flash.
- Learn about electrical safety responsibilities and workplace compliance.
- Compare approaches to arc flash assessment.
- Understand the selection, testing and maintenance of arc flash PPE.
- Explore electrical safety training requirements.
- Share experience with electrical safety specialists and other delegates.
The original programme also referenced NFPA 70E, CSA Z462, BS 7671 and IEEE 1584.
These references reflect the standards discussed during the 2019 event. Current projects must use the applicable editions and requirements.
Who Was the Conference Designed For?
The event targeted professionals involved in electrical engineering, workplace safety and industrial risk management.
Its intended audience included:
- Electrical technicians, engineers and managers.
- Engineering and maintenance managers.
- Electrical risk assessors.
- Electrical design engineers.
- Manufacturers of PPE and safety equipment.
- Safety advisers and facilitators.
- Instrumentation and control engineers.
- Process safety and loss prevention managers.
- Government safety regulators and inspectors.
- Occupational health and safety managers.
- Electrical training managers.
- Tradespeople working in potentially explosive environments.
2019 Arc Flash Conference – Event Details
The following details are retained from the original event announcement for historical reference.
| Conference | 3rd Arc Flash & Isolation Safety Conference |
| Start Date | 21 May 2019 |
| End Date | 22 May 2019 |
| Venue | Marriott Manchester – Victoria & Albert Hotel |
| Original Registration Start | 1 February 2019 |
| Original Listed Cut-Off Date | 31 May 2019 |
| Standard Delegate Price | £750 |
| Early Booking Price | £675 until 23 April 2019 |
| Listed Group Price | £1,500 |
Historical event: The conference has finished, and the registration prices and discounts are no longer active.
Original Delegate Discounts
The original event announcement included an early booking discount of 10%, equivalent to £75 per delegate.
It also advertised a three-for-two delegate offer.
These promotions applied only to the 2019 conference.
Arc Flash Statistics and Electrical Safety Awareness
The original conference article featured historical arc flash statistics from ISHN.
These figures included:
- 30,000 reported arc flash incidents per year.
- 7,000 burn injuries per year.
- 2,000 hospitalisations per year.
- 400 fatalities per year.
However, the original article did not establish a consistent reporting geography, timeframe or independently verified dataset for these figures.
Therefore, they should be regarded as historical claims rather than current annual statistics.
For electrical safety planning, organisations should use reliable incident information alongside site-specific risk assessments and applicable guidance.
Historical Arc Flash Statistics – Source: ISHN
Thorne & Derrick – Arc Flash and Electrical Safety Equipment
Thorne & Derrick International supply specialist equipment for electrical installation, maintenance and power distribution.
Our product range includes arc flash protection and electrical safety equipment for LV, MV and HV applications.
We support utilities, electrical contractors and industrial businesses working on power infrastructure projects.
Electrical Safety Product Categories
Explore our specialist product ranges:
- Arc Flash Clothing and Protection.
- Electrical Safety Equipment.
- Cable Duct Seals.
- Cable Cleats and Supports.
- Cable Glands.
- Cable Jointing Tools.
- Cable Pulling Equipment.
- Earthing and Lightning Protection.
- Electrical Feeder Pillars.
- LV Cable Joints.
- MV and HV Cable Joints and Terminations.
Electrical Equipment Manufacturers
Our original article featured electrical equipment manufacturers including 3M, CMP, Ellis Patents, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, PFISTERER, Prysmian, Alroc, CSD, Roxtec, CATU, Cembre, Lucy Zodion, ABB and Emtelle.
These manufacturers supply different products for cable installation, electrical distribution and related applications.
Power Cable Jointing and Installation
Thorne & Derrick also provide technical product information for electrical cable installation work.
Our Cable Jointers Photo Blog features contributions from electrical professionals working on LV, MV and HV installations.
For further information about our product offering, explore the Thorne & Derrick Power Brochure.
Thorne & Derrick – Joint | Terminate | Connect
Further Reading
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Arc Flash Booking Form
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