Arc Workwear Saves Lives | Watch Mitchell’s Story
Published 07 Jun 2021
Saving Lives | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection
“The next thing I saw was a big flash; all up my chest and up to my face”
This Case Study focuses on the importance of wearing PPE clothing to protect against Arc Flash in the construction and utilities industries when working around buried services – it could save your life, like it did Mitchell’s.
An operative was using a shovel, while working as part of the digging team, when he struck an electrical cable, which led to an Arc Flash incident.
Fortunately, Mitchell was wearing suitable arc workwear, part of the ProGARM range of arc rated clothing and electrical PPE, which saved and protected him from further and more significant injuries.
We were fortunate enough to meet with Mitchell, a Team Leader for construction firm, Clancy Docwra, and his colleagues to speak to them about the day, the arc incident itself and the importance of keeping people safe while at work.
Lifesaving Arc Workwear
The video that ProGARM created in partnership with Clancy Docwra is to be used as part of internal training for their operatives and to better educate those working around live electricity, of the realities of the risks involved.
We thought it was too important not to show you, so please watch Mitchell’s story below and feel free to share.
Mitchell experienced an Arc Flash while on site at work. Thankfully his PPE saved him from serious injury.
Here’s his story…
“Probably about a year ago, I used to be on the Dig Team for Clancy Docwra. I unfortunately had a cable strike, it wasn’t anything too serious. It was on a house service of a property. We were digging down and I pushed my foot on the shovel, and the next thing I saw was a big flash; all up my chest and up to my face. I looked down at my PPE, the arc workwear that I was wearing, and it had burnt all of my top.”
Q1 – How did the Arc Flash PPE Protect you?
“So when I had the flash, it just was sort of like a big bang to my face. After a while it sort of shook me. I took my top off and there were no marks on the inside of the top. It was all on the outside and there was a big line up to my throat, of where it actually stopped, towards my face.”
➡ See also Eddie’s Story | Arc Flash Clothing Saves Lives
Eddie could have lost his life without the arc workwear protection he was wearing.
The PPE that saved Eddie’s life.
Q2 – How could the incident have affected you if you weren’t wearing the correct PPE?
“So the damage could obviously have been permanent, obviously internal damage and external damage. I could have had facial scarring, body scarring and it could have really affected me.”
Q3 – How do you stress the importance of PPE to your team?
“So for my current job role as an FPM, Field Performance Manager for Clancy Docwra, I really stress the importance to my lads about wearing the correct PPE. Obviously having the impact of what happened to myself, I do know how much it can protect you. At the end of the day we want to do our job safely, and go home to see our families.”
Remember, PPE is the last line of defence. Make sure you have safe working procedures in place before undertaking any work near live electricity.
Stay safe and don’t compromise.
Further Arc Flash Reading
- Arc Flash PPE | 7 Top Considerations
- Arc Flash The Basics
- 5 Arc Flash Risks for Solar Industry Personnel
PROGARM, THE ARC FLASH SPECIALISTS
Arc Flash Protection | Arc Clothing | Polo Shirts | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Helmets | Gloves
Thorne and Derrick distribute a range of LIFESAVING Arc Flash Protective Clothing from ProGARM – the leading UK manufacturer of high quality Flame Resistant & Arc Flash clothing, garments and workwear.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
“At ProGARM our mission is protect lives through the manufacture and supply of exceptional quality Arc Flash and Flame Resistant Clothing. Being the only specialist Arc Flash protection manufacturer in the UK we focus on providing the best protection possible to those who work at risk of Arc Flash on a daily basis with our inherent, specialist garments and industry-leading innovation. Supporting Utilities, Power Generation, Rail & Petrochemical industries we work with Thorne & Derrick to educate, inform and supply those who work at risk everyday allowing us to keep protecting lives throughout the UK & beyond.”
ARC FLASH LEARNING & RESOURCES
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash coveralls and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
Closing Thought – statistics show that between eight and ten arc flash accidents occur in the UK every week. Protect yourself, contact us to learn how.
