Arc Flash Protection
Arc Flash Resistant? The Difference Between Flame Retardant & Arc Flash Resistant
September 23rd, 2021
Arc Flash Resistant
Vs Flame-Resistant Clothing
For many decades, flame-resistant clothing has helped to reduce the risk of severe burn injuries to workers. These types of garments are either made from treated cotton or, more often nowadays, self-extinguishing materials – both of which provide managers with a reliable option for keeping their teams safe when selecting arc flash resistant or flame-resistant clothing.
However, while most health and safety professionals are confident about fire and electrical safety protection, they may be less knowledgeable about the dangers posed by an arc flash incident.
Contrary to popular belief, flame-retardant PPE can’t protect against burns in an arc flash incident, as these burns aren’t caused by fire, but by thermal energy. This means that protecting a team against an arc flash incident requires more specialist garments.
This image shows the jacket worn by Jason Brozen when he was subjected to an arc flash incident. Read his story | Arc Flash Survivor Story
What is an arc flash?
Hotter than the sun and louder than a bullet being shot, an arc flash is when an arcing fault releases dangerous levels of radiant energy, which vaporises metal that spews from the arc. The air is super-heated, causing pressure waves that can throw individuals across rooms and create deadly molten shrapnel. They can be caused by voltage spikes, worn connections, cable strikes or gaps in insulation, and are a risk even in low-voltage setups.
Treatment for those that survive an arc flash incident can require years of skin grafts, hospital stays and rehabilitation – and they may never recover sufficiently to regain their lifestyle. So, it’s safe to say that choosing the appropriate PPE is key when it comes to arc flash safety.
How is FR different from AF?
Flame Retardant & Arc Flash Resistant
Unfortunately, although flame-resistant clothing meets acceptable industry standards for the risks associated with fires, unless they are specifically designed and certified, they are not designed also to withstand an arc flash incident.
There are, in fact, separate safety standards for arc flash clothing, which go further than the ones for fire resistance. This means that the level of protection provided by FR clothing does not match that of arc-resistant PPE. Indeed, the fabric used in arc-resistant garments must meet higher tear resistance and tensile strength than those used for fire-resistant clothing.
This is because arc flash-protective clothing is designed not only to protect operatives from fire, but from the thermal energy generated by an arc flash, which can also cause external and internal burns.
While the threads used for the structural seams must be fire resistant, under IEC 61482, arc flash-resistant clothing has various standards that separate it from fire-resistant clothing. Each arc-resistant garment must be designed in a way to allow the wearer to remove the item quickly, must always have long sleeves rather than short sleeves, and feature no exposed metal.
However, it is not just the fabric that needs to be arc flash resistant; to provide the ultimate protection, every stitch, button, popper, zip and press-stud in a garment should be flame resistant, in order to provide enhanced and effective arc flash protection, as well as durability.
When searching for appropriate arc flash PPE, safety experts should keep their eyes peeled for SafetyICON marking or equivalent, which allows workers to see what type of protection they offer, as well as suitable, arc-resistant components, which have been safety approved and tested to withstand an arc flash incident.
Further Reading
Arc Flash Clothing Standards | EN Standards for Arc Flash Protection
Arc Flash Clothing – PPE To Protect Highways, Street Lighting & Utility Contractors
Arc Workwear Saves Lives | Watch Mitchell’s Story
Clothing & Garments
Protecting Workers Against the Dangers of Arc Flash
Thorne & Derrick stock and supply the most extensive range of Arc Flash PPE, Clothing & Protective Garments – should you require any further information, sample garments for field test and trial or a quotation please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based onSERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Electrical Safety Equipment & Cable Accessories for the Maintenance of Low, Medium & High Voltage Power Systems
CLAIM FREE VOUCHERS | Arc Flash & Electrical Safety Programme
August 6th, 2021
EPSCO’s groundbreaking OneMoment online electrical safety training series is going to change the way you see safety courses, forever.
The experienced professionals at EPSCO set out to do much more than rehash the safety manuals and government regulations. They put together a team of electrical safety experts, accident survivors, storytelling professionals, and talented presenters to create courses that are dynamic, engaging, easy to understand, and tested in real-life situations.
EPSCO produced OneMoment from a Safety Manager’s perspective, with best practices that will fit in to the routines every member of your team is already doing.
OneMoment is designed with custom modules that benefit everyone at your facility, including engineers, managers, safety personnel, qualified workers, and unqualified workers too.
OneMoment covers a range of topics starting with the basics of electrical shock, hazards, and risk prevention, then moving on to advanced topics like arc flash, maintenance, and pre/post job planning.
OneMoment online electrical safety training brings EPSCO’s years of experience in the field to your team. Click to sign up today for the most comprehensive and compelling safety course out there.
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Introducing Electrical Power & Safety Company 
Delivering outstanding products and services for electrical power systems. EPSCO specialize in performing Arc Flash Analysis of your facility and training your team to deal with this danger in the safest manner possible. Let us help you keep your people SAFE! Electrical Power & Safety Company is an industry leader in providing responsive, flexible, and reliable service for the industrial, construction, and mining industries. EPSCO goal is to provide each and every one of our clients with the solutions needed to efficiently and effectively manage internal power needs.
EPSCO began in 2008 as Electrical Power Solutions Inc which was a body of project managers relaying customer’s project needs to contractors versed in fulfilling their requirements. Today, EPSCO has expanded and provides direct onsite services, and employs a proficient and knowledgeable team of Professional Engineers, Project Managers, Field Service Technicians, and Control/Automation Specialists. Allow the EPSCO team to provide you with the electrical power and safety solutions you need to maintain a competitive edge in a constantly evolving industrial market.
Campaign Launched to Save Lives Against National Arc Flash Threat
August 4th, 2021
Arc Flash Threat & Protection
- ProGARM has launched a new research campaign to uncover the real arc flash threat and risk in the UK
- Historic ProGARM and BSIF research suggests 57% of workers within specific industries are impacted by arc flash
- The new research campaign will be used to drive change to protect lives on the ground
Will you make it home today?
This is the question arc flash specialist protective clothing manufacturer, ProGARM, is asking the UK industry. The question has been posed as part of a national campaign to raise awareness around the often-fatal risk of arc flash injury.
The campaign sees ProGARM calling on workers at all levels within the rail, construction, petrochemical, utilities, power generation and industrial electrical industry to share their experiences in a bid to capture a true picture of the real risk of arc flash across the UK.
An arc flash is caused when an electrical discharge travels through the air and releases an intense burst of energy. The energy expelled can be deadly, with temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, the flash burns clothing and human skin within fractions of a second, even at a distance. The deadly phenomenon is a hidden killer and can impact anyone breaking ground, working with electricity or cables.
Mark Lant, Technical Expert at ProGARM, said: “Arc flash is a very real danger affecting workers up and down the country. And yet there is worryingly little research into the risk. We want to change that and so we are calling on those working in these specific fields to share valuable experiences via our survey and help us to protect lives in the future.”
The results of the study will be compared with ProGARM’s benchmark survey in 2017, to reveal the progress of arc flash safety over the last four years.
Mark continued: “The research has been designed to identify any possible areas where workers may still be at unnecessary risk of serious injury. The results of our 2017 study helped to raise awareness of arc flash risk, but four years on we must do more to save lives. Ultimately, it’s our goal to ensure that every person at risk is armed with the right awareness, knowledge and PPE to stay safe and make it home at the end of each day.”
Professionals in the wind energy industry across the UK are encouraged to take part and share their experiences in a bid to ensure the safety of industry workers.
About ProGARM
ProGARM is dedicated to protecting lives through the manufacture and supply of exceptional quality Arc Flash and Flame Resistant safety clothing.
Based in East Yorkshire, ProGARM’s key goal is to educate about the dangers of Arc Flash whilst providing an exceptional Arc Flash Clothing range that offers the ultimate in protection. ProGARM is the only UK manufacturer concentrating on and specialising 100% in Arc Flash and Flame Resistant garments for businesses. The company prides itself in consistently innovating and in having specialist expertise available for those it works with.
Recognised as the brand that people see as the leader in Arc Flash, ProGARM delivers an exceptional service, whilst remaining vibrant, strong and hungry to pioneer the very best Arc Flash PPE.
Further Reading
Arc Workwear Saves Lives | Watch Mitchell’s Story
Arc Flash Survivor Story – Jason Brozen
ProGARM Arc Flash Clothing & Accessories Resource Centre
💡 Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage.
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.
The Arc Flash Risk in Electric Metering
July 30th, 2021
“30,000 Arc Flash Incidents per year” Source: ISHN
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Special thanks to Allan Newbronner Electrical Systems Manager at Horizon Engineering Solutions Ltd for the kind permission to republish this article
Arc Flash Risk
Electric Metering
Across the country, there are millions of electricity meters. The quality of these varies from very modern installations to very old assets. An important fact is that there are certain activities undertaken by a meter operator that can only be conducted ‘LIVE’ and it’s important that if you are responsible for people working with electricity that the inherent arc flash risks are considered and addressed. The primary risk for a meter operative are activities involving the cut-out (service head):
- Fuse carrier withdrawal
- Polarity testing and voltage measurements
- Installation of a shroud
- Checking the tightness of connections within the cutout
- Withdrawal of a shroud
- Re-insertion of the cut-out (service head)
There is an additional risk around metal-clad cut-outs and the opening of the cover. As the cover is conductive if there is a problem with the hinges, or if the cover is in fact unhinged, it can drop and come into contact with energized conductors causing an arc event. A similar risk can exist around multi-way distribution boards if any of the busbar covers are missing. This can’t be established before the opening of the cover of the distribution board.
Law & Legislation
There have been a number of life-changing injuries to meter operators/engineers with engineers being hospitalized for lengthy periods of time with repeated skin grafts being needed on their hands, arms, and face. Typically engineers have not been wearing adequate Arc PPE protection which is required by law in the UK and in many countries around the world.
Electricity at Work Regulation 1989. Regulation 14 Work on or Near Live Conductors; Standard of Duty is Absolute! No person shall be engaged in any work activity on or so near any live conductor (other than one suitably covered with insulating material to prevent danger) that danger may arise unless:
(a) it is unreasonable in all the circumstances for it to be dead; and
(b) it is reasonable in all the circumstances for him/her to be at work on or near it while it is LIVE; and
(c) suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision of suitable protective equipment) are taken to prevent injury.
Arc Flash In Conclusion
If you have engineers/operators working on or near LIVE or potentially LIVE conductors then it is very likely they are exposed to the risk of an Arc Flash or Electric Shock. Adequately protecting people and the organization is paramount and is your duty under the Law.
Ensuring that understanding the risk and creating meaningful steps to mitigate that risk is something each organization is responsible to carry out.
There are various professional organizations that have dedicated technical team(s) that work through the hierarchy of controls assisting clients in ways to:
1. Eliminate the risk by physically removing the risk
2. Substitute the risk by replacing the hazard
3. Engineering out the risk by isolating people from the hazard
4. Use of administrative controls to change the way people work – Comprehensive Electrical Safety Rules
5. Mandate Correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Last but not least!
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.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
What Is An Arc Flash Study?
July 30th, 2021
Arc Flash Protection
ProGARM Arc Flash Clothing, Garments & Electrical PPE
An Arc Flash Study is a risk assessment of a workplace environment that determines Arc Flash hazards. An expert in electrical safety conducts an assessment to ensure that a company understands the risks their workplace poses to their team and how to protect against them. Assessment providers may also offer training to increase your team’s awareness and options for periodic reviews.
WHAT DOES AN ARC FLASH STUDY INVOLVE?
How big would the bang be? That is the central question that an Arc Flash study seeks to answer. Only by knowing this can you adequately protect your team against the Arc Flash risks of their working environment.
An Arc Flash study will identify areas of low risk, as well as those at high risk of an Arc Flash incident. This allows you to tailor your Arc Flash protection strategy accordingly. The study will also assess the potential severity of injury at a given distance and locate the protection boundary at which there is a severe danger of second-degree burns.
There are many facets to a successful Arc Flash assessment and generally, they are adapted to fit your specific industry and requirements. They can include Arc Flash calculations, fault level studies and comprehensive site surveys.
WHO NEEDS TO CARRY OUT AN ARC FLASH STUDY?
Companies in the UK are not currently obliged to perform Arc Flash assessments on their sites. This is in stark opposition to the USA, where there is more awareness about the dangers of Arc Flash incidents. An Arc Flash study may be optional, but the positive impact on safety within your organisation is likely to be significant.
Arc Flash protective clothing is vital to protect your team should they be at risk. An Arc Flash study will highlight what level of protection is needed, allowing you to make an informed decision about your team’s Arc Flash protective clothing requirements. Arc Flash garments are available from specialist Arc Flash and non-specialist suppliers – we believe that when lives are at stake that you should trust a specialist. All garments that are rated for Arc Flash protection conform to EN Standards, but not all Arc Flash garments are created equal.
➡ See also our range of Electrical Safety Equipment
Take a look at what it takes to create a ProGARM garment and explore how our garments protect your team, the quality and durability of our arc flash clothing and how the comfort and design of our garments contribute to protecting your team.
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of arc flash coveralls to suit a range of requirements. Variations include ladies coveralls, designs for overhead linesmen, orange and yellow hi vis options and a wide range of sizes. Contact Thorne & Derrick with your specific PPE requirements and we will be happy to help.
The ProGARM range of Flame Resistant protective garments are designed for every-day wear and protection – the highly breathable clothing ranges are designed for comfort and safety without compromising the ability of the wearer to work productively, safely and unhampered by cumbersome garments prone to overheating.
Other garments and protection products include Arc Flash Gloves, Arc Clothing, Arc Flash Suits and Arc Flash Helmets & Visors.
Further Reading
- Arc Flash Protection Hoodie with FR Protection | ProGARM 5530
- Arc Flash Clothing Standards | EN Standards for Arc Flash Protection
- Arc Flash Protection | A Whitepaper on Clothing & Garment Selection
- Arc Flash Survivor Story – Jason Brozen
💡 Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage.
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.
