Arc Flash Protection
HSG47 | Avoiding Danger From Underground Services | An HSE Document
July 26th, 2021
HSG47 | Avoiding Danger From Underground Services
A Document from Health & Safety Executive
HSE Health & Safety Executive issued the 3rd edition of their guidelines ‘HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services’ in 2014. Whilst the basic requirements are still the same, this third edition published in February 2014 brings the guidance up to date from the previously published version 14 years previously in 2000.
The document is freely available from the internet by searching on HSG47 2014. Recommendations regarding Protective Clothing against the hazards of Arc Flash Incidents can be found on Page 26 and two extracts are as follows:
“..clothing made from man-made fibres such as nylon may melt and stick to the skin, increasing the severity of the burns.”
“Advice on the suitability and performance of protective clothing should be available from reputable companies specialising in its supply.”
HSG47 (Third Edition) Summary Extract
This guidance is aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services. It will also be of use to the owners and operators of such services.
It outlines the potential dangers of working near underground services and gives advice on how to reduce any direct risks to people’s health and safety, as well as the indirect risks arising through damage to services.
It explains the three basic elements of a safe system of work during excavation:
- Planning the work
- Locating and identifying buried services
- Safe excavation
This third edition of HSG47 brings the guidance up to date, but the basic requirements remain the same.
(N.B. Extract taken from Page 1 of the document)
Why ProGARM?
Many garments within the ProGARM product range are now certificated to IEC61482 the European Standard for Arc Flash protective clothing and can offer the protection required for your workforce. Garments are tested to either the European Box test method or the US ATPV test method with some garments, including coveralls, offering certification to both test methods.
➡ See also the range of Electrical Safety Equipment
Awareness of Safety Guidance Ahead of Groundworks (HSG47)
Arc Flash Risks During Construction Groundworks
HSG47 is the Health & Safety Executive’s issued guidance aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services.
It’s comprehensive in covering the three basic elements of safe systems of work through planning, locating & identifying buried services and safe excavation.
Coveralls | Switching Suits | Polo Shirts | Helmets | Gloves | Garments
The most recent third edition, released in 2014, brought guidance up to date, but still outlines the same potential dangers as those flagged in the first release in 1989.
ONLY 22% OF WORKERS AWARE OF HSG47 GUIDANCE
Yet ProGARM’s Arc Flash Survey in 2017 revealed a staggering 78% of respondents were still unaware of what the guidance included when it came to reducing the risks of Arc Flash incidents.
For three whole years of London’s Crossrail project, eight tunnelling machines were working to create the 42 km of new train tunnels.
We can only imagine the extensive degree of research and planning that must have gone into the location and re-siting of London’s complex array of underground services during this phase of the works to avoid such incidents.
But for every high-profile, major infrastructure project like this, with specialist civil engineers working to incredibly precise risk assessments and method statements, there will be hundreds more smaller scale projects taking place where work is not being carried out with the same levels of awareness, diligence or training.
At ProGARM, we may provide a last line of defence against an Arc Flash in the form of specialist PPE, but there’s no substitute for awareness and proactive steps to minimise the risks of them occurring in the first place.
➡ Thorne & Derrick | Specialist Distributors & Stockists of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment to the Rail industry.
Further Reading
- Arc Flash Risks In The Rail Industry
- Arc Flash Survivor Story – Jason Brozen
- The Arc Flash Risk in Electric Metering
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.
NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH | RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls (Hi-Vis Orange) | ProGARM 4693
July 26th, 2021
ProGARM 4693
RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls
ProGARM’s Mission is to Lead with Innovation
Introducing the new addition to the ProGARM range of Arc Flash Clothing, lightweight and most comfortable high vis orange coveralls – standard style – ProGARM 4693, also available in ladies’ fit style – ProGARM 4694.
These arc flash coveralls feature the newest lightweight 240gms fabric, extremely breathable, designed with intention of achieving lightest and most breathable results.
Features & Benefits of Arc Flash Overalls
- Mandarin collar // Maximum neck protection
- Kneepad pockets // Wear with kneepads for extra comfort
- Chest pockets // Secure storage
- Gas monitor loop // Secure fixing point
- SafetyICON™ on arm // Visual EN Norm icon system
- 5cm FR AS reflective tape // Double stitched for longer life
- Phone Pocket on sleeve with flap // Safe and secure
- Cuff tabs with VELCRO® brand fasteners // Close fit around wrists
- Side access pockets with flaps // With entry inside coverall
- ThermSAFE™ plastic FR zippers // CE Certified
- Internal elastic 2 point adjustable waistband // Ensures close fit
- Double stitched side seams // Lifetime quality assurance
- Easy-Stretch™ side panels // Maximum wear comfort
RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls (Hi-Vis Orange) | ProGARM 4693
Arc Flash Coveralls
Specification
- Sizes: Small Regular leg, Medium Regular leg, Medium Tall leg, Large Regular leg, Large Tall leg, X Large Regular leg, X Large Tall leg, 2X Large Regular leg, 2X Large Tall leg, 3X Large Regular leg, 4X Large Regular leg
- Colour: Hi-Viz Orange
- Open ARC Test: ATPV=6.7 cal/cm², ELIM=6.2 cal/cm², ARC 2
- Box Test: 4KA, Class 1
- LOI: Not Applicable
- Protection Type: Antistatic, ARC Flash, Heat & Flame, Hi-Visibility, Railway
- Fabric: ProGARM VXS+ Inherent Woven Weave 240gsm
- Industry Sector: Industrial Electrical, Petrochemical, Rail, Utilities & Power Generation
- Type: Arc Flash Coveralls
- Collection: Hi-Visibility Orange Collection
ProGARM 4693 EN Standards
- EN 1149-5:2018: Pt. 5:2008 // Pt. 3:2004 // Charge Decay
- EN ISO 11611:2015: Class 1 // A1
- EN ISO 11612:2015: A1 // B1 // C1 // F1
- EN ISO 20471:2013: Class 3
- IEC 61482-2:2020: APC 1 // ELIM=6.2 cal/cm² // ATPV=6.7 cal/cm²
- RIS 3279: Issue 2
ProGARM for the Rail Industry | RIS-3279-TOM
What is RIS-3279-TOM?
RIS-3279-TOM (formerly known as GO-RT 3279) is a high visibility standard that only applies to the rail industry in the UK, as opposed to the EU-Wide nature of other EN standards. The aim is to ensure that rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains approaching at speed or any other traffic.
High visibility clothing is the fundamental principle behind the UK Rail Industry Standard. This is based on the European Norm EN 20471:2013, and garments must comply to Class 2 High Visibility, the middle of a three class range. The standard states the following: ‘high visibility clothing worn by people on the lineside or on or near the line should conform to a single standard for the colour and luminance of background material and that this standard will accord with the detail contained within BS EN 20471:2013 high visibility clothing – Test methods and requirements (ISO 20471:2013).’
It is stated in the standard that: ‘the colour specific requirements within this standard conform to the range specified within BS EN 20471 clause 5.1.2.’ In order to confine this to a specific orange colour, and to prevent the selection of a colour at the red end of the spectrum, the precise chromaticity co-ordinates for the colour are specified as: Fluorescent orange, X:0.588, Y:0.371. with a luminance factor of at least 0.4. The accepted tolerance in colour is as laid out in EN 20471. However, there is no tolerance for the luminance factor.
Also stipulated in RIS-3279-TOM is the need of retro-reflective materials, with photometric and physical performance aligned with EN 20471.
Mentioned in RIS-3279-TOM is the accepted use of a mini vest where the nature of the work being carried out will not obscure the high visibility clothing, and thus reduce the surface area’ that is visible. The same applies to company logos; these are permitted where they do not compromise the surface area of background colour, and compensation may have to be made for this.
Arc Flash Coveralls
ProGARM 4693
Arc Flash Coveralls, from the ProGARM range of Arc Rated garments and clothing are used to protect against arc flash accidents as the last line of defence. Arc Flash PPE will not prevent incidents, and it is therefore vital that a comprehensive electrical safety plan for maintenance, repair and diagnostic procedures (involving energised LV, MV or HV electrical equipment) is also implemented.
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.
💡 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.
Further Reading
- Arc Flash | Don’t Let the Summer Sun Compromise Your Electrical PPE
- Arc Flash Risks In The Rail Industry
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.
Electrical Safety Products | PPE & Safety Workwear for Utility Workers
July 21st, 2021
Electrical Safety Products
Which personal protective equipment or electrical safety products are used for head protection? There are three different types of head protection that are commonly used:
- Industrial Safety Helmets (Hard Hats) – designed to provide protection against falling materials from a height or swinging objects.
- Industrial Scalp Protectors (Bump Caps) – designed to provide protection from hitting against static objects.
- Caps/Hair Nets – designed to protect against entanglement.
Tasks in which head protection might be needed include:
- Construction
- Building Repairs
- Working in Excavations or Tunnels
What are 3 types of personal protective equipment?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is industrial safety products used by workers, contractors or visitors to protect their bodies from workplace hazards. PPE can be classified in the following categories, based on the type of protection offered by the equipment:
- Eye protection– for example, safety spectacles/goggles, eye shields, Face shields etc.
- Respiratory protection– for example, disposable, cartridge, half or full face masks.
- Working from heights– for example, harness and fall arrest systems.
Eye Protection
What are 5 types of PPE?
The 5 different types of PPE are:
- Face Shields
- Gloves
- Gowns
- Head Covers
- Masks
What are the safety equipments?
PPE is the safety equipment that provides protection to users against health or safety risks at work. This include industrial safety products such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.
Electrical Safety Footwear – Jointers & Linesmens Boots
➡ See also Electrical Safety Equipment and Arc Flash Clothing.
What are the types of safety?
OSHA listed five different types of hazards that affect most of the workplaces. These hazards can be found in every kind of industry and should be handled appropriately to keep workers from injury or health issues.
- Safety Hazards: Such hazards are dangerous conditions in a facility that can cause injuries, illness, or even fatality like spills, working from height, unguarded machinery, wiring issues, confined spaces, forklifts, and much more.
- Biological Hazards: These hazards are typical for those who work with animals, people, or infectious plant materials. People working in daycare centres, hospitals, and nursing homes can be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.
- Physical Hazards: Physical hazards include environmental factors that can cause harm to workers even without direct contact. Radiation, sunlight exposure, working in extreme temperatures, and noisy environment are few examples of physical hazards.
- Ergonomic Hazards: Such hazards can be the most difficult to identify, but can easily cause strain and injury to the body. Employees can face ergonomic hazards if their workstations or chairs are not adjusted properly, if they are making repetitive movements in awkward position and other situations where the body and muscles are overstressed.
- Chemical Hazards: Any chemicals in the workplace could put individuals at risk. Some chemicals are even more harmful than others, but even common chemicals can cause skin irritation, serious illness, or breathing problems.
Further Reading
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.
Arc Flash Garments & Clothing | The Top 10 Sellers
July 14th, 2021
Stockists | Suppliers | Distributors
Arc Flash Protection
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – this includes Arc Flash Garments & Clothing to provide protection against the dangers of arc flash risks to workers carrying out maintenance, inspection and repair on electrical power systems.
We service UK and international clients working on underground and subsea cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at LV, 11kV/33kV up to EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
The following items comprise the current Top 10 Sellers from our extensive ProGARM range of Arc & Electrical PPE for arc flash and flame resistant protection of utility workers.
>> Download Your Guide To Here <<
HV Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors | Approved Stockists & Distributors | 3M Electrical (Cold Shrink) | Nexans (Euromold JTS MONO) | Pfisterer (CONNEX SEANEX) | 11kV 33kV 66kV Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories
Arc Flash Survivor Story – Jason Brozen
July 6th, 2021
Arc Flash Survivor Story
Arc Flash Coat
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Special thanks to Jason Brozen for sharing his story & ESPCO for the kind permission to republish
After surviving an arc flash accident, Jason Brozen made it his mission to share his experience to help others stay safe on the job. Jason is proud to join EPSCO and their industry-leading electrical safety team.
Jason shares EPSCO’s passion for safety and dedication to electrical safety training that’s on-the-level, comprehensive, and collaborative. We hope that his story will help increase your awareness and attention to electrical safety.
See the full interview and other stories from survivors by taking your next Electrical safety training course with One Moment.
Jason’s Survival Story
The morning started just like any other for Jason Brozen.
He showed up to work, got his assignment, and arrived at the job site thinking he’d get it done, punch out, and be back home with his family for dinner.
Jason had been a Master Electrician for over a decade and was fascinated with electricity for a long time before that. As a kid, he would ask for electronic toys for holidays and birthdays, just so he could take them apart.
He’d never had a major accident at work, so there was no reason for him to question his approach. This was a straightforward job installing a breaker he’d done hundreds of times before – and he’d gotten them all done without cutting power or wearing any PPE.
All Jason had to do was remove the breaker from the box, inspect it, fit the new breaker and bolt it in. But there were loose parts on the bus bar. As he tried to fit the breaker, the bars got too close and triggered a massive arc flash explosion.
Everything fell into slow-motion. Jason could feel the cycles of electricity ripping through his body. The arc flash was over in an instant but blasted him with more firepower than the surface of the sun.
The next thing Jason knew, he was on the floor in a pitch black room, choking on the smoke with the fire alarm blaring. He didn’t know if he was on fire, but realized he was severely burned as firefighters arrived on scene.
He knew right away he’d been involved in an arc flash incident, but he didn’t realize what it meant to be an arc flash survivor.
Here is the coat Jason was wearing when the ARC flash happened. It’s a miracle that it wasn’t fatal. Typically non rated clothing will ignite and glue itself to you or engulf your torso in flames.
He was one of the lucky ones. With only 14% burns he had a better chance for survival than most arc flash victims. But he never realized it would mean two weeks in an induced coma in the ICU and seven months of rehab before he could even think about returning to work.
Third degree burns destroyed everything down through his nerves, requiring skin grafts on his face and hands. Breathing in the hot gas left him coughing up soot from his lungs for weeks. In the hospital, Jason was immobile and had to rely on the nurses and staff for the simplest things. When he got released Jason couldn’t use his hands for anything. He couldn’t drive. Couldn’t get dressed on his own. Couldn’t even hold his own fork at dinner.
But the thing that caused Jason the most pain, was that he wasn’t able to provide for his family. It was a long and tough road for Jason to get back onto the field, but he did it. And now, he wants to share his story so that others won’t make the same mistake he did.
Jason was brave and generous enough to share his experience with EPSCO as part of our ONE MOMENT online electrical safety training series. We went in depth to create the most comprehensive arc flash survivor story out there. We had access to never before seen footage taken moments after Jason’s arc flash accident. But we want everyone to understand the damage goes far beyond the physical injuries – It effects your psychology, your family, your company and co-workers, and their clients too.
View the video and see how arc flash changed Jason’s life forever. See how being an arc flash survivor taught him to — “Plan your work. Work your plan. Follow through with that plan. And do not make exceptions on anything when it comes to safety.”
➡ Read Video Transcript here
The watch Jason was wearing when the accident occurred.
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.
