Arc Flash Protection
Arc Flash | Don’t Let the Summer Sun Compromise Your Electrical PPE
June 30th, 2021Comments By & Republished with Kind Permission of Mark Lant, Technical Expert at ProGARM
Electrical PPE
Arc Flash Clothing
In industries working around high and low voltage electricity, the importance of Electrical PPE is widely recognised, and the latest electrical safety requirements are understood by managers and operatives alike. However, the dangers posed by an arc flash are not so well known in comparison. With temperatures of up to 35,000ºF, which is more than four times hotter than the surface of the sun, an arc flash has the potential to burn an operative’s skin within fractions of a second, meaning PPE really is the last line of defence for workers.
But the summer heat can pose a risk to workers, who may be unknowingly compromising the protection provided by their PPE in their efforts to keep cool.
The Risks of Heavy, Bulky Electrical PPE
For obvious reasons, all arc flash clothing must be full length and long sleeve, to ensure no part of an operative is left unprotected. However, this can become extremely warm for those working during the warmer summer months.
Additionally, arc flash protective clothing has historically been thought of as uncomfortable. This is primarily because the clothing was typically made from fabrics that provided great protection, but were often heavy, stiff, and rough against bare skin.
A garment can offer the ultimate protection, but if an operative does not feel comfortable wearing it, that protection diminishes when they choose not to wear the garment correctly.
Heavy, bulky and rigid Electrical PPE is frequently worn incorrectly – it’s all too easy to roll sleeves up or undo a jacket when a garment is uncomfortably hot in the warmer months, but all this seriously compromises the safety of an individual against an arc flash.
Ensuring Breathable Electrical PPE
Thankfully, uncomfortable PPE can now be a thing of the past, thanks to the use of inherent fabrics. Inherent fabric refers to material which has fire retardant properties as part of its natural make-up. In other words, they needn’t undergo a chemical process to become flame-retardant, as the polymers which make up the clothing are inherently so.
Not only do inherent fabrics offer lifelong protection, garments made with inherent fibres allow movement, breathability and moisture management. The fabric readily absorbs sweat and then dries quickly, not only providing cooling in hot, humid conditions, but doesn’t leave sweat running down the skin.
The Importance of Layering Arc Flash Clothing
While in summer, the thought of extra layers may not be appealing, the material worn beneath an arc flash protective jacket is just as crucial to protecting from the event as outer clothing.
Although the outer garments are key components for providing protection, they are not enough to match the risk posed to an operative’s safety. Therefore it’s vital that any layers worn beneath arc flash clothing, including underwear, should also be arc-resistant.
This is because, while the flames caused by an arc flash may not actually come into contact with skin through the protective outer layers, the extreme heat from the event can melt the materials used to manufacture everyday undergarments, including nylon, cotton, and polypropylene. This will inflict burns on an operative and potentially cause non-arc flash protective undergarments to melt into the skin underneath their PPE.
The key to ensuring effective arc flash protection during hot working conditions is to ensure that workers are equipped with garments that will allow them to stay cool and comfortable during their physical tasks, therefore enabling them to wear their Electrical PPE in the correct manner without overheating.
💡 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 Hidden Risks of Breaking Ground | Protecting Against Arc Flash
June 30th, 2021
Arc Flash Risks
The Hidden Risks of Breaking Ground
Those who work in electrically-charged environments are often aware of the dangers they face. Rightly so; it’s highly regulated because a wrong move could have devastating consequences. But what about when that’s not the case?
Industries from telecoms to utilities, sustainable technology to rail maintenance can find themselves in unpredictable territory when breaking ground. In this more uncontrolled environment, the risk of an arc flash or other electrical incident is a real possibility.
A CRITICAL LACK OF INFORMATION
Companies involved in breaking ground rely on underground utility maps to show whether there is a risk of disturbing live services. It’s worrying though, that there is no single, government-owned collection of maps showing the UK’s service network. Instead, some companies hold some records, creating at best a very high-level picture.
At worst, it’s dangerous; as well as the unknown risks, utility and service cable strikes cost the economy around £1.2bn a year.
The HSE has produced a comprehensive guide Avoiding Danger from Underground Services.
This talks about how to identify and manage the dangers, as well as identifying services and safe excavation. The guidance is clear about the responsibilities if you plan work that may disturb underground services, and suggests that site operators and owners should be prepared to help you locate and identify any services that could be a risk.
Stokbord Drum Cable Protection for Underground Utility Cables
THE MOST DANGEROUS RISK IS AN UNKNOWN ONE
One of the biggest problems with the unpredictable task of breaking ground is that if there’s no perceived risk then it’s likely the wrong PPE is being used. When there’s even a possibility of an arc flash occurring, it’s crucial that specialist arc flash kit is worn.
People regularly working in known live electrical environment have an advantage. They benefit from full and comprehensive assessments to ensure they’re wearing kit that will protect them should an incident occur. As an employer, the costs are significant if you don’t follow the rules with fines of over £2m not unheard of.
THE RIGHT ARC FLASH PPE CHOICE IS THE ONLY CHOICE
Research shows there is a lack of awareness about the products available to protect people from arc flashes and other electrical incidents. Conversations about thermal energy and calories per square centimetre of fabric may seem complex and overwhelming.
As a result, they can be a trigger for your businesses reverting to tried and tested PPE that suits a more generalist need.
In the event of an arc flash, that decision could be the difference between survival, significant life-changing injuries and even death. Purpose-designed arc-flash clothing, as designed by ProGARM, undergoes every possible industry test, meets every relevant certification, and matches every necessary standard. More than that, it is designed with comfort, durability and wearability in mind.
If disaster strikes when breaking ground, ignorance will be no excuse.
Further Reading
Arc Workwear Saves Lives | Watch Mitchell’s Story
Live Line Electricity Voltage Alarm | CATU ALED3
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.
Arc Flash Risks In The Rail Industry
June 30th, 2021
Arc Flash Risks
A Guide to Arc Flash Risks in the Rail Industry from ProGARM
Arc Flash risks are becoming more widely recognised as a specific cause for concern to those working in the rail industry, over and above general electrical incidents, although there is still work to do on raising awareness of the Arc Flash risks in the rail industry.
An Arc Flash incident can occur any time people are working with electrical components. For the rail industry there are particular risks around working with electrical services and also when breaking ground.
WHAT ARE THE ARC FLASH RISKS TO THE RAIL INDUSTRY?
Clearly our electrified rail network means Arc Flash risks are prominent when carrying out maintenance. Any work on electrified lines or power cables should be risk-assessed and Arc Flash incidents considered.
Strapping tracks is another arc flash risk that could lead to an Arc Flash incident.
And of particular concern, mainly because engineers have to work in such confined spaces, is that there are Arc Flash risks when carrying out maintenance of distribution panels, especially track-side.
HOW CAN WORKERS BE PROTECTED FROM ARC FLASH RISKS?
Arc Flash specialists ProGARM and have developed a range of arc flash clothing products for the rail industry over and above our standard range.
For example, it’s likely an arc flash risk assessment for engineers working on distribution panels will require a helmet with visor and perhaps gloves, along with appropriately-rated clothing.
The Arc Flash risks of an incident on a distribution panel beside a railway track are increased because of the proximity of the worker to the panel and the confined space, meaning the potential energy from an incident could have even more catastrophic consequences.
What doesn’t seem to be widely recognised is the Arc Flash risk from breaking ground during track maintenance, laying new sleepers and cables, putting in new fencing or working close to electrified rails. In our 2017 research, 60% of those who were from the rail sector didn’t know the correct safety guidance for breaking ground (HSG47).
It’s conservatively estimated that around half of all services maps are wrong, so anyone digging or breaking ground could be at risk from a life-altering or life-threatening Arc Flash incident.
The following video shows the very real danger of breaking ground and striking an underground cable.
ProGARM says ‘An arc flash explosion is a very real danger when breaking ground with the possibility of hitting an underground cable. There is a lot of confusion in the industry, or across industries, around what to wear when breaking ground.
What we would like to bring to you today is an example in a video of what can happen when breaking ground and hitting an underground cable. There were two operatives, they are both bricklayers, they were round a manhole and they needed to break some concrete out from around the manhole. So if we go over the video and run through it as we go.
There’s the arc flash.
We will go over it in a bit more detail now and why it should happen. The guy on the breaker, 22 years old, picks up the breaker and starts breaking the ground. He unfortunately hits the cable, there is a massive explosion, he gets chucked up into the air and across the side. Now he gets up out of shock and tries to get out of the compound.
➡ It is imperative that all workers should wear protective Arc Flash garments whenever they are breaking ground where there is a risk of hitting underground cable.
He doesn’t have any FR or arc garments on so he has significant burns to his body and he spent the next few weeks in hospital having skin grafts. If you look at his colleague next to him, he gets chucked back against the side of the building now he receives burns to his face and hands. However he didn’t go back to work because of the mental trauma of it.
You see it can affect people in different ways, some people mentally, some people physically and in some cases both. What we believe is to have the correct FR arc flash garments for your operatives to give them the correct protection when breaking ground and at the risk of hitting an underground cable because the injuries can be life changing.’
Our industry research tells us that in the rail industry, when breaking ground the fire risk is often carefully managed, but the Arc Flash risks are less well-known.
ProGARM’s protective clothing is flame resistant as well as providing protection from Arc Flash incidents, so there’s no need to compromise, workers can be protected from both hazards.
➡ Let Thorne & Derrick and Arc Flash specialists ProGARM help you choose the correct garments to protect you and your team.
ARC FLASH RISKS SOLUTIONS: ESPECIALLY FOR RAIL
A wide range of our personal protective clothing is available in orange high viz, conforming to the new 2018 RIS Railway Specification.
All of our clothing is lightweight and breathable, ensuring worker comfort while also providing protection when workers are subject to Arc Flash risks. We use a variant of our VXS+ fabric which is tested to European standards, and all garments display an at-a-glance SafetyICON label so it’s easy to see what protection is offered.
Our orange high viz trousers and coveralls are available in male and female versions to ensure the best fit and maximum comfort. We have also designed waterproof salopettes, polo shirts and two jackets in the regulation orange high viz. Two types of helmet with visor are available, depending on the voltage.
Specialist Distributor & Customer Service
Thorne and Derrick are Approved Specialist Suppliers & Distributors of ProGARM Arc Flash Clothing & PPE providing competitive prices from extensive stocks with excellent customer service levels. We protect LV HV Cable Jointers, SAP’s, Overhead Linesmen, Substation & Electrical Engineers; whether racking and switching Medium Voltage switchgear or fusing Low Voltage feeder pillars – we have the correct clothing and workwear to provide safe protection against all calculated levels of arc flash hazards.
Overview of Arc Flash Clothing | Contact us to discuss your garment and PPE requirements, we can mitigate risk with guidance on safe working practices and by providing appropriate worker clothing that offers advanced Arc Flash Protection that saves lives every day. Whether working on underground cables or overhead lines, here is a selection of workwear clothing – contact us to discuss your requirements;
>> 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 Safety Awareness Campaign | Service Cable Strikes – Internal Safety Training Video
June 30th, 2021Service Cable Strikes
Internal Safety Training Video
Bomb – An explosive, incendiary or other destructive substance or device. In our industry this could be electric cables or gas pipes. Many people are killed or seriously injured from service strikes every year. Because when you hit an electric cable or gas pipe it becomes a bomb! … and you’re far too close to escape its blast!
Minefield – An area of ground containing explosives or situation beset with hidden problems. In other words, the site you are working on.
Signs of a Potential Minefield – Signs of road repair, including patches, paved areas and new fill, odd features in the ground or patterns that are not present in nature. These situations present potential hazards.
Since 2015 an average of 70 people a year were killed or seriously injured from service strikes! … And that’s just in the UK!
The disclaimers on plans tell a big story ‘This information is given as a guide only and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed’
The depth of the hazard is not guaranteed either. These shallow hazards are everywhere! The following are taken from our own reports, all of these tell us to expect a threat as soon as we start digging.
Hit electric service cable @ 250mm – 200mm too shallow!
Cable struck with mini digger bucket @ 220mm deep!
UG streetlight cable hit by excavator. 60mm tarmac and depth of cable was 300mm!
Even if you hit a low voltage cable, you’re by no means safe. Examples of low voltage damage to PPE.
Would you cut corners here?
Service Strikes – Would you cut corners here?
Or here?
Service Strikes
Sweep For Mines – Assumption could kill you today. Bear in mind the unknowns beneath your feet, don’t cut corners, and plan for the unexpected!
➡ Thorne & Derrick together with ProGARM aim to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of cable strikes and how important it is to wear the correct Arc Flash clothing and accessories.
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.
Protecting Cables Against Strikes & Restoring Power Post-Strike
Thorne & Derrick have been distributors for 3M Electrical since 1985 and can provide a range of reliable and easy to install Cable Repair Products – this includes Scotch Tapes, Scotchcast Joints and Cold Shrink Tubes to provide effective re-instatement of cable sheath jackets on all types of LV MV HV cables in onshore and offshore locations with safe or hazardous area workplace classifications.
Cable Repair Products
Our range of cable protection covers manufactured by Centriforce provide underground utility protection of LV MV HV cables including Tapetile (11kV) and Stokbord (33kV 66kV 132kV) – contact us to discuss Cable Damage Prevention Products including Dectamesh, the underground detectable warning tape for alerting excavators of the presence of buried cables and to prevent potentially lethal accidents during excavation.
Stokbord
Tapetile
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 Workwear Saves Lives | Watch Mitchell’s Story
June 7th, 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.
