When Are Arc Flash Switching Suits Required?
Published 22 Jan 2024
STRATA Workwear Arc Flash Protective Clothing Range
Arc Flash Switching Suits
Thorne & Derrick are the UK’s Leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Safety Equipment to clients working in the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – we supply arc flash clothing from a range of brands including STRATA® Protection.
STRATA® Protection a the leading Arc & Flame Protective Clothing brand in the Energy Sector including arc flash switching suits for the protection of workers.
Arc flash switching suits are required in situations where electrical systems pose a risk and are specially designed suits that are used in situations where electrical systems have the potential to release intense energy in the form of an arc flash event. These suits are commonly worn by professionals working in electrical, utility, and industrial sectors.
Switching suits are specifically designed to provide multiple levels of protection against the hazards associated with arc flash events. These suits are categorised based on their ability to shield the wearer from thermal energy, flames, and other hazardous elements.
Wearing the proper arc flash suit is essential in high-risk work environments, where electrical equipment or systems may be subject to faults or malfunctions that could result in an arc flash event. These environments include power plants, substations, electrical maintenance and repair, and other industrial settings – protecting utility workers against arc flash dangers posed during maintenance on underground electric cables, overhead line conductors or electrical equipment.
What garments does an arc flash suit comprise of?
Thorne & Derrick understand how critical it is to have reliable, highest quality personal protection equipment (PPE), clothing and arc workwear available from stock at competitive prices
The arc flash kit typically consists of:
- Arc Flash Hood: A hood designed to cover the head and neck, often featuring a built-in face shield and integrated hard hat. Designed to be used alongside your existing clothing systems to provide specialist protection when working with high incident energy levels
- Arc Flash Jacket: A flame-resistant jacket is tailored to cover the upper body completely, including the torso, arms, and neck, providing a reliable barrier against extreme temperatures and potential burns. Available in a range of different size, including ‘extra small’ (XS) all the way through to 4XL
- Arc Flash Trousers: Specially designed trousers or dungarees that offer protection for the lower body. These garments help guard against thermal hazards and electrical risks arising from arc flash events. Available in a range of different size, including ‘extra small’ (XS) all the way through to 4XL (size 8 to 18 for women)
- Arc Flash Gloves: Insulated gloves made from arc-rated materials, intended to safeguard the hands against the cuts, abrasions, and burns that are possible during an arc flash incident while maintaining dexterity. Available in a range of different sizes
- Storage Bag: A dedicated bag for storing and transporting the components of the arc flash switching suit kit.
All these components work together to provide comprehensive protection against the hazards associated with arc flashes and electrical incidents. It is crucial to select items that meet relevant safety standards and are tested and certified for arc flash protection. Regular training on the proper use and maintenance of these components is also essential to ensure workers’ safety.
When do I need to wear my arc flash Switching suit?
You are required to wear your arc flash switching suit whenever you are working on or near electrical systems or equipment that pose a potential arc flash hazard. This includes situations where there is a risk of electrical faults or when you are working with energised electrical systems.
It is essential to wear arc flash suits to protect yourself from the thermal and electrical hazards associated with arc flashes.
The specific requirements for wearing arc flash suits may vary depending on your local regulations, employer policies, and the level of hazard present. It is crucial to follow industry standards and guidelines to ensure your safety.
Here are some examples of situations you would consider wearing one:
- Switchgear Operations: When interacting with electrical equipment like switchgear, arc flash suits provide indispensable protection against arc flash incidents during maintenance, inspections, or troubleshooting
- Electrical Panel Work: Wiring, repairing, or maintaining electrical panels pose inherent risks, demanding the use of arc flash suits to mitigate potential dangers
- Circuit Breaker Maintenance: Activities involving circuit breaker maintenance and repair require the full-body coverage offered by arc flash suits to prevent severe injuries
- Panel Inspections: During inspections, repairs, or maintenance of electrical panels and distribution boards
Arc Flash Clothing Kit 40 Cal
How often do arc flash suits need to be tested?
It’s important to note that while periodic non-destructive testing is not required for arc flash suits, it is still crucial to adhere to industry standards, guidelines, and manufacturer recommendations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the suits.
However, the frequency of testing may vary depending on the usage, condition, manufacturer’s recommendations, and relevant industry standards or regulations. Additionally, suits should be inspected prior to each use for any signs of damage or wear and should be replaced if necessary.
However, there are recommendations out there for maintenance:
- Consider replacing the clothing for the suit every 10 years (this will depend on how often you are using the suit, less frequent usage may result in the kit lasting longer)
- Keep your arc suit clothing free of oil, grease, dust or – carefully read the laundering instructions to maintain the integrity of the garment.
- Refresh your face shield every 5 years. Should the face shield show substantial scratches or discolouration, take immediate action to replace it.
- Audit your full kit – take the time to look for scratches on your helmet, rips or snags in your clothing and take the safest course of actions after the audit and replace where necessary.
Alternatives to Arc Flash Suits
It is important to note that the effectiveness of arc flash clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) depends on various factors such as the level of risk, the specific tasks involved, and the hazard analysis conducted.
While layering other items of arc flash clothing and PPE can provide adequate protection, it is crucial to ensure that each layer is properly selected and compliant with relevant safety standards. The layering should also not compromise mobility or restrict the wearer’s ability to perform their tasks safely.
Providing a variety of options for engineers to choose from can certainly contribute to their comfort and well-being. It is important, however, to prioritise safety and effectiveness in selecting the appropriate arc flash clothing and PPE. Regular maintenance and inspection of these items should also be carried out to ensure continued protection.
Further Reading: STRATA Workwear | Skanwear Arc Flash Clothing & Protection
ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROVIDERS
We protect substation engineers, asset managers, SAPS, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and safety equipment: this includes insulating gloves, arc flash clothing, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing to ensure worker safety when carrying out repair and maintenance on LV-HV switchgear, transformers, substations and turbines.
All of our Cable Connection & Energisation Accessories including Medium & High Voltage joints, terminations, connectors and cleats are tested to the latest international standards and supporting ranges of professional installation tools are stocked to reduce incident, accident and downtime to plant and people.
