The HSE states that around 1,000 workplace electrical incidents are reported to them each year including circa 25 fatalities a year. However, it is also believed that arc flash incidents are far higher than officially reported.
I would like to think that you would all agree that the above mentioned amount of incidents is not acceptable. Therefore, how can we reduce the risk of arc flash? I am working with IET Safety Panel reviewing the ‘Arc Flash Protection Fact Sheet’ and I need your help to understand why we have so many incidents and fatalities and investigate barriers to reduce such incidents and fatalities.
Some of my thoughts are:
PPE Regulations (EU) 2016/425.
Does PPE Regulations (EU) 2016/425 satisfy your requirements? (yes we need to drop the EU).
Do they need amending and if so where and why?
Reporting.
Is there a requirement to improve the incident reporting format, to provide greater clarity and understanding of how such incidents occur, thus allowing us to look at the human factor elements?
Training.
Is there a requirement to improve training and or standards with respect to arc flash?
There is a various amount of literature about control measures and how to mitigate arc flash, which can be confusing. Is there a generic risk assessment for Switching (Either LV or HV) that identifies arc flash?
Is the arc flash risk assessment understandable and easy to follow?
Personal Experience.
You may have witnessed arc flash and wish to inform us why you believed it occurred.
Thank you for reading this forum and trying to promote a safer working environment for your fellow electrical engineers. I look forward to your constructive replies.
Kind regards,
John
