WHAT IS ARC FLASH INFO

Buildings deteriorate, roof and window leaks, , condensation, fans with damaged or even no mesh, doors unevenly hung, rodents, dust, debris, cluttered floor, rusted or paint chipped frameworks. A substation and/or switchroom should be kept in good clean condition, it will benefit the control and switchgear and remove many of the pending hazards.

Good practice is to count in and count out all tools, seal off exposed or accessible busbars and sections with cable terminations whenever possible. If you are responsible for TOOL BOX TALKS, reinforce this to all engineers

A small spark is all it needs to generate an arc between two phases or phase to earth, then the domino effect but……. with an arc that can be 4 times hotter than the surface of the sun.

The right PPE, non-static underwear, rubber insulation mats in place, clean and painted floor-ways and work/operation areas. If it is missing…report it as a NEAR MISS, any good company will thank you for your professionalism

A worn spanner can slip!! A spanner or ANY tool without HV insulation should not even be a consideration. Keep all tools clean and grease free, maintain a tidy work station/tool box. Replace damaged and worn tools. COUNT IN…AND …..COUNT OUT on every work situation! Include in your Method Statement to ensure good practice is consistantly reminded.

Unless you have a recognised Arc Flash monitoring and detection system in place, ( the type and manufacturer of the system will be able to state energy levels with the type and speed of triggering/isolation system). If no AF system, the only way to identify correct category is with an energy study, this is non-intrusive and easily carried out, contact, call or complete enquiry form for further information and advice

Even the best organised and planned outages can come across unexpected issues and the need to re-instate urgently. This should be part of the pre-planning that can take into account any stage of the isolation and working period and re-instatement of supply(s) We are always available for advice and guidance; Call or complete enquiry form.

Amazing misconception is that flame resistant is actually sufficient as ARC Flash rated PPE….it is not! Injury during attendance with inadequate PPE will impact on the severity, any compensation for the engineer, (if survives) and his family. It will end up with H&S prosecution of responsible person(s), unlike any other court proceedings, in H&S prosecutions the accused are guilty and it is for the accused to PROVE their innocence, (ignorance is an automatic guilty verdict). Sentences will incorporate an, (unlimited) penalty fine and up to 2 years imprisonment. The fine will be personal and can enforce home sale in order to pay and can also result in a considerable company penalty fine if their procedures are at fault.

All switching, planned isolations and works should be carried out by either an HV SAP:- (systems over 1kV) or an LV SAP, (Senior Authorised Person) or an LV AP (Authorised Person) :- (systems under 1kV).

No AP/SAP will switch and isolate without a Switching Statement, (unless in an emergency or crisis situation). Otherwise, they are not an AP/SAP.

Every Switching Statement should include isolation procedure and re-introduction procedure and a contingency procedure for recovery, probably drawn up by an Authorised Engineer, but at the very least signed off by an Authorising Engineer who will then nominate the AP/SAP and Safety Person.

Many companies overlook this procedure thus leaving the facilitating company and the responsible person(s) wide open for prosecution in the event of a mis-hap, possible huge fine(s) and imprisonment.

That is the mark of the importance of this procedure. If your on-site engineers carry out works such as this, send them on the appropriate course(s). If you use a sub-contractor service, ask for copy of certificates and file them with job documentation and ensure issue of a Works Permit, which the AP/SAP must sign prior to works and again sign-off upon safe completion of works. contact us, call or complete enquiry form for more advice/information

It always provides additional good housekeeping and confidence to have a rehearsal walk through, stating out loud as to exactly what you will be switching whilst stationed in front of each appropriate switch. (with a respondent confirming aloud at each stage or segment of switching rehearsal) Running the isolation through your mind, thinking through what effect each switching will have on other devices. It will also give you an oversight for a risk assessment and any pending or imminent concerns. Call or complete enquiry form for further information or advice.

Any SAP and/or Authorised Engineer will insist on the presence of an independent Safety Person, (throughout the isolation, works and re-introduction). The Safety Person should be aware of responsibility for clear access and exit without obstacle and obstruction, working environment uncluttered and safe to work in without inhibition, appropriate PPE and safety surroundings such as Rubber Matting. Also responsible for making sure no unauthorised access occurs at any time during procedures or works, clear danger and no access signage should be clearly displayed at each access point along with any hazard taping off of the restricted area.. The Safety Person is responsible for restricting unauthorised encroachment or visit. Call or complete enquiry form for more information or advice.

A vital part of any switching statement, proving dead and then in front of all attendees confirming dead upon isolation and earthed down and locked and tagged out.

There are many good, safe systems, all engineers should use as second nature for any and all works involving switching/isolating. Call or complete enquiry form with any questions and we can advise.