Photo: OSHA
Washington — For workers who are exposed to arc flash hazards, the type of personal protective clothing they’re wearing may mean the difference between being severely injured or walking away unharmed.
That’s what OSHA aims to show in its new video on “why proper gear matters” for arc flash-exposed workers.
The National Fire Protection Association, in a blog post, describes an arc flash as “a burst of energy so strong that it shines as bright as the sun, rises to a temperature more than three times the surface of the sun, and creates a pressure wave on par with the blast of a grenade.”
OSHA’s 30-second video shows the aftermath of an arc flash with mannequins wearing Category 2 arc-rated clothing or polyester/cotton coveralls. “Don’t wear fuel,” is one of the main messages of the video.
The agency recently updated its guidance on protecting workers from arc flash hazards. Protecting Employees from Electric-Arc Flash Hazards includes tips for employers on using personal protective equipment and implementing administrative controls, along with identifying and assessing hazards.
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Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication