Top seven arc flash safety measures

Seven ways to limit the exposure of workers to the risk of arc flash incidents.

By Scott Brady, Garrett Hamilton-Smith, Nick Jackson, Adam Reeves October 12, 2015

Plant Engineering will present a Webcast on October 22nd that will discuss changes in NFPA 70E for next year. To register for the Webcast, click the link HERE.


Here are seven ways to limit the exposure of workers to the risk of arc flash incidents: 

  1. Train on safe work practices
  2. De-energize equipment before accessing
  3. Perform regular preventive maintenance
  4. Wear arc-rated personal protective equipment (PPE)
  5. Select tools rated for the environment
  6. Use remote display or wireless test tools
  7. Install an infrared window for switchgear

NFPA70E: Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace provides the most comprehensive guidance for protecting workers from electric shock and arc flash hazards. The 2015 edition added several new provisions, including strengthening electrical safety programs, new test instruments and PPE requirements, expanded training requirements, and a redefinition of what constitutes a "qualified person" permitted to work in areas where there are exposed energized conductors and circuit components of greater than 50 V.