Are You Wearing the Right Arc Flash Protection?

Are you wearing the right arc flash protection?

June 27, 2025
By Honeywell, for the Blue Print

Professionals working in industries exposed to electrical hazards, such as utility, commercial, and industrial sectors, understand the critical importance of wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help safeguard against arc flash incidents.

Understanding arc flash and arc blasts

An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy. It is characterized by the light and heat generated from an arc fault explosion, with temperatures reaching up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit—four times hotter than the sun. This extreme temperature can ignite clothing and cause severe burns to individuals within close proximity. Arc flash incidents can result in molten material injuries, hearing and vision damage, and the inhalation of heated toxic gases, which may severely affect the lungs. In serious cases, arc flash incidents can be fatal.

An arc blast refers to the pressure wave produced after an arc fault. This powerful wave can be strong enough to knock a fully grown person to the ground or inflict further equipment damage. Arc blasts also pose risks to hearing and brain functions.

Arc Flash Impacts
Burns resulting from arc flashes and ignited flammable clothing account for approximately 80% of all electrical injuries. Exposure to 1.2 cal/cm² can lead to second-degree burns on human skin. Annually, over 2000 individuals are admitted to burn centers with severe electrical burns.

Choose your arc flash PPE carefully

Given the high risks associated with arc flash, selecting the proper PPE is essential. However, wearing arc flash PPE can be challenging, particularly in hot and humid environments. These protective garments add extra layers of insulation and weight, potentially raising body temperature and diminishing comfort, which can contribute to heat stress. This condition can impair physical and mental performance and lead to serious health issues:

Heat cramps: Muscle spasms caused by nutrient loss due to sweating and overheating, typically affecting overworked muscles like those in the arms, legs, shoulders, and abdomen.
Heat stroke: A life-threatening condition occurring when the body becomes thoroughly dehydrated, with core temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C). Sweat glands cease functioning, damaging the brain, heart, and lungs. Immediate cooling is necessary to prevent fatal outcomes.
Heat exhaustion: When the body overheats and cannot adequately cool itself, requiring external assistance to maintain normal temperature. Heat exhaustion can occur without preceding heat cramps.

Additionally, heat stress may increase the likelihood of accidents, errors, and injuries, as it adversely affects coordination, judgment, and alertness. Thus, preventing heat stress and maintaining well-being is crucial, especially when wearing heavy arc flash PPE.

Employers are obligated to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which mandate providing employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm, including heat-related hazards.

Conclusion

When selecting your PPE for electrical rooms, consider using arc flash hoods equipped with built-in fans that ensure a constant flow of fresh air, enhancing cooling comfort. These fans help prevent heat stress, carbon dioxide build-up, and fogging, which can increase anxiety, impair vision, reaction time, and focus on critical tasks.

Sources

https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2024/06/13/Heat-Stress-A-Growing-Occupational-Hazard.aspx?ocid=43225687&Page=2

Content originally from Honeywell. Reused here with permission.