Occupational Health and Safety issues arc flash hazard alert

The Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the Department of Government Services is alerting employers and employees to the dangers of working on exposed live parts of electrical equipment. This type of work not only can cause electrical shocks but also heat and burn injuries from electric arcs striking across live conductors resulting in an arc flash.

The department is issuing a province-wide hazard alert for qualified electricians and is recommending preventative tips to help reduce the potential of injuries caused by arc flashes.

�It is vitally important that employers and employees know and recognize the dangers in working with live electrical equipment,� said Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services. �Hazard/risk assessments and control measures should be in place to protect workers against arc flash hazards. In addition, work must be carried out in accordance with all relevant standards.�

An arc flash results from flashover of electric current through air in electrical equipment from one exposed live conductor to another or to ground. Electric arcs can produce temperatures up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, at which all known materials are instantly vaporized. This intense heat can cause a sudden expansion of air resulting in a blast of very strong air pressure which can spread molten metal great distances with great force. An arc in an enclosure magnifies the energy transmitted and forces an air blast to the open side of the enclosure towards the worker, resulting in possible heat and burn injuries.

A copy of the hazard alert, including steps to prevent injuries, is available on the department web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/gs/ohs/safety-bulletin/.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-4860, 682-6593

2006 09 26                             2:00 p.m.