Understanding Arc Flash
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The most common cause of all electrical injuries is arc flash - an incident which can change an employee’s life in the blink of an e
ye.
An arc flash is an electrical current that jumps from the intended path and travels through air from one conductor to another. When an arc fault occurs, it causes the release of massive amounts of energy into the air, resulting in explosions which can reach up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit in an instant. Such high temperatures can also vaporize metals, such as copper, which sustains the arc and amplifies its power.
The Dangers?
Arc flashes only last for several milliseconds, but this is more than enough time for the superheated air and vaporized solids to cause significant injury to nearby industrial workers. The intense light from an arc flash can also cause damage to the retina. Not only this, but arc flashes are accompanied by a pressure wave and sound blast loud enough to damage hearing or even brain function. This so called ‘arc blast’ also sends any loosen debris, tools or equipment flying out from the fault at supersonic speeds causing further injuries.
What Are The Consequences?
- First, second and/or third degree burns, not only on the front but also the back
- Internal damage to vital organs from high amounts of voltage travelling through the body
- Blunt force trauma from the blast
- Shrapnel damage to the skin
- Damage to their sight
- Health effects from breathing toxic fumes
- Hearing loss
The consequences of arc flash incidents are often life-changing for the individuals involved and the proper electrical safety PPE is critcal to personal safety. When an arc flash occurs, hands are usually the first body part to catch fire due to their close proximity (which can travel quickly up and along the sleveve). As such, workers should not wear gloves which may easily burn, ignite or do not provide any protection from heat.
NEW INNATELY FLAME-RESISTANT MATERIALS
Rubber insulating gloves or electrical glove safety kits have long since been the norm for tasks that carry an arc flash risk. However, rubber insulating gloves can be incredibly bulky and limit dexterity, making them difficult to work in forcing glove engineers and designers to create non-rubber, lightweight seamless knit arc flash gloves made from material which is innately flame resistant. These types of arc flash gloves are far more comfortable than their rubber counterparts and often provide more protection. Seamless knit type gloves can also increase the level of cut protection of the ASTM ANSI standard such as the +Dexterity® SKG/PXNE .
Reducing Multiple Risks with Dexterity® SKG/PXNE Winter Safety Glove
Arc Flash Rated | Flame-Resistant | High Heat Rated | Cut-Rated | Extreme Cold
Provide heat and cut resistance where flash fire hazards are present plus warmth down to -5°C / 23°F. The Dexterity® Winter-Lined seamless knit 10-gauge ParaActiv™ Arc Flash Industrial Work Safety Gloves from Superior Glove® provide impressive heat and cut resistance with good fit, flexibility and performance in virtually any work condition. Good for high heat applications with ANSI level 4 heat protection up to 260°C/500°F and provides A5 cut protection. The flame-resistant neoprene palm coating increases grip in wet or dry working conditions. Dexterity® work safety gloves are very comfortable to wear and are perfect for precise and delicate operations but tough enough for general construction applications. Don't take our word for it, click the link and ...
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