Arc flash webinar

Marketing

Superior GloveMarketing

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Who We Are

Copyright Superior Glove Works Ltd. 2017

Robert Gheesling has worked in the safety industry for over four decades. Robert is responsible for growing Superior Gloves business as VP of Sales US. Robert has spent the past 20 years specializing in the cut and heat resistant aspects of hand and arm protection. Matt Burtney is the content marketer for Superior Glove in charge of writing educational information about hand safety. Matt likes hand protection so much that he wears an anti-vibration glove when using his electric toothbrush.

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Why Arc Flash?


2000 people are treated annually in burn centers with arc flash injuries.

2 out of 3 electrical injuries are a result on worker error.

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What is an Arc Flash?

An electrical explosion that happens onenergized equipment like an air conditioneror conveyor belt

What is an arc flash?

An arc flash is an electrical explosion that happens on energized equipment like an air conditioner, conveyor belt or lightbulb. Electrons move back and forth across a conductor like a wireSmall area outside the conductor is energizedIf the equipment is energized, voltage can push those electrons off conductive surface and onto atoms and molecules in the air. Once energized, atoms become ionsIf another conductor gets inside that energized area wrench, moisture in the air, dust build up or a workers hand the electrons will travel through the new pathAs the electrons push themselves off between the conductors an arc occurs.

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An Arc Flash: Microscale


The electricity created when turning a light on is a microscale version of an arc flash

Everyday example (microscale): flicking on a light switchArc flashes can reach 35,000 degree Fahrenheit which is four times hotter than the sunDepending on the voltage of the machine, workers up to twenty-three feet (two car lengths away) are still in danger of second-degree burn

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What Causes Arc Flash?


Arc flash is mainly caused by human error.Not using lockout/tagoutLack of upkeep to machineryNot de-energizing equipment prior to working on itNot removing tools before re-energizing equipment6

How to Prevent Arc Flash:


Prevention is key:General maintenance and upkeep make sure contacts arent corroded, insulation isnt work through/thinning and that equipment has been properly installedProper lockout/tagout procedures have been followed. Double check by taking a voltage reading of the equipment. A properly locked out machine should have a voltage reading of zero. Launder PPE regularly. If your PPE has any sort of oil or grease on it, that will increase your burns.

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Calculating Your Risk of Arc Flash


If you have to work on energized equipment the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed specific approach boundaries designed to protect employees.These distances are not consistent between each piece of equipment. Some equipment will have a great flash protection boundary while other equipment will have a lesser boundary.

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Approach Boundaries


FLASH BOUNDARY APPROACH (OUTER BOUNDARY)This is the farthest established boundary from the energy source. If an arc flash occurred, this boundary is where an employee would be exposed to a curable second degree burn. LIMITED APPROACH BOUNDARYThis is the minimum distance where an unqualified personnel may safely stand. No untrained person can approach an energized item any closer than this boundary. Qualified people must use the appropriate PPE and be trained to perform the required work to cross the limited approach boundary. RESTRICTED APPROACH:This boundary can only be crossed by qualified persons. It requires techniques and equipment and completed the required training. Shock hazards are present in this boundary. PROHIBITED APPROACH BOUNDARY:This area requires the same amount of protection as if the worker were to make direct contact with an energized part. Only qualified personnel wearing appropriate PPE, having specified training to work on energized conductors/components and a documented plan justifying the need to perform this work may cross the poundary and enter the Prohibited Space. Personnel must obtain a risk assessment before the prohibited boundary is crossed. This boundary is determined by NFPA 70E and is based upon the voltage of the equipment. These distances are not consistent between each piece of equipment. Some equipment will have a great flash protection boundary while other equipment will have a lesser boundary. 9

How To Select PPE:


Refer to standard NFPA 70E for which PPE to wear based on the arc flash hazard category you require. Arc flash PPE is based on incident energy measured by the equation cal/cm. Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is the arc incident energy needed to cause the onset of second-degree burn. The higher the ATPV rating means the more protective the fabric.

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Whats Incident Energy?


Its the amount of heat (cal/cm) produced at a certain distance (typically 18 inches) from an arc fault.The ATPV is the level where you have a 50% chance of getting a second-degree burn while wearing a specific fabric during an arc flash. So a glove with an ATPV measurement of 8.2 calories per centimeter squared gives you a 50% chance of getting a second degree burn when the arc flash thermal energy is measured at 8.2 calories per centimeter squared.

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Whats a Calorie?


Hold your finger over a lighter for one second. Thats one calorie of heat.

If you were to hold your finger directly over the flame of a lighter for one second. Thats one cal/cm. It takes 1.2 cal/cm to create a second-degree burn. A second-degree burn means youll have red, blistered and swollen skin.

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Palm Coatings

This is our newest arc flash glove. Its the worlds only 18-gauge arc flash rated glove. Meaning that it has excellent dexterity and wont inhibit the hand movement.

The way a glove receives its rating for arc flash is based on the least protective area of the glove typically the back of the glove. So while this glove is rated level 2 with an ATPV of 8.2 cal/cm the palm coating can give up to 50 cal/cm of protection.

So the palm coating helps with grip BUT also provides added protection in the palm and fingers which, along with your face, are most likely to be affected by an arc flash.

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DuPont Thermo-Man Demonstration

Can Arc Flash Be Used For Shock?


No. Different gloves must be worn for each hazard. Each piece of equipment operating at 50 volts or more and not put into a deenergized state must be evaluated for arc flash and shock protection. This evaluation will determine the actual boundaries (i.e. prohibited, limited, restricted etc) and will inform the employee of what PPE must be worn.15

Questions?


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Arc flash webinar

Education

Transcript of Arc flash webinar