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Arc flash is one of the most severe electrical hazards – temperatures can exceed 20,000°C, causing catastrophic injuries, equipment damage, and downtime. Managing this risk isn’t optional; it’s a legal and moral responsibility.
Here are the best practices every organisation should adopt:
Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment
Identify where arc flash hazards exist, calculate incident energy, and determine the arc flash boundary. Use the IEEE 1584 for accurate analysis.
Apply the Hierarchy of Controls
- Eliminate or reduce risk at design stage (e.g., arc-resistant switchgear or changes to protection settings).
- Engineering controls such as remote racking and isolation.
- Administrative controls like safe work procedures and permits.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the last line of defence.
Ensure Legal Compliance
UK law requires a suitable and sufficient risk assessment under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Failure to comply can lead to unlimited fines and prosecution.
Train and Educate Your Workforce
Arc flash awareness and correct PPE usage are critical. Regular refresher training ensures everyone understands the risks and procedures.
Maintain and Review
Regular maintenance of electrical systems and periodic review of arc flash studies (at least every 5 years or after system changes) keeps your risk management current.
Arc flash risk management is about designing out hazards, enforcing safe systems of work, and protecting your people.
Take action today: Review your arc flash risk management strategy and ensure compliance. Need help? Contact Electrical Safety UK to book your free desktop electrical safety management check. Call us on 0800 652 1124, email us at info@elecsafety.co.uk or message us through our website at https://elecsafety.co.uk/about/contact/. “
