Importance Of Correct Arc Flash PPE In Mines

By Ben Riley on 24th April, 2013

Follow @ThorneanDerrick

Choose The Best Arc Flash Protection

The overall number of burns recorded in the Bi-National Burns registry for 2011 was 2480 according to Australia Mining. Of these, 9.6% of all adult burn injuries occurred in the trade and service area, while 5.4% were accounted for in the industrial and construction sectors. Arc flashes and flash fires are the most common types of fire that cause injury and harm on work sites.

An arc flash is when uncontrollable amounts of electric current flow through air connecting through dust particles between two conductors and can result in an intense flame that burns at 20,000 degrees celcius hotter than the sun. A flash fire is a rapidly moving flame front which can be a combustive explosion.

According to Dr Howard De Torres a plastic reconstructive, burns and cosmetic surgeon, people working in industries with fire hazards should not wear cotton or synthetics under any circumstances. “The most important thing is to avoid inappropriate clothing,” he said. “It’s very important to wear protective clothing.” “Unpredictable fires can cause serious burns – especially because the individual thinks the chances of them are small and are subsequently unprepared. Sometimes, they’re even dressed in cotton and as anyone with kids knows – cotton explodes and is not recommended to be worn anywhere near any kind of fire.Burn injuries can lead to skin grafts, infection, months in hospital and even amputation. Even if the individual thinks the chance may be small, why would you take the chance? Prevention is definitely better than the cure.”

However, in hot climates or extremely labour intensive work, some tradespeople forgo the traditionally heavy fire retardant work wear in order to stay cool and comfortable. This included opting for cotton based work wear with no fire retardant (FR) qualities, which is one of the worst types of clothing to wear in case of a fire.
 

Video : Arc Flash Switchgear Explosion :

 

Arc Flash Protective Clothing & PPE

T&D UK, CATU Main Distributor for Arc Flash Clothing.

Arc Flash Jacket & Coverall - 8 or 10 Cal per sqcm Arc Flash Protection

CATU Arc Flash Clothing, PPE Protection Kit includes : Arc flash face shield, helmet, safety glasses, protective hood and arc flash jacket or coverall made from Indura Ultra Soft fabric. Arc flash clothing and protection kit weight 4.03kg.

Arc Jacket & Coverall - 25, 40, 55 Cal per sqcm Arc Flash Protection

CATU Arc Flash Clothing, PPE Protection Kit includes : Arc flash protective hood with integrated face shield, protective coat, protective bib overall, electrically insulated helmet and safety glasses. Arc flash clothing made from Indura Ultra Soft fabric. Arc flash clothing and protection kit weight 6.7kg.

 
Arc Flash Jacket & Coverall - 65 & 100 Cal per sqcm Arc Flash Protection

CATU Arc Flash Clothing, PPE Protection Kit includes : Arc flash protective hood with integrated face shield, protective coat, protective bib overall, electrically insulated helmet and safety glasses. Arc flash clothing made from Nomex fabric. Arc flash clothing and protection kit weight 6.7kg.

Arc flash protective clothing kits are in compliance with NFPA 70E and ASTM standards.

Catu Arc Flash LV - HV PPE Electrical Safety

Category:  Electrical Safety & Arc Flash

Go back to blog index