In North Carolina, a local electric company sent a request for a replacement of a high voltage distribution switch for an underground system with another switch that included a disconnect on the load side.   The existing switch had only been in service for one year, but a new switch was needed, stemming from rapid growth of the area.  The new switch would allow the isolation of circuits on the load side independently of each other.

Shortly before 9:00am on a crisp spring morning, two electricians showed up to make the switch.  When they arrived, no one from the electric company was present.  They discussed whether or not the distribution switch was de-energized.  They opened the door of one of the cabinets, and one of the men started guiding a tic tracer.  He allowed it to make contact with a 23,000 volt source, sending 13,200 volts through the ground and into his body.  Paramedics arrived quickly on the scene, but he was pronounced dead at 10:20am.  The other worker received minor flash burns of the eyes and face and stated that he was “electrified,” shaken, and proceeded to run.

When the investigation of the incident was performed, it was determined the man who did not survive was not wearing the required personal protective equipment.  The system was not de-energized or properly grounded.  Written company work procedures require both of these factors.  To add to the tragedy, both workers were present at a safety demonstration that discussed the exact job being performed only two days prior to this incident.  Laws can be written and procedures outlined, but it is up to every individual to follow the rules and guidelines.  Personal protective equipment is designed to prevent accidents like this from happening.  It will do no good if it is not worn when needed.

Arc Flash safety is one of the leading subjects in the electrician’s field. An arc flash is a short circuit through the air. The damage caused by this explosive force can cost a company $15 million in direct and indirect costs. The temperature of an arc can reach more than 5000F, and can occur with more force than dynamite. An arc flash that sends a victim to a burn unit occurs 5-10 times somewhere in the United States every single day. This statistic does not include workers that are sent to clinics or regular hospitals. This high risk has forced the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to enforce new standards for employee safety protection when working where arc flash can potentially occur.

The cost to a company when arc flash occus can be enormous. A utility company’s total spending estimate for electrical incidents over a two-year period was $15.75 million per case when related indirect costs were considered along with the direct expenses. This fact is according to a 1999 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) study cited by CapSchell. One manufacturer, as reported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), reported it has experienced an average of 2.2 arc flash injuries per year over the past 10 years. It is absolutely imperative that each place of business complies with all rules and regulations regarding arc flash for the safety of all workers exposed to this potentially deadly force.

There are specific steps NFPA 70E dictates to ensure an electrically safe working condition exists:

Establishing these safety procedures is part of the company safety plan that must be in effect for each facility:

• Employers must formalize procedures and practices such as the qualification of employees to work in hazardous areas, tasks they may perform, steps needed to secure management approval for work to be done, and audits.
• Employers must provide training for employees in the skills and techniques needed to work with electrical equipment, equipment details, and emergency procedures.
• Employees must implement the practices according to the training.
• Companies must perform a flash hazard analysis before work is done on any energized equipment.

Complying with all rules and regulations will protect one’s business as well as the workers who risk their lives every time they work with energized circuits.