It’s readily accepted that when you work in a high voltage environment there are a host of risks to be considered, but there is a widespread believe that low voltage does not pose an Arc Flash risk – that’s simply not true.
Industries, companies and workforces across the world have increased their awareness of Arc Flash risk and protection in recent years, which is a significant step forward. But it also means Arc Flash protection manufacturers and specialists like ProGARM are in demand to protect teams like yours from Arc Flash risks. However, the dangers of Arc Flash when working in a low voltage environment are not as readily understood, which can lead to teams being caught in a false sense of security and putting themselves at risk.
An Arc Flash incident can occur in low voltage installations such as power supply equipment in commercial buildings, factories or data centres. The risk of injury is also greater because operatives generally have little training in Arc Flash protection and are therefore more exposed than an operative working with Arc Flash risks on a regular basis.
A common misconception in low voltage environments is that transformers and other system impedances can drastically minimise the risk of an Arc Flash incident, but short circuit fault currents can be produced by small distribution transformers and therefore pose a real risk to an operative.
Alongside the dangers of working in a low voltage environment, cable strikes also pose a significant Arc Flash risk. We recently reported on an operative who struck a 120 CNE 3 Phase low voltage cable with a pneumatic drill and triggered an Arc Flash incident. Thankfully, he was wearing Arc Flash protection from ProGARM and was saved from life-changing or potentially fatal injuries.
The following video shows the very real danger of breaking ground and striking an underground cable.
This incident illustrates the dangers of Arc Flash hazards in a low voltage environment and the importance of adequate Arc Flash protection wherever there is a risk of Arc Flash.
Arc Flash risk assessments are an integral aspect of protecting you and your team from a potential Arc Flash incident, whether you are working within a low voltage or high voltage environment.
Knowledge of the risks in any given situation allows appropriate steps to be taken to create safe working practices and protect operatives through education and the provision of adequate Arc Flash resistant clothing.
Don’t be lulled into a low voltage sense of security. Ensure you and your team are aware and properly protected against the risks of Arc Flash incidents in every kind of environment.
Safety certification – such as EN 61482 for Arc Flash resistance – may be at the top of your list when selecting Arc Flash PPE, but test certification alone doesn’t guarantee your team’s safety. While it sets a helpful baseline, the environments and hazards employees encounter in the field are entirely different from one industry […]
If you are on the brink of choosing Arc Flash PPE, but still uncertain about the best choice for your team, there is a practical solution: wearer trials. Testing garments in real working conditions helps confirm that the selected PPE meets all safety, comfort, and functionality needs. Wearer trials allow team members—across different roles, environments, […]
For those who work in high-risk environments, every detail in their protective equipment matters. Whether it is a storm flap that keeps out rain or high-visibility strips that make you easy to spot, these thoughtful features define premium Arc Flash -rated PPE. In an industry where safety is paramount, ProGARM goes further, designing garments that […]
