Lack of knowledge around Arc Flash risk is a major issue in UK industry. ProGARM are constantly working to raise awareness of it, and thereby prevent incidents leading to life-changing injuries and worse.
The Arc Flash survey we undertook alongside the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) found that even though there was a high amount of awareness when it came to risks of Arc Flash (84% stated that they understood the risks associated with Arc Flash), there was still a gap in the knowledge of the appropriate legislation (78% of respondents didn’t know the correct government safety guidance – HSG47).
This was made all the more worrying because of the lack of clarity surrounding employer responsibilities in terms of support and education. 25% of employers believed it was the sole responsibility of the employee to protect themselves against Arc Flash and 50% believed it was the employee’s responsibility to educate themselves on Arc Flash risk.
With this in mind, it became apparent to us that more work needs to be done alongside those within UK industry to provide resources and content on the importance of Arc Flash protection and what employers and employees can do to help bridge the gap.
Partnering in the UK with Specialist MV-HV Electrical Distributors, such as Thorne & Derrick International, ProGARM have been developing and distributing educational and informative arc flash content – for instance in our recent joint posts we reviewed the 3 most popular arc flash calculators and also how arc flash clothing can save the lives of utility workers.
Thorne & Derrick distribute arc flash clothing to the UK power and electrical utility markets – their Sales Team are trained and supported by ProGARM to supply arc flash protection to cable jointers, SAP’s, linesmen and substation workers.
We’re always looking for new ways to engage with the end users of our garments and educate those who are involved in Health & Safety on the issues surrounding arc flash so if you are a distributor of ProGARM garments and would like to get involved in helping us educate UK industry on the risk of Arc Flash please get in touch.
You can join the conversation by tweeting us at @ProGARMSafety using #ArcFlash or follow us on LinkedIn by searching for ProGARM Ltd where we share Arc Flash content daily.
If you want to read more into Arc Flash risk or our UK wide study, you can find all our blog articles on our News page and make sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Since 1985 T&D have serviced UK and international businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, MV & HV. Their customers are contractors, specifiers, wholesalers and end-users involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, MV & HV.
LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment Distributors
Website http://www.powerandcables.com/