The First New Arc Flash Guidance from OSHA in Nearly 20 Years

In case you missed it, in November 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released updated guidance to enhance protections against arc flash hazards for employees working with live electrical equipment or circuits, as well as those in power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors. This marks OSHA's first significant update on arc flash guidance in nearly two decades.

This marks OSHA's first significant update on arc flash guidance in nearly two decades.

Understanding Arc Flash Hazards

An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air, resulting from an arc fault between conductors or between conductors and ground.

Temperatures during an arc flash can exceed 35,000°F (19,400°C), nearly four times the surface temperature of the sun. Such extreme heat can vaporize metal conductors, producing explosive blasts, deafening noises, and superheated shrapnel. These incidents can ignite flammable clothing, cause severe burns, and lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Temperatures during an arc flash can exceed 35,000°F (19,400°C), nearly four times the surface temperature of the sun.

Key Highlights of the New OSHA Guidance

To help simplify the new arc flash guidance from OSHA, below are four key highlights to note:

1. Emphasis on Low Voltage Risks: The updated guidance clarifies that low voltage levels, including 120/208V systems, can sustain arc flashes capable of producing molten metal, igniting flammable clothing, and causing severe or fatal injuries. This challenges the common misconception that low voltage equates to low risk.
2. Proper De-energization Procedures: OSHA underscores the importance of following all steps of lockout/tagout procedures to achieve an electrically safe working condition. Conductors and parts of electric equipment that have been deenergized but not properly locked out or tagged must be treated as energized parts. This highlights the critical nature of adhering to established safety protocols.
3. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The guidance stresses the necessity of wearing suitable arc-rated (AR) PPE. Employers are advised to provide workers with AR clothing and equipment that matches the potential incident energy exposure. This includes ensuring that undergarments are non-meltable, and flammable materials are avoided, as they can exacerbate injuries during an arc flash.
4. Integration into Safety and Health Programs: OSHA recommends that employers incorporate arc flash hazard assessments into their overall safety and health programs. This involves worker participation, hazard identification and assessment, and the implementation of preventive and protective controls following the hierarchy of controls.

Implications for Employers and Workers

Employers are encouraged to review and update their safety protocols in line with OSHA's new guidance. This includes conducting thorough hazard assessments, providing appropriate PPE, and ensuring comprehensive training for employees on arc flash risks and safety procedures. Workers should be proactive in participating in safety programs, reporting potential hazards, and adhering strictly to established safety practices to mitigate the risks associated with arc flash incidents.

By aligning workplace practices with OSHA's updated guidance, both employers and employees can work together to create safer working environments and reduce the occurrence of arc flash-related injuries and fatalities.

You can find this information on OSHA’s Website.

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis and Consultation

For additional support on arc flash training, arc flash hazard analysis, consultation or personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations, our environmental, health, and safety (EHS) experts at Cardinal Compliance Consultants can help. Contact us today.

Photo Credit to Zach Copley: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zcopley/