Arc flash and electrical shock injuries continue to pose a significant threat to workplace health and safety. Anywhere from five to ten arc explosions occur in electric equipment every day in the U.S., and as many as ten U.S. workers are killed or injured according to CapSchell Inc., a Chicago-based research and consulting firm.

Plus, OSHA estimates that 80 percent of electrically-related accidents and fatalities involving “Qualified Workers” are caused by arc flash/arc blast. The best way to prevent arc incidents from happening is to de-energize equipment before beginning work, but there are instances where turning off the power could create an even greater hazard. So employers and facility owners must establish safe practices to protect their workers against arc flash incidents, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).