Many facilities fail to conduct arc-flash hazard assessments, exposing workers to dangerous conditions
Many facilities fail to conduct arc-flash hazard assessments, exposing workers to dangerous conditions
Littelfuse, Inc., a global manufacturer of leading technologies in circuit protection and power control, today announced the results of its recent facility electrical safety survey. The global survey conducted by Littelfuse earlier this year finds that while most workers feel arc-flash mitigation is a priority in their workplace, only half have completed a risk assessment to identify hazardous areas. Of the facilities completing a risk assessment, 75 percent have equipment rated at high risk of more than 8 calories/cm2. The calorie rating determines the required minimum arc-flash protection clothing workers must wear to protect themselves. To put that in perspective, the onset of second-degree burns may occur at 1.2 calories/cm2.
The survey reveals a need for increased safety awareness. Many facilities fail to conduct an arc-flash hazard assessment, provide safety training, and implement engineering controls to mitigate risk. The survey finds: