Numerous arc flash burn injuries and deaths are caused each year by arc-flash explosions. Arc flashes present numerous dangers to electrical workers due to the extremely intense high-level heat generated in an arc flash and the pressure wave from an arc blast incident.
The electrical industry is continuously working to advance the level of knowledge and understanding of arc flash burn incidents. The development of NFPA 70E has provided a national work practice standard to deal with this hazard. This, along with OSHA law, is an effort to decrease the number of arc flash burn injuries that occur as a result of an electrical incident. Some recent advances have caused forward movement in safety and increased knowledge and understanding in this area.