Why So Many Electrical Safety Requirements

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Why are there so many electrical safety requirements?

Why So Many Electrical Safety Requirements

Organizations, such as the Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces, outlines the steps companies must take to be in federal compliance with safety. They include:

  • A safety program with defined responsibilities
  • Calculations for the degree of an arc flash hazard
  • Electrical safety equipment for workers
  • Training for workers
  • Electrical safety tools
  • Electrical safety labels on equipment
Why such an emphasis on safety? A big part of it is the fear of what an arc flash can do. An arc flash is a short circuit through the air that can happen when conductors can't support the voltage. An arc flash can be as hot as 5,000 F and creates a brilliant flash of light and loud noise. As radiant energy explodes out of the electrical equipment, hot gases and melted metal can endanger human life. This is why there are four separate industry standards or electrical safety requirements in place to protect workers against arc flashes and electrical safety equipment on the market in the form of boots, suits, gloves and more.

   

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