A stitch in time saves nine! The same applies to Arc flashes and their apparent dangers. Arc Flashes happen for many reasons, and if not analyzed and rectified on time, they can lead to stark disasters. However, the lack of awareness keeps most facilities from conducting Arc Flash Studies and Analyses in Australia.
Before delving into the arguments about why facilities require an Arc Flash Study and Analysis time and again in Australia, let us first understand what it is and the potential causes and effects.
The sixth largest country in the world, Australia, runs on coal-fired power stations by and large, although since 2005 more sustainable wind and solar forms of electricity generation have also gained some traction. Owing to the large dimensions of the country, no single grid is available to power it. However, the Government of Australia is undertaking many initiatives to use more and more renewable resources to generate electricity. Like there are spots even in the sun, growing eclectic power paves the way for potential risks of hazards as well. The greatest in the electrical power system is the potential risk of Arc flashes.
Arc Flash Study and Analysis in Australia by Care Labs has been striving to create awareness and provide the best electrical safety solutions. Among the many services offered, Care Labs’ Arc Flash Study and Analysis in Australia is well-appreciated by top clients.
Understanding Arc Flash
Arc Flashes are among the most dangerous electrical hazards in many facilities to date, owing to the extreme heat, light, and sound produced by them. A fault or a short circuit in the electrical system sometimes causes explosive energy release, called an Arc Flash. The temperature of an arc flash can go beyond 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can adversely affect the power system and the entire facility. Electrical workers working in the vicinity of potential Arc Flashes are at risk of getting severe burns, and even death.Five reasons to consider an Arc Flash Study and Analysis in Australia
The best way to avoid Arc Flashes and mitigate electric risks is to conduct an Arc Flash Study and Analysis to protect your power system from any dangers.
Here, you can see five compelling reasons why you must consider doing an Arc Flash Study and Analysis:
- An Arc Flash Study and Analysis enables you to understand the rating of the equipment involved. For example, the Arc Flash study reveals the incident energy available at the equipment involved, which helps in evaluating the protection tactics and adopting the best safety measures.
- There can be unseen dangers involved in an electrical system. Identifying these dangers through an Arc Flash Study and Analysis in Australia can help maintain the system intact.
- Compliance with standards and codes like AUS/NZS 4836:2023, ISO 4500, NFPA 70E, or OSHA can help ensure the safety of the workers.
- Most facility owners and organizations consider Arc Flash Studies and Analysis in Australia as extravagance and ignore them repeatedly. However, incidents like the Yallourn Arc Flash case are eye-openers for facility owners. It is their moral duty to ensure safety at the workplace.
- Failing to conduct Arc Flash analysis in Australia can incur huge expenses, along with the dangers of losing lives. Carrying out an Arc Flash Study is more economical than bearing the cost of incidents and loss of life.
Arc Flash Study and Compliance Standards in Australia
- According to a document published by the Australia Energy Council, there is a certain amount of gravitas about the best professional and skilled people to hire for risk assessment for Arc Flashes. Moreover, facilities are encouraged to remain safe and comply with the standards for electrical safety in Australia. The Electrical Safety Office in Queensland greatly educates and spreads awareness and compliance codes to mitigate the electrical risks.
- The AS/NZS 4836:2023 specifies the standards for the clothing or PPE, eyewear, and other details to safeguard personnel during an Arc Flash. This being the case, organizations are directed to adopt the new Occupational Health and Safety standards ISO 45001. There are some exceptional enhancements for safety at the workplace according to ISO 45001 standards.
A devastating incident of Arc Flash in Australia
- A facility owner must understand these standards and take steps to mitigate the risks. Be it a workplace or a residential building, the owner has legal liability towards the people. For instance, in 2018, one of the operators at Yallourn Power Station lost his life in an Arc Flash incident. The facility, being the second largest power station in Victoria was held responsible for failing to protect the operator. The Melbourne County Court held the company guilty of charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- One of the main reasons why companies withhold doing an Arc Flash Study and Analysis is that Arc Flashes are rare. However, the impact of Arc Flashes is beyond repair, while the repairable ones lead to spending a fortune. Hence, it is always advisable to schedule an Arc Flash Study and Analysis for your facility in Australia.
Raising Awareness about Arc Flashes and the potential dangers
- Arc Flash awareness is one of the essential training that every electrical worker and contractor offering electrical services must have. Understanding Arc Flash’s causes, effects, and mitigating risks can to a large extent reduce the dangers caused by it. You can leverage many training programs as well as look through the experience of other electrical workers.
- Much content is available online to help you understand this phenomenon. For example, the Arc Flash Safety Film by Workspace OLD portrays how Arc Flashes are caused, and their impact on the workers and personnel in the vicinity. Despite being a beautiful state, Queensland has recorded the maximum number of cases of Arc Flash accidents in the last decade. This calls for a greater effort to raise awareness and encourage companies and organizations to invest in Arc Flash Studies.
