What is an Arc Flash?

An Arc Flash occurs when an electrical discharge travels through the air and releases an intense burst of energy. This flash can cause serious harm to anyone caught by it, so appropriate Arc Flash protection is of the upmost importance.

An electric arc, known as an arc discharge, occurs when an electrical discharge or short circuit moves through the air. Voltage spikes, worn connections, cable strikes or gaps in insulation are just some of the reasons that an Arc Flash occurs. A flash of intense energy is that result.

An Arc Flash incident should be recognised as a real danger to workers.

The energy expelled by an Arc Flash event can be deadly, with temperatures reaching up to over 19,000oC (35,000o F). It goes without saying; this can burn clothing and human skin within fractions of a second, even if the operative is situated five or six meters away from the Arc Flash event.

An Arc Flash can result in an explosive pressure wave that can throw workers across the room and a sound blast that can rupture eardrums. It is also accompanied by a bright flash which can cause temporary blindness.

Arc Flash Injuries

Thermal energy from an Arc Flash incident can be deadly. When someone is exposed to an Arc Flash incident, serious burns and other potentially life-threatening injuries can be minimised or even avoided by effectively utilising Arc Flash garments.

An Arc Flash event may not be a daily occurrence for businesses, but they are happening multiple times every working day in the UK. Risk assessment and precautions through safe working practice can be instigated by your company and that will limit the possibility of an Arc Flash incident. Wearing the correct Arc Flash protective garments for a specific risk level will further increase safety. These will always remain a risk, but there is significant Arc Flash protection available through wearing the correct garments.

Injuries Arc Flash Protection Can Prevent

Arc Flash incidents are common across industries such as power generation, utilities, industrial electrical and the rail industry. Arc Flash protective clothing can help prevent serious burns and permanent injury to those working in these sectors.

If you operate in any of these five key industries, you should be considering Arc Flash protection for your team.

• Power Generation - Your team are at risk of an Arc Flash incident inside and outside power stations
• Utilities - Workers in the field require protection from Arc Flash dangers, especially if they are breaking ground on a regular basis
• Petrochemicals - We know that awareness of Arc Flash dangers is now an integral part of your risk assessments. Arc Flash garments are becoming the safety clothing of choice for many in this sector
• Rail - Arc Flash protection on the railways is vital. Arc Flash protective garments are available that comply with the special requirements of UK regulations for high visibility
• Industrial Electrical - Those working with high voltage power supplies, in distribution centres and industrial and commercial maintenance teams are all at risk of Arc Flash incidents. Make sure they are protected

The last line of defence against Arc Flash injury is found in specialist garments - everything from insulating warm Arc Flash based layers to Arc Flash waterproof jackets and trousers.

Enhanced and effective Arc Flash protection comes through wearing layers of protective garments manufactured from inherent fibres and which feature specific Arc Flash resilient components. In addition the level of protection and quality of garment are sufficient to provide the protection the wearer needs.

Not all Arc Flash protective garments are manufactured the same. Whilst all certified garments meet minimum standards , you must ensure that the level protection and quality of garment are suited to the wearer's needs. Quality Arc Flash protective garments from ProGARM won't simply allow you to survive an incident, they will significantly reduce the level of injury that is sustained.

When lives are at stake, you should trust a specialist. ProGARM uses 100% inherent fibres, develops highly durable garments that will offer a high level of protection throughout the life of the garment and a high level of production rigour to ensure a consistent quality and garment traceability.

ProGARM 6444 Navy/Yellow Hi-Vis Arc-Flash Overalls

Protection from flames, electric-arc flashes and electrostatic, these work overalls are structured from VXS+ fabric, which offers defence against a variety of workplace hazards. Plus, there are plenty of other practical additions such as pockets, triple-stitched seams and adjustable cuffs.

• Flame Resistant fabric and Arc Flash protection
• Mandarin collar//Maximum neck protection
• Kneepad pockets//Wear with kneepads for extra comfort
• Chest pockets with zippers//Secure storage
• Gas monitor loop//Secure fixing point
• SafetyICON™ on arm//Visual EN Standards icon system
• IEC 61482-2:2009: Class 1//EBT50=12 cal/cm²//ARC 2

ProGARM 5292 Women's Orange Long-Sleeve Hi-Vis Arc-Flash Polo Shirt

Working with electrics and thermal energy requires a high-level of caution from employers, employees and personal protection equipment manufacturers. Woven from breathable VXS+ fabric, this flame-resistant polo shirt will aid workers when dealing with risks include arc flashes, heat and electrostatic.

• Arc Flash protection and Flame Resistant fabric
• Enclosed stud placket//Allows quick fastening
• VXS+ blend//Natural feel, comfortable & soft
• Breathable with good moisture management
• ThermSAFE™ plastic FR poppers//CE Certified
• SafetyICON™ on arm//Visual EN Norm icon system
• IEC 61482-2:2009: Class 1//ATPV=6 cal/cm²//ARC 1

ProGARM 5816 Navy Arc-Flash Trousers

Form and function combine to create the ProGARM 5816 electric-arc trousers. Designed to ensure workers remain safe on the job, these work trousers meet numerous EN standards that cover flame resistance and shielding against arc flashes, so you can continue to work hard without worrying.

• 5cm Flame Resistant Anti-Static Reflective Tape//Double stitched for longer life
• Kneepad pockets//Wear with kneepads for extra comfort
• Combat pocket with flap//Safe storage space
• Mobile phone pocket//Keep your phone safe
• Side access pockets with flaps//Protects from debris entry
• ThermSAFE™ plastic Flame-Resistant zipper//CE Certified
• SafetyICON™ on leg pocket//Visual EN Standards icon system
• IEC 61482-2:2009: Class 1//EBT50=12 cal/cm²//ARC 2

ProGARM 9750 Yellow Waterproof Hi-Vis Arc-Flash Jacket

Stay safe without compromising on practicality or comfort with the ProGARM waterproof flame-retardant jacket, a garment that has been designed to make sure you are as shielded as possible. Not only does this jacket meet EN standards for flame resistance, it is also capable of dealing with harsh, unruly weather.

• Flame Resistant fabric and Arc Flash protection
• Two tone design//Practical and stylish
• Elasticated inner cuffs//Wind proofing
• Storm flap//Wind proofing
• SafetyICON™ on arm//Visual EN standard
• ThermSAFE™ plastic FR Zipper//CE Certified
• IEC 61482-2:2009: Class 2//ATPV=47 cal/cm²//ARC 4

ProGARM is the only UK manufacturer concentrating on and specialising 100% in Arc Flash and Flame-Resistant garments, ensuring your teams have access to the protection they need. With multiple cable strikes every day in the UK and numerous major Arc Flash incidents too, ProGARM design and manufacture garments that are proven to significantly reduce or even totally prevent injury; and garments that save lives.

WHEN LIVES ARE AT STAKE, TRUST IN THE ARC FLASH PROTECTION SPECIALIST