Arc flash: a hazard to be taken seriously

What’s an arc flash?

It is an electrical discharge visible to the naked eye that is transmitted through the air between two conductors. The arc flash happens in an insulating place. This phenomenon creates a violet light and releases dangerous heat.

We are talking about temperatures up to 20,000°C (35,000°F)!

Arc flashes usually occur during a short circuit or when a tool meets with a powered machine or part. An arc flash creates an explosion that releases a very high level of pressure that can hit a nearby worker.

What are the dangers of an arc flash?

It is obvious that exposure to arc flash can be very dangerous for your health. So here is a list of the dangers that can be created by an arc flash:

• Severe burns that can be fatal
• Being propelled to the ground
• Receiving molten metal droplets
• The pressure of the explosion can damage hearing
• It can create a fire in the workplace
• The light created can affect the worker's eyesight

How to choose the right work gloves against arc flash?

To intervene on energized equipment, workers require protection. The human body is vulnerable to an arc flash, and the following information found in this article concerning work gloves is also applicable to any other personal protective equipment.

When selecting work gloves designed for arc flash protection, we need to look at the glove’s ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value). The ATPV represents the incident energy rate with a 50% chance of causing second-degree burns.

For example, with a glove having an ATPV value of 8.2 cal/cm² you have a fifty percent chance of suffering from a second-degree burn caused by an 8.2 cal/cm² arc flash. Therefore, the higher the ATPV rate, the more protective the glove.

Dexterity® and Endura® : the arc flash resistant work gloves

Dexterity work gloves benefit from a Kevlar®/Protex® yarn blend for impressive heat and cut resistance. For Endura® work gloves, it is instead a DuPont™ Kevlar® and composite filament fiber liner that provides such protection.

Scientifically engineered to be flame resistant, these gloves offer a Category 3 rating and an APTV rating up to 36 cal/cm², as well as ANSI Level 5 cut protection to protect workers from electrical arcing and cut hazards.

The flexible and comfortable neoprene palm is flame resistant and offers an exceptional grip without hindering dexterity, making this glove perfect for mining and oil and gas industries where arc flash protection is essential.

Find out more about Dexterity® and Endura® work gloves specially designed to protect your hands from electric arcs 👇