High Visibility Labeling and Arc Blast Hazards

An 'arc blast' is an extremely violent event associated with electrical arc flash hazards. An arc blast can cause devastating injuries and can be fatal even to workers standing ten feet away from an arc flash.
Electrical arcing is the result of a short circuit passing thru air or a medium between two live conductors, or between a live conductor and the ground. This arc releases an incredible amount of energy that can generate intense heat, blinding light, and an explosion called an 'arc blast'. The extreme heat created by the arc flash causes rapid heating of the surrounding air and surfaces, resulting in an explosive expansion or 'blast', that instantly vaporizes metal and sprays the molten metal shrapnel outward at incredible speed. This explosion also sends a powerful pressure wave outward that can collapse lungs, cause concussions, and throw nearby individuals off their feet. The accompanying sound blast can lead to permanent hearing loss.

The damage and injuries resulting from exposure to an 'arc blast' can be catastrophic, and can lead to fatalities in the workplace. As many as 5-10 arc blast explosions occur daily in the US, resulting in 1-2 deaths each day. Safe work practices, proper education and training, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) , and the use of highly visible arc flash labels help to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

High visibility safety labeling to identify arc flash and arc blast hazards helps to communicate critically important safety information, and is a key component of a safe workplace. When safety is important, you want the best. And when you want the best high visibility safety labeling supplies, at exceptional prices, you want Industrial Safety Solutions! SafetyPro industrial printers and supplies from ISS have the superior quality, speed and durability you are looking for. Customers around the world choose Industrial Safety Solutions (877-762-9280) for superior quality at unbeatable prices so call today for great deals!

Arc Flash Labeling and Arc Flash Hazards

What is an ‘arc flash’?

An arc flash is a dangerous event that results when a short circuit passes through air between two live conductors, or between a live conductor and the ground, causing an electrical arc. An electrical arc is a high temperature electrical discharge that 'arcs' across a gap or thru a medium that releases a high amount of energy with a potentially deadly ‘flash’ of heat, light and pressure.

Is an arc flash dangerous?

Arc flash hazards can cause catastrophic injury and death. In an arc flash event the electrical current does not have to pass through the body to be deadly. An arc flash occurs in a split-second without warning and can kill workers standing ten feet away from the arc. The heat produced from electrical arcs can exceed 34,000° F, hotter than the surface of the sun, which instantly ignites clothing and causes severe burns. The intense light produced from the flash is literally blinding. The electrical arc flash also creates an explosive high pressure ‘arc blast’ pressure wave that causes concussions and hearing loss, and shoots out deadly high-speed molten metal shrapnel leading to disabling injuries or instant death.

What causes an arc flash?

There can be many causes for an arc flash accident. It can be as simple error such as dropping a tool near an arc flash hazard area or approaching an electrical source with a conductive object. Poor maintenance or repair of electrical equipment; improper design or installation of electrical systems; corrosion, moisture, dust or other impurities on electrical components; defective or failed parts; mice or other pests entering electrical systems; missing insulation; and even normal wear and tear can all contribute to the triggering of an arc flash event.

What should I do?

Arc flash dangers are a common workplace hazard. However, with the appropriate electrical safety labeling and signs, correct education and training, and the use of the proper safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE), workplace injuries and death from arc flash accidents are greatly reduced.
Arc flash labeling is an important component of a safe workplace. When it comes to your arc flash hazard labeling, you'll want the best at affordable prices. The SafetyPro industrial label printer from Industrial Safety Solutions is the #1 leading arc flash label printer in the industry and is an economical choice for all your arc flash labeling needs! With SafetyPro, you can create custom arc flash labels on demand in just seconds, at prices that are unbeatable! For arc flash labels that are durable, cost effective, and high quality, you'll want SafetyPro! Take advantage of special arc flash package deals to bring your costs down even lower. Call ISS at 877-762-9280 today to learn more about SafetyPro – the most cost effective solution for all your arc flash labeling needs!

Kits to make arc flash easier

New kits to make arc flash labeling easier

ISS, a leader in arc flash labeling, recently posted new labeling kits specifically aimed at arc flash labeling. These kits offer a variety of high-quality vinyl arc flash labels and thermal resin inks, specifically formulated for long-lasting outdoor capable arc flash labels.

To make it even better, the kits are fully compatible with industry-standard arc flash software such as Etap, SKM, and Easypower.

Check out the arc flash labeling kits for yourself with this link

The kits also ship with software, in case you're not using Etap, SKM, or Easypower already. So, if you need a complete solution that gives you labeling software with built-in arc flash templates, you'll be all set.