Information and Discussion Topics 

for Electrical Workers

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Office of Mine Safety and Health
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DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007–116D

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ARC

FLASH

AWARENESS

Information and Discussion Topics

for Electrical Workers

Kathleen M. Kowalski-Trakofler, Ph.D.

Research Psychologist

Mental Health Advisor, Office for Emergency Preparedness

Edward A. Barrett, CMSP

Mining Engineer

Charles W. Urban

Audio–Visual Production Specialist

Gerald T. Homce, P.E.

Electrical Engineer

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

Pittsburgh, PA

January 2007
What is an arc flash?

An arc flash is the sudden 

release of electrical energy 

through the air when a 

high–voltage gap exists and 

there is a breakdown between conductors.

An arc flash gives off thermal radiation (heat) and 

bright, intense light that 

can cause burns. Temperatures have been recorded as high as 

35,000  ̊F. High–voltage arcs can also produce considerable 

pressure waves by rapidly heating the 

air and creating a blast. This pressure burst can hit a worker with great 

force and send molten metal droplets 

from melted copper and aluminum 

electrical components great distances 

at extremely high velocities. 

What causes an arc flash?

An arc flash can be spontaneous or result from inadvertently 

bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object. Other 

causes may include dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or corrosion.

Conditions under which arc flash can occur:

 Working on an energized circuit 

 Electrical equipment failure





Arc flash is 

sometimes called 

arc fault or arc blast.

1
Electrical Safety Regulations

Important safety recommendations: NFPA 70E 

Establish an “electrically safe work condition” before working 

on a circuit by deenergizing it.

Create an “electrically safe work condition” by... *

(1) Identifying all power sources,

(2) Interrupting the load and disconnecting power,

(3) Visually verifying that a disconnect has opened the circuit,

(4) Locking out and tagging the circuit,

(5) Testing for voltage, and 

(6) Grounding all power conductors.

Use a written permit system for planning and conducting work on or near energized parts.

Use tools, 

meters, and 

other equipment that 

are suitable for the 

voltage and 

current levels 

present when 

performing 

all electrical work.







Construction: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K (OSHA)

General Industry: 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S (OSHA)

Mining: 30 CFR, Various Parts (MSHA)

A permit contains information such as 

why and how the work will be conducted, 

detailed information about the shock 

and flash hazards involved, safe work 

practices to be used, personal 

protective equipment (PPE) to be used, 

and who authorized the energized work.

* All of these steps require the use of appropriate personnel protective equipment for shock and arc 

flash protection: safety glasses, voltage rated gloves, fire–resistant (FR) work clothes, arc–rated face 

shields, flash suits with hoods, and hearing protection.

2
Comments from workers injured by an arc flash 

 

 

 JON 

 DON 

“The truth is an arc flash 

can happen to you when you 

least expect it...always wear your PPE.”

“Think the job through and know 

what can happen.”

Jon, a journeyman 

electrician, was 

taking data on 

circuit breakers that 

he believed to be 

deenergized. While 

closing one of the 

enclosure doors, an 

arc flash occurred. 

The arc flash blew the 

door open, knocking 

him back against a 

wall and causing him 

to lose consciousness 

in front of the 

enclosure, which 

continued to arc.

Don, a journeyman 

electrician, was Jon’s 

working partner that 

day. Although not 

initially injured by 

the arc flash, Don was 

burned as he rescued 

an unconscious Jon 

from in front of 

the enclosure as it 

continued to arc.

3
 

Organizational Responsibility

The organization has a responsibility in preventing arc flash 

injuries. It has the ability to provide a safety analysis of the 

workplace and develop engineering controls to eliminate 

hazards. It can engineer new or retrofitted facilities, incorporating the latest safety technology. Organizations have the 

duty to provide appropriate tools, PPE, and regular maintenance of equipment and training. A commitment to training is a commitment to safety. Partnerships with equipment 

suppliers can bring innovative and safer technology to the 

workplace. Most importantly, management can demonstrate 

the value of safety to their employees, customers, and other 

stakeholders through their actions, which creates a positive 

safety climate where people watch out for each other.

ANDY 

“Don’t be complacent...absolutely do 

not work with the power on!”

Andy, a journeyman 

electrician, was 

removing a circuit 

breaker when an arc 

flash initiated right in 

front of him. Looking 

back, Andy realizes 

that the circuit 

breaker should have 

been deenergized 

before he began to 

work on it.

4
Discussion Questions

If one of the incidents in the video had happened to you, 

how would it have changed your life or the life of your 

family?

Have you ever experienced an arc flash? What happened? 

Did you change any safety practices in your work after the 

incident? What were they?

What are some behaviors that you can change to help 

prevent an arc flash incident to yourself and/or to your 

fellow electricians?

What PPE is recommended for your task? What are some 

of the excuses electricians use for not wearing appropriate 

PPE?

In general, as electricians become more experienced, 

do you think their safety habits change? How? 

After viewing this video, which, if any, of your own safety 

work habits would you like to change?

Do you have any suggestions for your supervisor that 

you feel could help prevent an arc flash incident from 

happening to you or any of your coworkers?

What suggestions do you have for your company to help 

prevent arc flash incidents? 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

5
Staged Arc Flash Event

Worker nearing an open 

electrical panel

Bright, intense flash 

from the arc engulfs 

the worker

Non-FR work clothing 

burns after arc exposure

Photos courtesy of Schneider/Square D Corp. Used with permission.

6
Additional Resources

NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 

can be obtained from: 

NFPA 

1 Batterymarch Park 

Quincy, MA 02169–7471 

1–800–344–3555

www.nfpacatalog.org

IEEE Std 1584(TM)–2002 Guide for Performing Arc-Flash 

Hazard Calculations

Acknowledgments

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 

(IBEW), Local 5, Pittsburgh, PA

Dennis E. Eicker, IBEW Local 5

H. Landis (Lanny) Floyd, Principal Consultant, 

Electrical Safety and Technology, DuPont

Schneider Electric/Square D, 

North American Operating Division

Miller Electric Construction, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA

Brown and Powell Electric Supply, Inc., Bethel Park, PA

James C. Cawley, P.E., Electrical Engineer, NIOSH

David L. Caruso, DVD Author/Print Design & Layout,

Health Communications Fellow, NIOSH

Charles D. Taylor, Narrator, NIOSH

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

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7
Notes

8
For more information on Arc Flash and Electrical Safety

Contact the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory:

Kathleen M. Kowalski-Trakofler, Ph.D.

Research Psychologist

412–386–4531

KKowalski@cdc.gov

Gerald T. Homce, P.E.

Electrical Engineer

412–386–5097

GHomce@cdc.gov

Delivering on the Nation’s Promise:

Safety and health at work for all people

through research and prevention

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007–116D