Arc Flash Safety in Canada:

As the risk of electrical hazards continues to increase in the workplace, it is essential to prioritize safety by ensuring that all workers are trained on how to work safely around electrical equipment. One of the most significant electrical hazards in the workplace is the risk of arc flashes, which can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Arc flashes occur when there is a sudden release of energy from an electrical arc, and it is essential to understand the importance of arc flash safety to prevent such incidents from happening. In this article, we will delve into the details of arc flash safety in Canada, including its purpose, legislation, and requirements.

ARC FLASH SAFETY DEFINITION

What is an arc flash?

An arc flash is a dangerous electrical event that occurs when an electric current travels through the air from one conductor to another or to the ground. This high-energy discharge can cause extreme temperatures, intense light, and pressure waves that can cause severe burns, hearing loss, and even death. Arc flashes can occur due to various reasons, including equipment failure, insulation damage, or human error.

What is Arc Flash Safety?

Arc flash safety is a critical component of workplace safety, particularly in industries where electrical equipment is used. Electrical hazards, including arc flashes, can cause serious injury or death to workers, damage equipment, and disrupt operations (Source: Government of Canada, Electrical product safety, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/electrical-products.html, 2020). In Canada, there are specific regulations and guidelines in place to ensure that workplaces are safe for employees. In this article, we will explore arc flash safety in Canada and provide you with the information you need to know.

The purpose of arc flash safety is to educate workers on how to identify, assess, and control the hazards associated with arc flash. The training teaches workers about the risks of arc flashes and the necessary precautions to prevent them. The goal is to ensure that all workers who work around electrical equipment have the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely and avoid arc flashes.

What are the key components of an arc flash?

Arc flash incidents can occur in a variety of workplace settings where electrical equipment is present and can be caused by a range of factors, including human error, equipment malfunction, and external factors such as dust or moisture. Some common examples of situations that can lead to arc flash incidents include:

• Accidentally dropping tools or other objects onto live electrical equipment

• Mishandling or incorrectly installing equipment or wiring

• Overloading or short-circuiting electrical circuits

• Exposure to water or other conductive materials

• Faulty or outdated electrical equipment

In order to mitigate the risk of arc flash incidents, it is important to understand the key components of an arc flash, which include:

• The arc itself, which is a high-energy discharge of electrical current that can reach temperatures of up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit

• The heat generated by the arc, which can cause burns and ignite flammable materials

• The pressure wave generated by the arc, which can cause physical injuries and damage equipment

• The intense light and sound produced by the arc, which can cause temporary or permanent vision and hearing loss

To prevent arc flashes, it is essential to use proper electrical equipment, such as circuit breakers and fuses, and to follow safe work practices, including de-energizing equipment, before performing maintenance or repairs. Employers must ensure that their workers are trained to work safely around electrical equipment and understand the risks of arc flashes to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.

What are the main arc flash hazards?

Arc flash hazards can be caused by a variety of factors, including equipment failure, inadequate maintenance, human error, and environmental factors. Examples of arc flash hazards include:

• Thermal Burns: The heat generated by an arc flash can cause severe thermal burns. Workers who are not properly protected by flame-resistant clothing can suffer burns to their skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

• Pressure Waves: The pressure wave produced by an arc flash can be strong enough to throw a person across a room or cause other physical injuries. This pressure wave can also damage nearby equipment and structures.

• Projectile Hazards: The pressure wave generated by an arc flash can launch debris and other objects at high speeds, causing severe injuries to workers.

• Sound: The sound generated by an arc flash can reach levels of up to 140 decibels, which is loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage.

What is an arc flash risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a process that helps to identify potential hazards and assess the level of risk associated with each hazard. Employers must conduct a risk assessment to identify electrical hazards, including arc flash hazards, and implement control measures to reduce the risk of injury or harm. The assessment typically includes the following steps:

• Identify potential arc flash hazards: This involves reviewing the electrical system and equipment to identify potential hazards such as overcurrent devices, exposed conductors, and energized electrical components.

• Determine likelihood and severity: The likelihood and severity of an arc flash incident must be evaluated based on factors such as equipment ratings, fault current levels, and work procedures.

• Establish arc flash boundaries: Based on the results of the assessment, arc flash boundaries must be established to ensure that workers are aware of the hazards and can take appropriate precautions.

• Develop an arc flash safety program: An arc flash safety program should be developed to address the hazards identified in the assessment. This program should include procedures for safe work practices, training, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

What is an electrical safety program?

The CSA requires employers to document and implement an appropriate electrical safety program for the risks associated with electrical hazards. The electrical safety program should be implemented as part of an employer's overall health and safety management system.  The program typically includes the following components:

• Electrical system analysis: An analysis of the electrical system should be conducted to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate protective measures.

• Written procedures: Written procedures should be developed for all electrical work activities, including installation, maintenance, and repair.

• Training: Workers should be trained on electrical safety procedures, including proper use of PPE and safe work practices.

• PPE: Appropriate PPE should be provided to workers based on the hazards identified in the electrical system analysis.

• Incident investigation: Procedures should be in place for investigating electrical incidents and near misses and identifying ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

ARC FLASH SAFETY LEGISLATION

In Canada, arc flash safety is governed by federal and provincial regulations, as well as industry standards and guidelines. The primary legislation that governs electrical safety in Canada is the Canadian Electrical Code, which is developed and maintained by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) (Source: Canadian Standards Association, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/canadian-electrical-code-products/).

The Canadian Electrical Code sets out the safety standards for electrical equipment and installations in Canada and is used as a reference for electrical safety inspections and audits.The CSA Z462 Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace provides guidelines for the selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical workers and establishes the requirements for arc flash safety (Source: Canadian Standards Association, Workplace electrical safety, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA%20Z462%3A21/, 2021).

The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations in each province and territory also address electrical safety and arc flash hazards. Employers must comply with the OHS regulations and provide their workers with a safe workplace free from electrical hazards, including arc flashes. The OHS regulations also require employers to conduct hazard assessments to identify and evaluate the risks associated with electrical equipment and take appropriate measures to control the risks.

In addition to the Canadian Electrical Code and OHS regulations, there are several industry standards and guidelines that address arc flash safety in Canada. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace also provides guidelines for electrical safety and arc flash protection in the United States and is commonly used in Canada as well.

What is an energized electrical work permit?

In Canada, all energized electrical work tasks performed require an Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP) to be issued, unless exempted as outlined in the CSA Z462 Workplace electrical safety Standard, Clause 4.3 Work Involving Electrical Hazards(Source: Canadian Standards Association,  Workplace electrical safety, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA%20Z462%3A21/, 2021).

This permit is required to ensure the safety of workers who are performing maintenance or repairs on live electrical equipment. The permit outlines the safety procedures that must be followed to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

How to obtain an energized electrical work permit?

To obtain an energized electrical work permit, a qualified electrical worker must complete a detailed risk assessment and develop a safe work plan that includes all of the necessary safety procedures. The work plan must be reviewed and authorized by a qualified supervisor or manager before work begins. Once the permit is authorized, the workers must follow the safety procedures outlined in the permit, and the supervisor or manager must monitor the work to ensure that all safety procedures are being followed.

How long is the energize electrical work permit valid?

The energized electrical work permit is valid only for the duration of the work and must be reviewed and updated as needed throughout the work process to ensure that all safety procedures are being followed. The permit must be available on-site during the work process and must be accessible to all workers who are involved in the work.

ARC FLASH SAFETY

What is Arc Flash Safety?

Arc flash safety is a specialized training program that focuses on educating workers about the risks associated with arc flashes and how to work safely around electrical equipment. The training covers various topics, including the causes and effects of arc flashes, the importance of using proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practices to prevent arc flashes. The training may also include practical exercises, such as how to safely work on energized equipment.

Who is responsible for Arc Flash Safety?

Employers are responsible for providing arc flash safety to their workers. Employers must ensure that workers are trained before working with electrical equipment and that the training is repeated periodically to keep workers up-to-date with the latest safety practices and regulations.

The training should cover the proper use of PPE, safe work practices, and the procedures for working on or near energized equipment. Employers must also provide their workers with the appropriate PPE, including arc-rated clothing, gloves, and face shields, to protect them from arc flash hazards.

Who needs Arc Flash Safety?

Anyone who works around electrical equipment, including electricians, engineers, maintenance workers, and supervisors, needs arc flash safety. Workers who are exposed to electrical hazards must understand the risks and how to work safely to avoid arc flashes. In addition to these professions, the following industries typically require arc flash safety for their workers:

• Oil and gas

• Power generation and distribution

• Mining

• Manufacturing

• Construction

• Telecommunications

• Transportation

Where can you purchase Arc Flash Safety online training?

In today’s fast-paced society, Arc Flash Safety online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety done. There are many methods and providers of Arc Flash Safety. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality Arc Flash Safety education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money. Ensuring your Arc Flash Safety program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.

ARC FLASH SAFETY CERTIFICATE

What do you need to learn?

To obtain an Arc Flash Training Certificate in Canada, individuals must complete a training program that covers the key components of arc flash safety, including the hazards of arc flash, the principles of risk assessment, and the safety procedures that must be followed to prevent accidents and injuries. During the training program, participants must learn about the following topics:

• Arc flash basics: Participants will learn about the characteristics of arc flash, including the amount of energy released, the duration of the flash, and the temperature and pressure generated.

• Arc flash hazards: Participants will learn about the hazards associated with arc flash, including burns, electrical shock, and hearing loss.

• Risk assessment: Participants will learn how to assess the risks associated with working on live electrical equipment and develop safe work plans to reduce those risks.

• Safety procedures: Participants will learn about the safety procedures that must be followed to prevent arc flash incidents, including de-energizing electrical equipment, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and following lockout/tagout procedures.

• Standards and regulations: Participants will learn about the relevant standards and regulations that govern arc flash safety, including the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety, and OSHA standards.

Hands-on training is not explicitly required by legislation for Arc Flash Training in Canada. However, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety standard, which provides guidance on arc flash safety in the workplace, recommends that training programs include both theoretical instruction and hands-on training.

How long is the certificate valid?       

In most provinces, Arc Flash training expires 3 years after completion. However, some companies may require recertification more frequently. It is important to note that training needs to be updated regularly to ensure that workers are up-to-date on the latest procedures and regulations.

How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?

The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.

All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.

This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.

The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.

Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.

If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.

How can I find my certificate if I lost it?

In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.

If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.

CONCLUSION

Arc flash safety is a critical component of electrical safety in the workplace. Employers must ensure that their workers are trained to work safely around electrical equipment and understand the risks of arc flashes. The regulations and standards in Canada require employers to provide arc flash safety to workers who are exposed to electrical hazards. By providing proper training, employers can reduce the risk of arc flashes and ensure that their workplace is safe.