ABSTRACT
Arc flash is a dangerous condition associated with the unexpected release of tremendous amount of energy caused by an electric arc within electrical equipment. Unlike arc flash, which is associated with thermal hazard and burns, arc blast is associated with extreme pressure and rapid pressure buildup. Consider a person positioned directly in front of an event and high pressure impinging upon the chest and close to the heart and the hazard associated with it. Fire hazard and electrical shock are the other hazards. There are a number of ways by which the exposure to shock hazard occurs. Of necessity and for the continuity of processes, maintenance of electrical equipment in energized state has to be allowed for. If all maintenance work could be carried out in de-energized state, a short circuit cannot occur when a worker is maintaining the equipment and therefore there is no risk of arc-flash hazard.
