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Changing behaviours around protective clothing
Ensuring a continuous loop of feedback between uniform wearers and procurers so that ideas can be shared, changes in sentiment can be tracked and predicted, and new areas for education can be identified, requires regular communication.
And there are clear procedures that need to be followed to ensure the proper protection in these environments. For example, wearing a flame-retardant arc flash T-shirt, then a coverall, and then jacket on top provides three layers of fabric.
The gap between each layer slows down the blast. By the time the blast reaches the body, it will have cooled to the extent that a worker will not sustain burns, Alsico technical development manager Dave Ward explains. Fewer layers provide less opportunity for the blast to cool and expend energy before reaching the body, meaning burns or severe injuries to the body increase in likelihood, he says.
For comfort, those wearing uniforms are often tempted to put their own clothes on, for example, using a polyester shirt as a base layer. But when this comes into contact with extreme heat, it has the potential to melt and stick to the skin – causing severe pain and burns. Other customisations could include sleeves being rolled up, overgarments tied around the waist, or the collar left open, all of which are a risk in the event of a blast and limit the protection afforded.
Ward says checking PPE is being worn correctly could save someone’s life. The most common injuries resulting from arc flash are second degree burns, he explains. You can also be blinded or deafened by tinnitus. “You may walk away, but with life-changing injuries.”
Astonishing as it may seem, from time to time, Ward sees workers on site not wearing any PPE in environments where arc flash is possible, a phenomenon also heard anecdotally from peers in the industry.
That’s why Alsico conducted the research last year. The company is providing guidance on both how to increase engagement with PPE from wearers, but also how to close the gap for the long term with better education and feedback systems.
The survey uncovers a common problem: workers wearing some parts of the PPE, but not others, or that the PPE is rigid and uncomfortable, which deters consistent wear.
Fabric that is heavier than strictly necessary for the job may be used when garments have not been updated to reflect today’s needs, says Ward. “That can lead to fatigue, or the worker may sweat more. It can make them tired. I see a lot of mis-buying going on. I’m determined to increase the level of information available so that decision-makers at least have a full understanding of the options available to them – and the benefit of these for their workforces.”
PPE should be correctly rated for the environment to ensure the highest standard of protection (for example in terms of ELIM value). Expert advice when it comes to procurement is invaluable.
Treated, flame-retardant material is ideal. Polyester is a no-no. “We also always ask what comfort looks like, because people may have to wear the PPE for 12 hours.” Stretchability and softness are becoming an important design element for PPE, Ward says, helping provide better fit and catering for different body types.
Ease in taking PPE on and off is also beneficial. For example, coveralls can be designed to be taken on and off without removing work boots.
PPE that protects against arc flash has other benefits: it is also anti-static, suitable for protection during welding, and high visibility. It also guards against UV exposure.
Selection of PPE should be part of a strong safety regime. “Safety in the electricity industry is about building the right culture,” says Ward.
“Changing the behaviour and mindset is important.”
Establishing working groups or employee forums are good ways of getting feedback on how PPE is being used and addressing any issues that might affect compliance, Ward says.
“PPE is the last line of defence. In the hierarchy of control, you should always look to eliminate the risk if possible. Companies are bringing out equipment and circuit breakers designed to eliminate the risk of arc flash, but you can never be 100% sure. PPE will always be needed.”
Robert Snodgrass of the HSE says that older switchgear should be retrofitted with new technology or changed out if necessary to reduce risks from arc flash. “We need to get involved with the designers who build these complex electrical networks to ensure they are as safe as possible.
“By designing correctly, the arc flash incident energy should be as low as is reasonably practicable.” Training is also important, he says.
“All personnel working with electrical networks should have a knowledge of arc flash.”
Want more information on PPE to guard against arc flash and other electrical hazards?
Contact David Ward at Alsico: david.ward@alsico.co.uk
Changing behaviours around protective clothing
Ensuring a continuous loop of feedback between uniform wearers and procurers so that ideas can be shared, changes in sentiment can be tracked and predicted, and new areas for education can be identified, requires regular communication.
And there are clear procedures that need to be followed to ensure the proper protection in these environments. For example, wearing a flame-retardant arc flash T-shirt, then a coverall, and then jacket on top provides three layers of fabric.
The gap between each layer slows down the blast. By the time the blast reaches the body, it will have cooled to the extent that a worker will not sustain burns, Alsico technical development manager Dave Ward explains. Fewer layers provide less opportunity for the blast to cool and expend energy before reaching the body, meaning burns or severe injuries to the body increase in likelihood, he says.
For comfort, those wearing uniforms are often tempted to put their own clothes on, for example, using a polyester shirt as a base layer. But when this comes into contact with extreme heat, it has the potential to melt and stick to the skin – causing severe pain and burns. Other customisations could include sleeves being rolled up, overgarments tied around the waist, or the collar left open, all of which are a risk in the event of a blast and limit the protection afforded.
Ward says checking PPE is being worn correctly could save someone’s life. The most common injuries resulting from arc flash are second degree burns, he explains. You can also be blinded or deafened by tinnitus. “You may walk away, but with life-changing injuries.”
Astonishing as it may seem, from time to time, Ward sees workers on site not wearing any PPE in environments where arc flash is possible, a phenomenon also heard anecdotally from peers in the industry.
That’s why Alsico conducted the research last year. The company is providing guidance on both how to increase engagement with PPE from wearers, but also how to close the gap for the long term with better education and feedback systems.
The survey uncovers a common problem: workers wearing some parts of the PPE, but not others, or that the PPE is rigid and uncomfortable, which deters consistent wear.
Fabric that is heavier than strictly necessary for the job may be used when garments have not been updated to reflect today’s needs, says Ward. “That can lead to fatigue, or the worker may sweat more. It can make them tired. I see a lot of mis-buying going on. I’m determined to increase the level of information available so that decision-makers at least have a full understanding of the options available to them – and the benefit of these for their workforces.”
PPE should be correctly rated for the environment to ensure the highest standard of protection (for example in terms of ELIM value). Expert advice when it comes to procurement is invaluable.
Treated, flame-retardant material is ideal. Polyester is a no-no. “We also always ask what comfort looks like, because people may have to wear the PPE for 12 hours.” Stretchability and softness are becoming an important design element for PPE, Ward says, helping provide better fit and catering for different body types.
Ease in taking PPE on and off is also beneficial. For example, coveralls can be designed to be taken on and off without removing work boots.
PPE that protects against arc flash has other benefits: it is also anti-static, suitable for protection during welding, and high visibility. It also guards against UV exposure.
Selection of PPE should be part of a strong safety regime. “Safety in the electricity industry is about building the right culture,” says Ward.
“Changing the behaviour and mindset is important.”
Establishing working groups or employee forums are good ways of getting feedback on how PPE is being used and addressing any issues that might affect compliance, Ward says.
“PPE is the last line of defence. In the hierarchy of control, you should always look to eliminate the risk if possible. Companies are bringing out equipment and circuit breakers designed to eliminate the risk of arc flash, but you can never be 100% sure. PPE will always be needed.”
Robert Snodgrass of the HSE says that older switchgear should be retrofitted with new technology or changed out if necessary to reduce risks from arc flash. “We need to get involved with the designers who build these complex electrical networks to ensure they are as safe as possible.
“By designing correctly, the arc flash incident energy should be as low as is reasonably practicable.” Training is also important, he says.
“All personnel working with electrical networks should have a knowledge of arc flash.”
