Arc flash protection saves lives
The Critical Role of PPE
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, delivering innovative solutions across a wide range of industries. With 270 factories worldwide and teams working in electrical environments, ABB operates in high-risk environments where safety is a core priority.
This article tells the story of a rare Arc Flash incident that took place at one of ABB’s sites. It highlights how Tranemo protective clothing played a crucial role in mitigating what could have been a life-threatening event. Most importantly, it demonstrates the vital role that personal protective equipment (PPE) plays in keeping people safe. Ultimately, this is a story about how PPE can save lives. Tranemo and ABB work together to protect workers and reduce risks in challenging electrical environments around the world. Like at Tranemo, safety is embedded into every aspect of work at ABB.
We interviewed Christopher Smith, HSE Audit & Assurance Manager at ABB and he explains: “Health and safety at ABB is referred to as our license to operate. We need this to perform safely, and it is critical to our operations. ABB focus on creating their own systems, rules and processes to protect our contractors and colleagues when they are working in high-risk environments.”
PRIORITISING SAFETY TOGETHER
In environments where electrical hazards are part of daily operations, wearing the right protective clothing to mitigate the specific risks of the role are essential. Tranemo Advanced Workwear’s long-standing relationship with ABB has created a partnership in which we work closely alongside the relevant teams to ensure the clothing they are wearing is certified for their safety.
"Put your people in Arc Flash protective clothing as a standard uniform."
THE ARC FLASH INCIDENT
The Arc Flash incident took place at a low-voltage site where a field engineer was completing a task which would usually come with minimal risk. Unfortunately, this was no ordinary day. During routine repair work in a low voltage area, the engineer was unexpectedly exposed to a severe Arc Flash.
What makes this incident exceptional is that the Arc lasted between two and three seconds. This is far longer than the fraction of a second typical for such incidents, due to a local protection system failure. An Arc Flash of that duration is extremely rare and extremely dangerous.
PPE AS THE LAST LINE OF DEFENCE
PPE serves as the last line of defense, and in this instance, it is likely that the PPE saved a life. The injured employee was wearing two layers of Tranemo protective clothing at the time. A long-sleeved base layer (ELIM 4,6 cal/cm²) and a long-sleeved sweatshirt (ELIM 8,6 cal/cm²) over the top. The two Arc Flash layers, the base layer and outer layer combination, provided more Arc Flash protection than the sum of their individual ratings. The outer layer of his clothing was badly damaged by the Arc Flash, but crucially, the protective underlayer remained intact. The employee sustained first, second and third degree burns to their face and hands, which were not fully covered; but avoided torso injuries that could have been life altering. Most importantly, the injured person’s body remained completely unharmed avoiding any devastating torso injuries, with no skin redness or burns at all.
Christopher reiterates how serious this incident could have been if protective clothing was not worn. He states that "the severity of the burns would have caused serious life-threatening injuries. The potential outcome is unthinkable.”
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WORN
"The most important lesson from this incident is simple but powerful. Arc Flash protective clothing saves lives."
LESSONS LEARNED
This story highlights the vital role that properly selected and correctly worn protective clothing plays in electrical work. Personal protective equipment can protect employees from fatal hazards, giving them the best possible chance of walking away from high-risk settings without harm. Christopher resonated “that the most important lesson from this incident is simple but powerful. Arc Flash protective clothing saves lives. Too often in the electrical industry, high-risk activities are still carried out without the right protection.”
Tranemo and ABB share the belief that protective clothing is essential whenever electrical equipment is involved, no matter how simple the task may seem. Even seemingly ordinary jobs carry risks, and the right PPE is vital. By prioritising safety, we help ensure that if an incident occurs, its impact is minimised and workers remain protected. Ultimately, our mission is to strive towards zero flame and heat related injuries. Christopher shares his advice to all companies working in electrical environments: "Put your people in Arc Flash protective clothing as a standard uniform."
THE LAST LINE OF DEFENCE, THE FIRST PRIORITY
At ABB, worker protection is regarded as deeply personal. PPE is the last line of defense, and for it to truly serve its purpose, it must be both effective and practical for every single individual who requires it. Alongside the safety features of protective clothing that keep people safe, it must fit correctly and be comfortable so that employees don’t think twice about wearing it throughout their working day.
This ongoing focus on innovation, safety and inclusivity strengthens the partnership between ABB and Tranemo, with one clear priority at its core: keeping people safe in working environments.
