Why Is There An Arc Flash Risk In The Rail Industry?

Why is there an arc flash risk in the rail industry?

The risk of an arc flash is often associated with the utilities industry but arc flash risks are now becoming more widely recognised as a specific cause for concern to those working in the rail industry. It is imperative to education and raise awareness of the risk of an arc flash explosion to those working in the rail industry.

Many individuals working on or near the tracks are at risk of an arc flash incident occurring. The UK operates on an electrified rail network which means anyone carrying out maintenance work is at risk of being exposed to an arc flash.

Electrical services that cannot be seen (such as buried electrical cables) pose a more significant risk as they are not always buried at a safe depth and recorded on utility drawings. Groundworks may have had an impact, with services originally buried at 600 mm depth are now being just below the surface. These lack of indicators pose a serious risk to individuals involved in groundworks.

When can an arc flash incident occur in the rail industry?

An arc flash explosion can occur when:

1. Working on or in close proximity to electrified lines, power cables and rails
2. Carrying out maintenance of track-side distribution panels
3. Groundworks during track maintenance
4. Installing railway sleepers, cables and fencing

What PPE is required when working in an arc flash environment?

PPE must always be used as the last line of defence when all other health and safety measures have been implemented. It is imperative that individuals working with electrical equipment, where the potential threat from incidents involving an arc flash (one of the most serious electrical hazards that can occur in the workplace) wear the correct arc flash clothing and PPE.

This includes:

1. FR underwear
2. Arc flash base layers
3. Arc flash polo shirts
4. Arc flash trousers
5. Arc flash sweatshirts
6. Arc flash jackets
7. Arc flash coveralls
8. Arc flash waterproofs
9. Arc flash helmets
10. Arc flash gloves

Is there ladies arc flash clothing available?

Yes! Alongside unisex arc flash PPE, there are several garments that are available in a ladies fit. In the UK, employers are required to provide PPE, and if women are required to wear arc flash PPE on site and it doesn’t fit a woman’s body, then this can be a barrier. The concept of PPE regulations is that it should be fit for purpose, fit for use, and fit for the individual. Unsafe arc flash PPE for women results in higher risk to the health and safety of women on site. (insert link for arc flash polo shirt)

Do I need specialised arc flash clothing if I am working on the railways?

Arc flash clothing and PPE is only required when working on the railways if you are working in an area that is at risk of an arc flash incident. If an engineer is carrying out track-side maintenance of a distribution panel or working on electrified lines, there is a possibility of an arc flash explosion therefore they must be wearing the appropriate arc flash clothing and PPE.

There is also an arc flash risk when breaking ground during track maintenance, laying new sleepers and cables and working in close proximity to electrified rails.

An appropriate health and safety risk assessment must always take place before any work is carried out on the railways to determine the level of protective clothing required. If you are unsure about whether you need arc flash clothing and PPE and which items are best suited for your workforce, please get in touch with one of the arc flash specialists at Clad Safety on 0800 161 3661 or [email protected].

Clad Safety work with Procurement Managers, Health and Safety Managers and Buying Teams from large organisations across the Construction, Rail and Utilities sectors. With over 30 years of experience in the supply of technical workwear and PPE, we will work with you to keep your team protected and safe.

Do I need specialised arc flash clothing if I am working on the railways?

Arc flash clothing and PPE is only required when working on the railways if you are working in an area that is at risk of an arc flash incident. If an engineer is carrying out track-side maintenance of a distribution panel or working on electrified lines, there is a possibility of an arc flash explosion therefore they must be wearing the appropriate arc flash clothing and PPE. These items must be compliant with EN 61482 | IEC 61482 and have the correct ATPV rating.

There is also an arc flash risk when breaking ground during track maintenance, laying new sleepers and cables and working in close proximity to electrified rails.

An appropriate health and safety risk assessment must always take place before any work is carried out on the railways to determine the level of protective clothing required. If you are unsure about whether you need arc flash clothing and PPE and which items are best suited for your workforce, please get in touch with one of the arc flash specialists at Clad Safety on 0800 161 3661 or [email protected].

Clad Safety work with Procurement Managers, Health and Safety Managers and Buying Teams from large organisations across the Construction, Rail and Utilities sectors. With over 30 years of experience in the supply of technical workwear and PPE, we will work with you to keep your team protected and safe.