Perception Isn't Protection
When it comes to electrical safety, what we don't know can quite literally kill us.
An arc flash incident can generate heat intense enough to melt metal. It can create pressure waves violent enough to rupture eardrums. Produce light blinding enough to cause permanent vision loss. Release toxic fumes that permanently scar lungs. Every day, up to 10 U.S. workers are killed or injured in arc flash accidents.1
The devastating, life-altering consequences alone should make all electrical workers sit up and take notice.
Yet many roll the dice with their safety, guided by misleading perceptions circulating in the electrical industry about arc flash hazards, despite clear guidance in safety standards like the recently updated NFPA 70E. Let's cut through the confusion and face some uncomfortable truths.
PERCEPTION: "I already checked, the power's off."
REALITY: Unless equipment is properly verified as de-energized per OSHA lockout/tagout procedures (which most claimed "de-energized" work isn't), danger still lurks. Suit up.
PERCEPTION: "It's just low voltage, no big deal."
REALITY: Low voltage doesn't mean no danger. Arc flashes can even happen at lower voltage levels with irreversible consequences. Respect it all.
PERCEPTION: “I've never seen an arc flash, NFPA 70E doesn't apply to me."
REALITY: A common refrain among those who've never personally seen or experienced an arc flash. But their unpredictable nature is what makes them so hazardous. It happens and can happen to anyone.
PERCEPTION: “I’m wearing a flame-resistant shirt, so I'm good."
REALITY: An arc flash engulfs you from all angles. True protection requires a full ensemble – shirts, pants, gloves, face shield, balaclava, safety glasses, shoes. It's not just about having gear but wearing it right. Not all Flame Resistant shirts are Arc Rated.
PERCEPTION: "NFPA 70E is all about products."
REALITY: Gear is important, but useless if used improperly. Rolling up sleeves or using apparel that doesn’t match the specific hazard category of your work environment defeats the purpose. NFPA 70E heavily emphasizes training on correct PPE usage and care. A Cintas rule of thumb is to view the guidance as 10% product and 90% training.2
PERCEPTION: "Washing FR clothing makes it less effective."
REALITY: Laundering and apparel care per guidelines maintains effectiveness. But using non-FR thread or skipping inspections can compromise safety. Industrial launderers can help you adhere to NFPA 70E standards.
Here's the bottom line: no matter how experienced you are, how many days you've gone incident-free, or how quick a job might be, arc flash safety should always be priority number one. The difference between heeding these precautions and ignoring them could quite literally mean life or death.
Don’t let these dangerous perceptions lull you into a false sense of security. Educate yourself and your team on the very real risks. Commit to thorough, ongoing training. And foster a culture of unwavering respect for the power of electricity.
Because the truth is, no task is worth your life. Work smart, suit up, and stay safe.
1 Capshell Inc.
2 EHS Today_NFPA 70E Misconceptions PDF