Metal Shirt Snaps & Arc Flash Risk

Recently, a reader asked a question that I thought would be great to post publicly. I’ve been asked this question before, and I’m sure there are many people out there that would benefit from knowing the information.

Q: “If a garment has exposed snaps [that] are metal, would they have a tendency to attract the arc during an arc flash event?”

A: I contacted one of the technical people who has worked with Hugh Hoagland, from e-hazard.com, for years and helps with arc testing and developing new arc test methods. Here is the answer he provided:

‘Arc shape and form and propagation direction is determined by electromagnetic forces that in turn depend on electrode configuration. Shirts with metal snaps or non-metal buttons or other types of closures could only be in the path of the arc but cannot attract the arc.

Keeping in mind that metal is an excellent heat conductor and that temperature on the surface of a single layer shirt can reach 300 – 400ºF, there is a potential of spotty skin burns if snaps have a direct contact with skin. But if there is a layer of FR fabric between the back of the snap and the skin, I think there is no extra risk or danger.’

Please feel free to email me if you have any further questions about this topic:

msaner@workrite.com

‘Dust Explosions in the Food Industry’ article

Hugh Hoagland, of e-hazard.com, publishes a monthly newsletter that is always full of valuable information. April’s edition was no exception; it featured an article by Vahid Ebadat explaining the dangers of dust explosions in the food industry as well as outlining a number of crucial tests to determine the explosive nature of dusts. Click the link below for the article.

Dust Explosions in the Food Industry

– Mark

“Has the Dust Settled?” Article from Power Magazine

Bob Taylor, of PBR Coal Users Group, wrote a commentary piece in the March issue of Power Magazine about the dangers of combustible dust. Click this link to read the article.

API Presentation

I was recently in Farmington, NM to present for the Four Corners Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute in conjunction with the local ALSCO branch. There were 45 attendees on hand, and I presented the basics of FR as well as an additional piece on heat stress. The presentation was well received and I was glad to have been asked to give it. If you’d like more information about the API, please email me: msaner@workrite.com

Thanks – Mark

Recent OSHA Fines

Click the link  below to head over to e-Hazard.com and check out the latest OSHA fines relevent to electrical safety. There are two citations for failure to provide PPE to employees. Feel free to email me if you have any questions: msaner@workrite.com.

Click here to view the citations

April Tradeshows

The month of April is a busy one for our regional account executives; Workrite will be exhibiting at 8 shows this month. Stop by if you’re in the area, we’d love to show you what’s new in FR.

Region 9 VPPPA – Monterey, CA
April 4-5

SWESE – Austin, TX
April 15

ASSE Safety & Health – Tampa, FL
April 12-13

ASSE Hawaii – Honolulu, HI
April 16-17

Michigan Safety Conference – Grand Rapids, MI
April 17-18

FDIC – Indianapolis, IN
April 19-21

Progress Energy Rodeo – Raleigh, NC
April 21

EEI Spring – Albuquerque, NM
April 29 – May 2

Article: “Electrical Safety, Certified” NFPA Journal

The March/April issue of the NFPA Journal featured a great article written by Jeffrey Sargent about new certifications needed for electrical workers and supervisors. Click this link to be taken to the article.