ProGARM launches campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by arc flash

Arc flash can be a serious threat to life, with the heat released in the initial blast capable of reaching temperatures of up to 36,000F. That’s why ProGARM is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by arc flash, and it needs your help. 

With previous research suggesting 57% of workers within specific industries are impacted by arc flash, ProGARM wants to ascertain how many workers are actually aware of the dangers. It then plans on using this data to uncover the real risk of arc flash in the UK. 

The campaign sees ProGARM calling on workers at all levels within the rail, construction, petrochemical, utilities, power generation and industrial electrical industry to share their experiences. It wants to know what industry you work in, while also your understanding of arc flash. 

An arc flash is caused when an electrical discharge travels through the air and releases an intense burst of energy. The energy expelled can be deadly, with temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, the flash burns clothing and human skin within fractions of a second, even at a distance. The deadly phenomenon is a hidden killer and can impact anyone breaking ground, working with electricity or cables.

Mark Lant, technical expert at ProGARM, commented, “Arc flash is a very real danger affecting workers up and down the country. And yet there is worryingly little research into the risk. We want to change that and so we are calling on those working in these specific fields to share valuable experiences via our survey and help us to protect lives in the future.”

The results of the study will be compared with ProGARM’s benchmark survey in 2017, to reveal the progress of arc flash safety over the last four years.

Mark continued, “The research has been designed to identify any possible areas where workers may still be at unnecessary risk of serious injury. The results of our 2017 study helped to raise awareness of arc flash risk, but four years on we must do more to save lives. Ultimately, it’s our goal to ensure that every person at risk is armed with the right awareness, knowledge and PPE to stay safe and make it home at the end of each day.”

The survey can be found here. Professionals in the electrical industry across the UK are encouraged to take part and share their experiences in a bid to ensure the safety of industry workers.