In the US in recent years, a more focused and quantified approach has been taken on the issue of electrical arc flash hazard, driven by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) through its National Electrical Code (NEC). During an arc flash, rapidly expanding air and superheated metal vapour are produced, which can cause serious injury including burning, blindness, loss of hearing, impact injury and even death.Īccording to research carried out by CapSchell Inc, a research company specialising in workplace accident prevention, there are between five and ten arc-flash explosions per day in the US. The question of ‘arcing’ and electrical-arc hazard in EU, UK and Irish legislation is addressed in the context of a risk assessment covering all risks associated with working on or near live electrical equipment.Īn arc flash is an explosive release of energy that can result from an electrical short circuit that takes place between electrical conductors or between an electrical conductor and earth. suitable precautions are taken to prevent danger including, where necessary, the provision of protective equipment.Īccording to the Act, electrical hazards associated with electrical systems and equipment include burns sustained at the point of accidental electrical contact, or due to arcing from high-voltage conductors.it is reasonable in the circumstances for such person to be at work on or near it while it is live and.it is unreasonable in the circumstances for it to be dead.This standard also states that work on live equipment should not be undertaken unless: S.I.299 of 2007 Part 3 (Electricity) states that “it is preferable that work on or near electrical equipment should be carried out when that equipment is dead, but work on or near live conductors may be permitted in exceptional circumstances”. This clearly extends to working on electrical systems. 10 of 2005) that “every employer shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees”. It is a requirement under Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 (S.I. It provides an overview of the relevant assessment procedures and how US standards should be considered in the context of EU, UK and Irish legislation.ĭuring the years 2000 to 2010 inclusive, Health & Safety Authority (HSA) publications indicate that there were over 2,000 reported injuries and 26 deaths resulting from electrical accidents in the workplace in Ireland. This article outlines the background to arc-flash hazard assessment in both jurisdictions. If you have any query on the recognition of your professional title, please contact Hugh O’Kelly BSc MPhil CEng FIEI FIET, engineering director, Premium Power LtdĪmong the risks associated with working on live electrical equipment, the issue of arc-flash hazard has emerged as a subject of increasing focus, firstly in the USA and more recently in Europe. Correspondingly, engineers in the UK, who receive a professional title from one of their professional engineering institutions, will have that title recognised if they wish to come to work in the Republic of Ireland. The Agreement, put simply, ensures that engineers who apply, are assessed and achieve a registered professional title from Engineers Ireland, will continue to have that registered title recognised if they seek work in the UK post-Brexit. Associate Engineer (Ireland) /Incorporated Engineers (UK)Īlso included are holders of the UK’s Information and Communications Technology Technicians (ICTTech).The Agreement recognises the equivalent holders of professional registered titles in both jurisdictions including: In 2018, Engineers Ireland signed an agreement (known as an Access Pathways Agreement) with the Engineering Council, our counterpart in the UK, to facilitate mobility of engineering professionals through streamlined professional registration/membership processes. Mobility and mutual recognition for engineers
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