Warning: Electrical Shock Hazard
Death or serious debilitating injury can result from exposure to shock hazards associated with fire pump
panels.
No VSC F&S employee regardless of title is allowed to access or work in or near fire pump panels unless authorized and properly trained in electrical hazards and procedures involved with testing or maintenance of a panel.
Fire pump panels are energized with 220 to 480 volts that can cause serious burns, heart failure and arc flash injuries. An arc flash is a phenomenon where a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to ground. The results are often violent and when a human is in close proximity to the arc flash, serious injury and even death can occur.
Arc flash can be caused by many things including:
- Dust
- Dropping tools
- Accidental touching
- Condensation
- Material failure
- Corrosion
- Faulty Installation
When a fire pump electrical panel is deenergized a lock and tag must be attached to the appropriate locking device. A deenergized panel can only be verified by a qualified person. If the breaker switch is in the off position, but no lock or tag is attached, it is considered “energized” and must be reported to your supervisor. Because of the violent nature of an arc flash exposure when an employee is injured, the resulting injuries will likely be serious even resulting in death. It’s not uncommon for an injured employee to never regain their past quality of life. Extended medical care is often required.
Typical Results from an Arc Flash
- Burns (Non FR clothing can burn onto skin)
- Fire (could spread rapidly through building)
- Flying objects (often molten metal)
- Blast pressure (upwards of 2,000 lbs. / sq.ft)
- Sound Blast (noise can reach 140 dB – loud as a gun)
- Heat (upwards of 35,000 degrees F)