Commercial plumbers face electrical shock and arc flash hazards due to potential contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts while working with plumbing systems. These hazards can result in severe burns, falls, impact injuries, hearing damage, or even fatalities. [3]

Several factors can cause arc flash, including:

• Unintentional tool contact with live parts
• Tools dropped on the ground, creating a spark
• Equipment failure due to poor maintenance or improper design
• Use of tools that spark
• Corrosion of contact surfaces
• Loose contacts
• Worn or damaged insulation
• Dust and condensation on insulating materials
• Incorrect installation of conductors
• Incorrect work procedures

[2] [2] To mitigate these risks, the following safety measures, regulations, and PPE are required:

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards and assess the risks before starting any work. This includes evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential arc flash incidents.
• De-energize Equipment: Whenever possible, do not work on energized equipment. Always follow lockout/tagout procedures as part of a hazardous energy control program.
• Safe Work Practices: Implement safe work procedures, job planning, and work permits. Ensure conductors and circuit parts are in a safe working condition.
• Preventive Maintenance: Regularly inspect for wear and tear of insulation, corrosion, poor connections, and excessive moisture. Maintain up-to-date electrical drawings.
• Approach Boundaries: Use arc flash approach boundaries, including barricades, to limit how close workers should be to energized equipment. Unqualified workers should remain a safe distance away from exposed energized conductors.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate shock and arc flash PPE. This may include a hard hat (class G or E), face shield, balaclava, hood, safety glasses or goggles, heavy-duty leather/arc-rated/rubber insulating gloves, hearing protection, and appropriate footwear. Ensure all PPE is suitable for the expected energy if an arc flash occurs.
• Non-Sparking Tools: Use non-sparking tools to reduce the risk of igniting an arc flash.
• Training and Qualification: Ensure workers are trained in the construction and operation of equipment, work methods, and the proper use of PPE. Qualified persons should be familiar with appropriate techniques, policies, procedures, work permits, PPE, insulating and shielding materials, insulated tools, and test equipment.
• Standards and Regulations: Adhere to relevant standards and regulations such as CSA Z462 "Workplace Electrical Safety", NFPA 70E "Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace", and other jurisdictional requirements.

[1] [1] [4] [4] [1] [4] [5] By implementing these measures, commercial plumbers can significantly reduce the risk of electrical shock and arc flash hazards, ensuring a safer working environment.