What safety measure can help to minimize injuries from arc flash?

Maintaining a proper distance from energized equipment is a crucial safety measure to help minimize injuries from arc flash incidents. An arc flash occurs when electrical energy is released due to a fault condition, generating intense heat and light, as well as hazardous pressure waves. By keeping a safe distance, individuals can significantly reduce their exposure to the extreme temperatures and potential projectiles that result from an arc flash event.

The recommended safety practices often necessitate establishing boundaries around energized equipment, knowing the flash protection boundary, and working within those limits. Understanding and applying these safety distances help protect workers from potential burns and other injuries that could result from a sudden arc flash. Additionally, this distance allows for the opportunity to react and escape from hazardous situations more effectively.

In contrast, other choices may not directly address the potential risks associated with arc flash. While wearing appropriate clothing and non-conductive gloves contributes to overall electrical safety, they do not specifically reduce the risk of arc flash injuries. Regularly changing workplace layouts may improve workflow or organization but does not inherently mitigate the arc flash hazard.