Electrician Suffers Serious Burns in Arc Flash Explosion

ByJoseph O'Neill

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Updated onDecember 21, 2017

Electrician Suffers Serious Burns in Arc Flash Explosion

This case involves an electrician who was severely injured following an arc flash explosion. He was installing a disconnect switch on an energized, 480v bus duct in a large computer data center when the arc flash occurred. He was not given any personal protective equipment by his employer, such as an arc flash suit, which would likely have improved his odds of escaping the accident with minimal injuries. It was alleged that his employer violated both state and federal safety codes by failing to provide him with adequate protective equipment.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your experience with arc flash protection, specifically oversight of equipment and safety.

2. Do you have specific hands on experience installing and/or servicing bus ducts and disconnect switches in commercial buildings?

Expert Witness Response E-001181

inline imageI have experience with arc flash matters including responsibility for implementing policy and procedures, investigating arc flash mishaps, calculating arc flash protection levels in electrical systems and have worked as an expert in arc flash litigation matters. In addition, I'm a principal member on the NFPA 70E committee, which is the OSHA-recognized standard for implementing arc flash safety measures. I do feel comfortable speaking in detail to NFPA 70e and the state-specific industrial code specifically as it relates to arc flash protection. I have been involved with inspections, including acceptance testing of bus ducts and disconnect switches in commercial buildings and I have been involved with mishap investigations and litigation where arc flash and PPE were at issue.

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.

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