Another Arc Flash Story

I posted this several months back and inadvertently put it in the wrong place. Thought I would re-post it in the proper spot!

As a lineman for eight years prior to deciding to complete my engineering degree, I was exposed to a 4160 arc flash on a pole (my fault) with minor injury, but during those few seconds with what appeared to be the sun brightly in my face, thought I might not survive the incident. The burns healed, the hair and eyebrows grew back, and I threw the burned tee-shirt away. It was originally yellow, but looked like a prison shirt when it was done because of the black and yellow stripes across the front.

One of the guys on the ground got burned through his shirt from the molten copper that fell from the arc.

I can promise you that it is a helpless feeling when it happens to you and you have no place to hide!

Can't remember if I was able to salvage the underwear though.

Alan

As an Operator/Maintenance man myself in Navy and Petroleum industry I will not forget what it means to be in those shoes once I have my engineering degree. Although you admit the incident to be your fault there are many opportunities for engineers to help keep the working guy/gal safe ex; while in the designing and planning phase, and to manage properly, (training, support, proper tools/resources, etc...).

I am sure that incident will always stick with you...