East Division Arc Flash Program opens important discussion

A dedicated team of East Division safety professionals and electrical workers recently took the first steps in designing a unified arc flash program they hope will standardize procedures, protections and training.

A dedicated team of East Division safety professionals and electrical workers recently took the first steps in designing a unified arc flash program they hope will standardize procedures, protections and training.

The East Division Arc Flash Team met in January to identify the best practices for preventing arc flashes, which are potentially dangerous electrical explosions that can occur when working on energized systems.

Leading the effort is Senior Electrical Project Manager Patricia Braga, an electrical engineer who has nine years of experience in both the aggregates and steel industries.

“This program is as much about culture as it is about technical requirements,” she said.

A major component of the program asks district arc flash leaders, plant managers and qualified workers to regularly reference the concepts of Martin Marietta’s Guardian Angel safety culture. Preventing arc flashes, for example, requires employees to speak up when they recognize a potentially dangerous condition and, if necessary, to stop the task immediately. Similarly, those performing work where arc flashes could occur should only do so if they have been properly trained.

“Electrical safety is a shared responsibility,” Braga said. “When we look out for each other, we become a safer and more cohesive team.”

During the January meeting in the East Division’s Raleigh headquarters, a roundtable discussion proved to be one of the most impactful moments of the day.

Participants shared experiences with arc flashes and near-miss incidents, revealing striking similarities that cut across job title and work location. These shared patterns highlighted the need for a program that can help build consistent habits across the division, Braga said.

Throughout the day, members of the Arc Flash Team offered various perspectives about the value of this new kind of program.

“When I started doing electrical work, arc flash was never even talked about, so I appreciate this becoming an important discussion,” said Foreman Peter MacMullin. “We’re developing this program not only to help keep electrical employees safe, but to keep all employees safe.”

MacMullin, who has more than 40 years of electrical experience, said he appreciated the team’s efforts and stressed the importance of respecting the boundaries electricians set in the name of safety.

Master Electrician Ross Rabun echoed MacMullin’s sentiments while emphasizing the importance of broad situational awareness. Because electricity is present everywhere, he said, the risks extend beyond industrial settings and should be recognized by new and experienced employees alike.

“Everyone should know what an arc flash is, what can cause one and how to protect themselves,” Rabun said.

While the team is launching the program in the East Division, Braga said she’s optimistic about it ultimately serving as a model for enterprise implementation. Arc flash risk, she noted, is not confined to any single region or business line.

“This program is not meant to sit in a binder on a shelf,” she said. “We are excited to see how this adds to our reputation of world-class safety standards.”