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Burns suffered in electrical accidents can be very serious. Burns are usually one of three types: electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns. This topic is concerned with the second type — arc burns.
In its basic terms, an arc flash is a short circuit and air is the conductor. Arc faults are similar to arc welding. Arc burns are the result of high temperatures produced by electric arcs or by explosions close to the body. If the current involved is great enough, these arcs can cause injury or can start a fire. Arc burns are similar to burns and blisters produced by any high temperature source.
Fires can also be created by overheating equipment or by conductors carrying too much current. Extremely high-energy arcs can damage equipment, causing fragmented metal to fly in all directions. In atmospheres which contain explosive gases or vapors or combustible dusts, even low-energy arcs can cause violent explosions.
Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards shall be provided with, and shall use, electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for work to be performed.