The limitations of metal-clad enclosures to protect workers from arc-blast hazards

One of the most common ways to protect personnel from electrical contact accidents or arc-blast events is to enclose the equipment in a metal enclosure. Both Design & Safe Work Practice standards depend upon these ldquometal-cladrdquo (MC) enclosures to contain the dangerous energy and thereby protect workers. However, there are a number of situations that can develop that will result in structural failures of MC equipment & many of these events result in injury to personnel. This paper identifies those situations that could compromise the integrity of MC gear and provides recommendations to mitigate the risks to personnel posed by arc-blast events.