How Expert Advice in a Tracking-Arc Incident Investigation Saved Money: Preventing Unnecessary Spending on New Personal Protective Equipment

Research shows that, without independent subject matter experts (SMEs), major incident investigations can fail to provide correct results. In the absence of an SME, evidence may be inaccurately interpreted, which might result in the wrong conclusions. This is exactly what happened in one case following an incident involving contact with an overhead power line that resulted in an arc flash and second-degree burns. Following an investigation without an expert, an overhaul of the personal protective equipment (PPE) program was recommended. However, when the PPE supplier decided to bring in an independent arc-flash safety expert, the subsequent research led to a groundbreaking theory on the tracking (contact) arc and the performance of various pieces of arc-rated (AR) PPE exposed to such arcs. The conclusions that followed found that replacing the AR PPE would provide no added benefit. Thus, the expert advice prevented a pointless investment of more than US $500,000 in new equipment. Not all investigations require such detailed analysis, and most can benefit from a brief consultation or review. This case study provides empirical data to support the theory that the work of an independent SME can benefit an investigation and be well worth the cost.