This week, Scott Claycomb, Jacksonville ARTCC ESU Safety Rep, and his friend, Travis Stratmann, spoke to employees on the importance of wearing proper protective equipment on the job.

Stratmann, an employee of the Jacksonville Electric Authority, was involved in an arc flash incident earlier this year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electric arcs usually form as a result of a number of factors, such as high voltages or currents, moisture content, and damaged or degraded insulation. ‘Arc flash’ describes the intense light and heat generated during electric arcing.

Although Stratmann was wearing his PPE, he was burned by 26,000 volts, 11,000 amps of fault current, 30,000 degrees, which resulted in a 156 Kal fire. Fortunately, he survived but has had several surgeries and skin grafts as he heals. He shared the details with employes and the impact the accident had on him personally. “I’m sure Travis’s personal experience had a profound effect on the employees,” said National President Dave Spero. “No video or safety manual would have the same impact.”

“I feel that we do a really good job of doing keeping ourselves safe, but I also know that we all from time to time we all get complacent with wearing our PPE,” said Claycomb. “I was pleased that Travis wanted to share his story and that management agreed this was important.” Claycomb is working to bring Stratmann to other facilities to address employee safety.