What is arc rated protective clothing?
Arc flash PPE is arc rated personal protective equipment worn by workers performing maintenance on energized equipment as well as de-energizing equipment and is the last line of defense to protect workers from arc flash injuries.
When should arc flash clothing be worn?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA 70E standard for arc flash protection, arc-rated protective clothing is required whenever there is possible exposure to an electric arc flash above the 1.2 calories per centimeter squared per second threshold.
How many categories of arc flash PPE are there?
four Arc Flash PPE Categories
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) uses four Arc Flash PPE Categories to classify ranges of arc flash hazards, and the corresponding requirements for PPE.
What is PPE category?
Protective Equipment: The categories are one of the methods used in the current NFPA 70E standard to inform workers about the protection they need while working on energized equipment. The Arc Flash PPE Category system replaces the Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) system from the 2012 edition of the standard.
What is the difference between AR and FR clothing?
Knowing the Difference Think of it this way: FR clothing protects workers from fire-related hazards. AR clothing protects workers from very specific electrical hazards. Both hazards involve heat and flames. But arc flashes and electrical hazards are much more dangerous.
How do you select arc flash clothing?
All buttons should be buttoned, and all zippers closed. Your shirt should be tucked into your pants. Not only should no skin be exposed, but there also should be no exposed non-arc rated materials. All the outer layers must be individually rated greater than the potential incident energy exposure.
What are three examples of arc flash rated PPE?
Arc Flash PPE Categories
- Hard hat.
- Arc-rated face shield.
- Safety goggles.
- Hearing protection.
- Leather gloves.
- Arc-rated long sleeved shirt.
- Arc-rated pants.
- Leather footwear.