When Do You Need Arc Protection Clothing and Why?
What is Arc Protection For?
Work in the industrial electrical environment? Then you know how important it is to invest in quality PPE to protect you and your staff. As an employer, you are accountable for your employees’ safety. Therefore, you can be held financially liable for any injuries that might occur.
Risk assessment is essential for all end-users to determine what PPE to purchase. Various electrical hazards such as shock, fire, explosion or arc flash may occur. Measures must be put in place to mitigate these, with PPE being the final layer of risk reduction.
Arc protection is a range of protocols specifically designed to keep you safe from electrical hazards, especially arc flash caused by high voltage switchgear.
At Delta Health and Safety, we have done in-depth research on only the best arc protection clothing and partnered with the most trustworthy brands, like Dromex. That’s why this article discusses important considerations when purchasing PPE to protect your staff from electrical dangers, particularly arc flash.
But First, What is Arc Flash?
Watch this 1-minute video and find out what arc flash is:
An arc flash is extreme light and heat produced when an electrical current leaves its intended path and connects with the ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. When the electrical switchgear closes a circuit; this contact generates the flash or arc.
It can range in temperatures from 2,800 to 19,000 degrees Celsius. This is hotter than the surface of the sun!
Arc flash can also produce dangerous molten metal shrapnel in an explosive wave. These projectiles and the blasting heat can cause various injuries, the most common of which are severe burns. Therefore, the injuries sustained are extreme and can take months to heal.
Arc protection clothing is critical when dealing with electrical currents to protect employees from harm in the case of an arc flash. PPE is the last line of defence in personal protection when handling electrical hazards. That’s why your choice in what brand you purchase will determine the level of protection provided. Delta Health and Safety can assist and advise you on the PPE need for the conditions your end-users are working under.
How to Determine Your Arc Flash Clothing Requirements
A risk assessment is essential when deciding on what kind of PPE is needed by the end-user. Various electrical hazards such as shock, fire or explosion may occur. For this reason, measures must be put in place to mitigate these, with PPEbeing the final layer of risk reduction.
Arc protection clothing carries an arc rating (ATPV). This is communicated as a measurement of Calories per Centimetre Squared (Cal/cm2). This number indicates the amount of energy that can be delivered to a point at a particular distance from an arc flash.
An ATPV rating represents the maximum capability for arc flash protection of a particular garment.
An Arc Flash Hazard Analysis will determine the arc protection clothing that you require for your business. Therefore, this analysis will allow you to choose the Hazard Risk Category (in accordance with NFPA 70E) for your business or various areas of your premises.
There are 4 Hazard Risk Categories (H.R.C.), and each requires a minimum ATPV
- HRC 1 – minimum 4 cal/cm2
- H.R.C. 2 – minimum 8 cal/cm2
- H.R.C. 3 – minimum 25 cal/cm2
- H.R.C. 4 – minimum 40 cal/cm2
Delta Health and Safety, Proud Suppliers of Dromex
At Delta Health and Safety, we supply quality fit-for-purpose PPE. Like us, Dromex is a company that believes in providing quality personal protective products. They believe that they have a responsibility to deliver products that provide maximum protection to employees. This, too, has made them an ideal supplier in terms of our Delta Health and Safety values.
Dromex sources its fabric and garments from international partners, allowing them to provide a wide range of high quality and innovative arc protection clothing. Delta Health and Safety only work with reputable brands. We’re proud to say that Dromex is our preferred supplier for arc protection.
The Dromex Arc Protection Range
Dromex has developed a specialised fabric blend characterised by their exclusive Arc Protective Technologies (A.P.T). Dromex arc protection clothing complies with NFPA, ASTM, EN, SABS and I.E.C. standards.
Arc Protection Undergarments
Dromex offers arc protection for every clothing layer and has specifically engineered undergarments.
Workers should wear the 9.9 cal arc boxer shorts and t-shirt under Dromex’s various arc protective clothing.
Arc Protective Clothing Essentials
Dromex has considered the end-users level of exposure in their arc protection range. That’s why the range offers arc protection work shirts that come in APTV ratings of 9.6 and 12.4 cal. The shirts are offered in sizes small to 3XL and have flame retardant tape on both arms and flame retardant buttons.
Dromex also supplies 21 cal denim pants and a 25 cal thermal jacket. These comfortable protective clothing essentials are perfect for taking an employee from the boardroom to on-site maintenance.
Arc Suits
Dromex has a vast range of protective arc suits. The range offers suit separates with ratings of 12.4, 15 and 25 cal. Dromex also supplies a 15 cal one-piece boilersuit and a highly rated 55 cal/cm2 suit that includes a visor with real view technology.
Head to Toe Arc Flash Protection
Delta Health and Safety and Dromex have you covered from head to toe with arc protective clothing accessories.
Dromex arc protective headwear consists of a 28 cal electrically insulated helmet with an integrated retractable visor and chin protection. They also offer an arc visor that comes in 12 cal and 26 cal, to wear with a front brim arc-rated hard hat.
When working with electrical elements, your hands are on the front line. Dromex has a range of arc protective gloves. Their gloves come in 16.8, 51 and 70 cal.
Thereafter, completing the arc protection range, Dromex supplies heat resistant safety boots in sizes 5 to 12 with a 70 cal rating.
Delta Health and Safety Has Arc Protective Clothing for All Conditions
This article should support you in understanding the most effective way to keep end-users safe from electrical arc dangers. Delta Health and Safety aim to ensure that our customers can make informed purchases. We are available to discuss any PPE requirements or answer any questions you may have.