The Difference Between Arc Rated Clothing And Other Flame Retardant Clothing
Certain industries require employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This is especially true for employees working in the oil and gas industry. A common type of protection used in this industry is fire resistant (FR) clothing. FR clothing is his type of PPE designed to protect workers from heat and flame. However, the level of resistance to this hazard can vary for different types of his FR clothing, so in 2012 the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) changed the terminology used to refer to his FR clothing, denoting an arc rating. introduced.
What are Arc Flash clothes?
An arc flash is a current that flows through air when the insulation or insulation between charged conductors is no longer sufficient to withstand the applied voltage. The extremely high temperatures of these arcs, about four times the temperature of the surface of the Sun, can instantly set clothing on fire and severely burn human skin at considerable distances from the event. I have.
A major difference between arc rated and flame retardant clothing is that all arc rated clothing is flame retardant, but not all FR clothing is arc rated.
Arc rated garments are tested to determine the level of protection provided. Tests were performed to see if the fabric could resist ignition and extinguish on its own once the ignition source was removed.
Tests conducted on clothing reveal whether the material resists ignition and whether it self-extinguishes when the ignition source is removed. This test shows how much energy is blocked by clothing before a second-degree burn occurs.
Essentially, Arc ratings give employers and consumers peace of mind in the knowledge that the FR clothing they purchase will provide adequate protection for their jobs.
Where is the AR Clothing Appropriate?
AR clothing is suitable for any situation where workers may be exposed to fire or heat. Industries for AR clothing include:
- manufacturing industry
- utility
- car
- construction
- mining
- oil gas
- data center
- mass production industry
Ultimately, it is important that organizations check all protective clothing labels to ensure that FR clothing has an Arc rating. This allows workers to be adequately protected from hazards. Arc flash clothing is not only flame retardant, but also rigorously tested to IEC 61482-2-2009 to provide a defined level of protection against arc flash hazards, providing added peace of mind To do.
If you would like to learn more about our safety products or need expert advice on safety gear that suits your needs, feel free to contact Elliott Australia. We are happy to help!call me 07 3265 2944 Or send us a message – here.
