Arc flash clothing, also known as arc flash suits or arc flash protective gear, is a type of PPE worn by electricians, linemen, and other workers who may be exposed to the high energy electrical arcs that can occur during electrical maintenance and repair tasks.
Key Takeaways
Purpose: Protects against burns and eye damage from electrical arcs.
Composition: Flame-resistant materials, including coveralls, gloves, and face shields.
Selection: Based on hazard level, job type, and comfort.
Safety Practices: Includes grounding, proper equipment use, and training.
Arc Flash Risks: Caused by equipment failure and improper maintenance.
Regulations: Covered by UK electrical work and PPE standards.
Statistics: 13 fatal and 1,610 non-fatal electrical injuries in the UK (2019/20).
Availability: Wide range at OAKEYS Safety Ltd.
These arcs, which can reach temperatures as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit and produce intense light and heat, can cause serious burns, eye damage, and other injuries to anyone who is in close proximity to them. To protect workers from these hazards, arc flash protective clothing is designed to provide a high level of insulation and flame resistance, as well as other features that help to protect the wearer from the effects of an arc flash.
Protection from arc flash clothing
Arc flash protective clothing typically consists of arc flash coveralls, gloves, and other arc flash PPE, such as face shields and hard hats. The suit is typically made of flame resistant materials, such as Nomex or Kevlar, and is designed to provide a high level of insulation against electrical arcs. The suit may also be treated with a chemical that helps to reduce the risk of ignition and enhance its flame-resistant properties. The gloves, which are typically made of leather or another flame-resistant material, provide additional insulation and protection against electrical shocks. Face shields and hard hats may also be worn to protect the head and face from the intense heat and light produced by an arc flash.
What to consider when selecting arc flash clothing?
There are several factors to consider when selecting arc flash protective clothing. One of the most important is the level of protection required, which is determined by the type and intensity of the electrical hazard present. For example, a worker performing maintenance on high-voltage electrical equipment may require a higher level of protection than someone working with lower-voltage equipment. Other factors to consider include the type of work being performed, the physical demands of the job, and the comfort and fit of the clothing.
To ensure that arc flash protective clothing provides the necessary level of protection, it is important to follow proper care and maintenance procedures. These may include washing the clothing according to the manufacturer's instructions, inspecting it for damage or wear, and replacing it if it becomes damaged or worn. It is also important to properly store the clothing when it is not being worn, to ensure that it remains in good condition and ready for use when needed.
In addition to wearing arc flash protective clothing, workers should also follow other safety practices to minimize the risk of arc flash incidents. These may include using proper grounding techniques, working in well ventilated areas, and using electrical protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses. Workers should also be trained in the proper use of arc flash clothing and other arc flash PPE, as well as in the procedures for responding to an arc flash incident.
Arc flash is an electrical explosion that can occur when an electric current passes through air between conductors, or from a conductor to a ground. It can happen due to various reasons such as equipment failure, human error, or improper maintenance.
Arc flash is an extremely dangerous phenomenon and can result in severe injury or even death. It can cause burns, vision loss, hearing damage, and other injuries. The energy released during an arc flash can be very high and can cause significant damage to equipment and facilities.
To prevent arc flash incidents, it is important to understand the causes and hazards associated with arc flash. This includes understanding the electrical systems and equipment that can be involved, as well as the proper procedures for working with such equipment.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of an arc flash incident, including:
High voltage or current levels
The proximity of workers to live electrical equipment
Improper grounding or wiring
Faulty equipment or worn out insulation
Lack of proper maintenance and inspection
To prevent arc flash incidents, it is important to implement proper safety procedures and use the appropriate protective equipment, including arc flash protective clothing, gloves, and face shields. These should be selected based on the level of risk and the potential energy released during an arc flash incident. Regular training and education on arc flash safety is also crucial to ensure workers are aware of the risks and know how to work safely around electrical equipment.
Regulations and standards for arc flash workwear
In the UK, there are several regulations and standards that govern the use of arc flash protective clothing in different industries. Some of the key regulations and standards are:
These regulations apply to all electrical systems and equipment in the workplace and require that they are maintained in a safe condition. They also require that workers are provided with adequate protective equipment, including arc flash protective clothing, if they are at risk of an arc flash incident.
These regulations require employers to provide their employees with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), including arc flash protective clothing, and to ensure that it is used properly.
This is a British standard that specifies the performance requirements for protective clothing worn during an arc flash. It outlines the minimum arc rating required for different levels of protection, as well as testing methods for evaluating the performance of arc flash protective clothing.
This is another British standard that specifies the procedures and requirements for testing protective clothing to be worn during an arc flash incident.
These regulations require employers to assess and control the risks associated with hazardous substances, including those released during an arc flash incident. They also require that workers are provided with appropriate PPE to protect against these risks.
It is important for employers and workers to be aware of these regulations and standards to ensure that they are complying with the necessary requirements for arc flash protective clothing and equipment. This can help to prevent arc flash incidents and protect workers from the associated hazards.
What are the statistics for arc flash injuries?
According to the Health and Safety Executive known as the HSE in the UK, there were a total of 13 fatal injuries resulting from contact with electricity in the workplace in 2019/20.
In terms of non fatal injuries, the HSE reports that there were a total of 1,610 non fatal injuries caused by electrical contact in the workplace in 2019/20.
To conclude
Overall, arc flash clothing is a vital piece of PPE for electricians, linemen, and other workers who may be exposed to the high energy electrical arcs that can occur during electrical maintenance and repair tasks. By providing a high level of insulation and flame resistance, as well as other protective features, arc flash clothing helps to keep workers safe and reduce the risk of serious injuries from electrical arcs.
OAKEYS Safety Ltd has access to a wide range of arc flash PPE and clothing through numerous manufactures to ensure we can supply the right clothing to keep you safe, to speak to the team visit our website, call or email.
What is arc flash clothing and why is it important? Arc flash clothing is specialised personal protective equipment designed to protect electricians and workers from high-energy electrical arcs. It's crucial for preventing serious injuries like burns and eye damage during electrical maintenance and repair tasks.
What materials are used in making arc flash protective gear? Arc flash protective gear is typically made from flame-resistant materials such as Nomex or Kevlar. These materials are chosen for their high level of insulation against electrical arcs and may also be treated to enhance flame-resistant properties.
How do I choose the right arc flash clothing for my job? The choice depends on the specific electrical hazards of your job, including the voltage level you're working with. Comfort, fit, and the physical demands of your work are also important factors to consider.
What are the key safety practices to follow when working in areas with arc flash risks? Key safety practices include using appropriate grounding techniques, working in well-ventilated areas, using electrical protective devices like circuit breakers, and undergoing proper training for using arc flash clothing and equipment.
Are there specific regulations and standards for arc flash workwear in the UK? Yes, in the UK, the use of arc flash workwear is governed by regulations like the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and standards such as BS EN 61482-1-1:2019. These outline the requirements for protective clothing and ensure worker safety in electrical environments.
