Selecting the right PPE to protect against arc flashes

Electricity is so abundant in our lifestyles that we often forget it is even there. However, in the workplace it can be a serious health and safety concern that can cause death and injuries from electrocution, shock, arc flashes, and arc blasts. But many injurious incidents are preventable if the relevant safety codes and standards are adhered to.

As we have seen with Covid-19, wearing the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical for anyone exposed to workplace hazards.

NFPA 70E® is an internationally applied standard developed by the global non-profit organisation, National Fire Protection Association. The document, updated for 2021, clearly defines electrical safety related work practices that pertain to all alternating (AC) and direct current (DC) systems. The document contains risk controls that can be implemented by both employers and employees, and they are a reminder that electrical safety in the workplace is the responsibility of both management and workers.

As we have seen with Covid-19, wearing the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical for anyone exposed to workplace hazards. PPE does not only refer to clothing, but also to helmets, masks, visors, goggles, and many other articles that are designed to protect the wearer. In workplaces in which electrical safety is prominent, arc flash risk assessments can determine the level of PPE required. The greater the electrical hazard, the higher the PPE ‘arc rating’ that a worker must use to withstand a potential arc-flash incident. The rating is determined by the amount of energy that can be delivered to a point at a specific distance from an arc flash and it is measured by calories per square centimetre (Cal/cm2).

The levels of PPE required are classified under Hazard Risk Categories (HRC):

• HRC 1: (Minimum arc rating: 4 Cal/cm2)

• HRC 2: (Minimum arc rating: 8 Cal/cm2)

• HRC 3: (Minimum arc rating: 25 Cal/cm2)

• HRC 4: (Minimum arc rating: 40 Cal/cm2)

Hard Yakka manufactures an extensive array of PPE clothing, including its ShieldTec FR Range (8.4 Cal/cm2 & HRC 2) which meets the most stringent international standards for flame resistant garments, including NFPA 70E®. Each product undergoes a series of meticulous tests to ensure they reduce heat stress while also maximising comfort, functionality, and durability in Australia’s variable and demanding conditions. These tests include one for abrasion and tensile strength, washing, perspiration, seam and piling, and colour. To ensure it remains a market leader in workwear, Hard Yakka is always researching ways to provide the very best products across all its ranges.

Hard Yakka Inherent FR fabric is sourced from one of the world’s most reputable FR fabric suppliers, most recently awarded for ‘Industrial Water Conservation’ in 2020”, says Workwear Group.

Each batch of our FR Apparel meets strenuous testing parameters to ensure our workers are safe when wearing our products on site, but also providing performance workwear in a heavy heat stress environment.