Clothing that stands between workers and arc flash

Utility workers routinely do their jobs in extreme environments where there’s a risk of arc flash, flash fires and static electricity igniting. An arc flash is a dangerous electrical event that releases a sudden and intense burst of energy, producing extreme heat, bright light and explosive pressure that can ignite clothing, cause serious injuries and damage equipment.

Flame-resistant (FR) workwear is essential to help protect electrical line workers, substation technicians, maintenance workers at power generation plants and gas utility workers from the potential consequences of arc flash.

Considerations for choosing FR workwear.

FR workwear is designed to be resistant to ignition and melting when exposed to thermal hazards like arc flash and to self-extinguish when the ignition source is removed.

There are four arc flash PPE categories for this type of workwear, based on the potential severity of an incident. Arc ratings are measured in calories per cm² (cal/cm²). A higher rating indicates greater insulation and protection.

The arc flash PPE categories are:

• PPE1: Basic FR surface protection, a shirt and pants or coveralls, with a minimum rating of 4 cal/cm². This may suit low-level electrical tasks.
• PPE2: FR surface and base-layer protection, a shirt, pants or coveralls, and undergarments, with a minimum rating of 8 cal/cm².
• PPE3: FR undergarments combined with a shirt, pants and coveralls, with a minimum rating of 25 cal/cm².
• PPE4: FR undergarments, a shirt and pants, plus a multilayer flash suit, with a minimum rating of 40 cal/cm². Higher protection may suit oil and gas or electrical maintenance workers, for example.

Employers must determine the risk level facing their workers, including by calculating incident energy, and select the workwear to match.

Without a risk assessment, workers can end up with clothing that offers insufficient protection, or clothing that is too highly rated. Workwear that is too protective is more expensive, and can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear, potentially impacting productivity and risking heat stress, especially in harsh environments.

Bisley’s APEX FR range dials up safety – and comfort.

Bisley’s APEX FR range of pants, shirts and coveralls has been designed for men and women, combining arc-rated protection for safety with lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort. The range offers:

• Arc flash protection: thermal insulation in a range of ratings to help protect workers against injury during low-voltage electrical faults.
• High-tech blend of FR materials: Lenzing FR, Modacrylic, Cellulose, Aramid and anti-static carbon fibres.
• High tear strength: the ripstop fabrics might feel soft and light, but meet tear requirements to ISO 13937-1 (ballistic pendulum test).
• Lightweight composition with mesh ventilation: designed to prevent bodily heat build-up. APEX garments come in a range of air-permeability ratings.
• High hydrophilic fibre content: providing excellent wicking and moisture management.
  

The APEX range also complies with Australian standards AS 2919 for industrial clothing design and AS 4602.1:2024 for hi-visibility safety garments. The fabric is compliant to:

• NFPA 2112 (standard on flame-resistant clothing for protection of industrial personnel against short-duration thermal exposures from fire).
• NFPA 70E (standard for electrical safety in the workplace).
• EN 1149-3 (protective clothing - electrostatic properties - part 3: test methods for measurement of charge decay).
• EN ISO 11612 (protective clothing against heat and flame).

APEX workwear is available in a range of arc ratings, for example:

• APEX 160: PPE1, 7.1 cal/cm² arc rating: such as this ripstop vented shirt in yellow.
• APEX 185: PPE2, 8.5 cal/cm² arc rating: such as this hi-vis orange vented shirt.
• APEX 240: PPE2, 11 cal/cm² arc rating: such as this pair of FR pants in navy.

Troy Bishop, PIP Global Safety National Channel Manager, says the unique blend of specialised fibres in the fabric sets the range apart.

“The soft hand feel is like no other in the market. It has inherent moisture-management properties, with over 60% hydrophilic fibre. Ideal for hot and humid weather, APEX also offers superior breathability, with higher air permeability that reduces heat stress.”

Available at Blackwoods - Your utilities solutions partner.

 As Australia’s leading supplier of industrial solutions, Blackwoods has everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. It’s crucial not to compromise on worker safety or comfort in the field. Get in touch with a Blackwoods technical safety specialist to get the right Bisley APEX FR workwear.

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