ASTM F1506 Standard Performance Specification for Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards
This specification provides performance requirements for clothing worn by electric utility workers and other personnel working around energized parts. In addition to non-thermal requirements, the standard requires the fabric to be flame-resistant; that is, to not ignite and continue to burn after exposure to an ignition source. Flame resistance is measured using FTM 5903.1 Vertical Flame test (max. 2 sec afterflame and 6 in. char length). The standard is currently being revised to include the requirement of reporting an Arc Rating. The Arc Rating is either the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or Arc Breakopen Value (EBT) as measured by ASTM F1959 Arc Thermal Performance Test.
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ASTM F1891 Standard Specification for Arc and Flame-Resistant Rainwear
This standard applies to flame-resistant waterproof materials used in rainwear. Garments can be made from coated or laminated fabrics. The fabrics must be flame-resistant as determined by ASTM D-6413 Vertical Flame test (max. 2 sec afterflame and 6 in. char length). The standard also requires the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) to be reported, and requires a minimum Arc Break Open Threshold (EBT) of 5 as measured by ASTM F1959 Arc Thermal Performance Test. The standard is currently being revised to include a fabric flammability test more suitable to coated fabrics.
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NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces 2000 Edition
NFPA 70E addresses electrical hazard threats that are present in the workplace. NFPA 70E requires that the employer shall document the incident energy exposure of the worker when it has been determined that the worker will be performing tasks within the flash protection boundary NFPA bases incident energy exposure levels on the working distance of the employee's face and chest areas from a prospective arc source for the specific task to be performed. Flame Resistant Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment shall be used by the employee, and an adequate level of protection based upon the incident energy exposure associated with the specific task shall be worn. | Jobs Covered by 70E | Jobs Not Covered by 70E | - Installing conductors and other electrical equipment on industrial substations or buildings, residential or commercial
- Connecting the installations to a supply of electricity
- Installing other outside conductors
| - Installations in ships, watercraft, railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive vehicles other than mobile homes and RVs
- Installations in underground mines
- Installations of railways for operation of rolling stock
- Installations of communication equip. under control of communication utilities
- Installations under the control of electric utilities
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| Category | NFPA 70E Requirements | | Movement and Visibility | When flame resistant, flame retardant, or treated clothing is worn to protect an employee, it shall cover all ignitable clothing and shall allow for movement and visibility. | | Body Protection | - Employees shall wear clothing resistant to flash flame wherever there is possible exposure to an electric arc flash.
- Such clothing can be provided as shirt and trousers, or as coveralls, or as a combination of jacket and trousers, or, for maximum protection, as coveralls and jacket.
| | Outer Layers | Garments worn as outer layers over FR clothing, such as jackets or rainwear, shall also be made from flame resistant material | | Underlayers | Meltable synthetic fibers shall be avoided in fabric underlayers (underwear) next to the skin. Garments worn as underlayers that neither ignite nor melt and drip in the course of an exposure to the electric arc and related thermal hazard may provide additional thermal protection. | | Coverage | Clothing shall cover potentially exposed areas as completely as possible | | Care and Maintenance | - All personal protective equipment shall be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition.
- Individual protection items will normally be used in conjunction with one another as a system to provide appropriate protection.
| | Layering | - FR and natural fiber garments shall be permitted to be used for a layered system for added protection.
- A typical layering system may include an undershirt, a shirt and trouser and coverall.
- Specific tasks may call for specific protection systems.
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NFPA 70E Standard: So What Do I Need To Do To Be In Compliance? Three Easy Steps to Compliance
Step 1: Hazard Assessment - Follow Hazard/Risk Category Table
- Third Party Hazard Assessment (Highly Recommended)
Step 2: Assess clothing needs Step 3: Contact your local regional sales manager
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