Understanding of Arc/Flash fire, and additional standards in clothing

The understanding of arc and flash fire standards in clothing is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers in high-risk environments. It is essential for employers and employees to be aware of the specific standards and regulations that govern the type of protective clothing needed for different work conditions. This understanding helps in selecting the appropriate clothing that can effectively protect against arc flashes and flash fires, reducing the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident. Additionally, knowing the standards allows for proper maintenance and inspection of protective clothing to ensure it remains effective. By staying informed and compliant with arc and flash fire standards, organizations can create a safer work environment for their employees.

EN 61482-2
Specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing worn by electrical workers to protect them against the thermal hazards of electric Arc.

IEC 61482-1-1:2019 ‘OPEN ARC’ TEST METHOD

This method determines the Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV) of the clothing material. Below are the two most common standards now used.

• ATPV is the maximum thermal energy any arc flash protective clothing can withstand until the wearer would have a 50% probability of getting second-degree burns.

• ELIM is a new standard introduced by the EU with a maximum incident energy that a protective clothing can prevent against in a hazardous situation with 0% probability of enough energy getting through the garment to cause a second-degree burn. A Elim rating will be lower than ATPV.

IEC 61482-1-2:2018 ‘BOX ARC’ TEST METHOD.

• During this test, a fabric sample is exposed to an electric Arc produced by a 4kA or 7kA short circuit. In the test, the Arc does not last any longer than 500ms. The amount of heat transmitted through the sample is measured during and after the test.

EN ISO 11611
Products are certified in accordance with this EN Standard to protect workers in welding processes by subjecting fabrics to a series of tests. With two classes.

Class 1 – Lower Hazard Welding Applications
Class 2 – Higher Hazard Welding Applications

EN ISO 11612
The requirements apply to clothing intended for a wide range of application which offer limited flame spread and provide protection against various hazards including Radiant Heat, Convective Heat and splatters of Molten Metal. There are letters standards see below.

Letter A1, Class A1 is the flame is applied horizontally to the face of the fabric.

Letter A2, Class A2 is the flame is applied to the bottom edge of the fabric sample.

Letter B, Convective Heat B: B1: 4 < 10 seconds, B2: 10 < 20 seconds, B3: 21 seconds and longer.

Letter C, Radiant Heat C: C1: 7 < 20 seconds, C2: 20 < 50 seconds, C3: 50 < 95 seconds, C4: 95 seconds and longer.

Letter D, is for Aluminium: D1: 100 < 200 grams, D2: 200 <350 grams, D3: 350 grams and more.

Letter E, is for Molton Iron: E1: 60 < 120 grams, E2: 120 < 200 grams, E3: 200 grams and more.

Letter F, is for contact heat: F1: 5 < 10 seconds, F2: 10 < 15 seconds, F3: 15 seconds and longer

EN ISO 14116
Clothing manufactured to this standard is made from flame retardant materials so that if the material comes into contact with a flame, it will only continue to burn for a limited amount of time. After removal from the flame, the material will stop burning.

EN 1149-5
The European Standard for garments that protect against electrostatic discharge in areas where there is a risk of explosion (ATEX Environments) such as petrochemical refineries and fuel distribution companies.

EN 13034
Garments manufactured in accordance with this EN Standard are suitable for use in environments where there may be a risk of chemical splashes but where a total chemical barrier is not required.

EN ISO 20471
The international standard that specifies the requirements for hi vis clothing ensuring the wearer is more noticeable in hazardous situations during the day, as well as at night.

RIS-3279-TOM
The high visibility standard that applies to the rail industry in the UK and ensures rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains or other traffic approaching at speed.

An arc flash is an extremely dangerous event that occurs when an electrical fault creates a burst of radiant energy, vaporizing metal and generating intense heat. This can lead to super-heated air and pressure waves that have the potential to cause serious harm. The force of the explosion can propel individuals across rooms and create deadly molten shrapnel, posing a significant risk to anyone in the vicinity. It is crucial to take all necessary precautions to prevent arc flashes, including using proper safety equipment and following established safety procedures when working with electrical systems. By being aware of the dangers and taking appropriate measures, the risk of arc flash incidents can be minimized, ensuring the safety of workers and others in the area.