 In this edition of Powerlines you will find the article written by Fred Delahunty and a summary of how the American NFPA Std 70E, Arc Flash Standard may prevent such horrific stories from having to be re-told in New Zealand.
Many of the Safety Managers and Supervisors in our Industry are now aware of this Standard and are realizing that there is available from WH Salisbury, some really lightweight, comfortable outerwear for energized tasks on the lower ranges of Arc Flash risk. These are the Hazard Risk Categories 1 & 2.
HRC 1 is the lowest Category under the revised 2008 edition of the Standard and requires an ATPV of 4 calories per cm2. HRC 2 requires an ATPV of 8 calories per cm2.
These people have also realized that whilst the Salisbury Arc Flash PPE provides the full 8 cal/cm2 protection (proven under the ASTM F1959 testing standard), the wearers must not be wearing any synthetic materials under these suits. Synthetic mixtures in clothing may cause the material to melt at less than 300 deg C temperatures.
In association with Flamesafe fabrics of Australia, Electropar is pleased to announce a complementary range of clothing to wear under the lightweight Salisbury over suits. This will enable Lineman, Technicians and all others exposed to an Arc Flash Hazard to be comfortable yet fully compliant with NFPA Std 70E requirements for HRC 1 & 2 work.
Like WH Salisbury, Flamesafe have ensured that their range of Maxisoft Flame Resistant Cotton PPE meets ASTM F 1506 and has been tested under ASTM F 1959. They have been selling this PPE in the USA where strict compliance with NFPA Std 70E is mandatory.
As can be seen below, a lot of lower voltage tasks require HRC 1 and HRC 2 levels of protection. An excerpt from the Classification Table in Section 130 of the Standard is re-printed below. |
