Arc Flash PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is defined as the apparel and equipment that is used to protect workers from the hazards associated with an arc flash. It is designed to protect workers against the potential harm of electric arcs, including flash burns, electrical shock, and potential fire hazards. The PPE typically includes flame-resistant clothing, face shields, and other items.

It is important to choose the right PPE for the job as it is necessary to ensure the safety of the workers. Arc Flash PPE must meet the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to ensure that it is effective and safe. The right PPE can also help to reduce the risk of injury and property damage. It is important to select the right type of PPE for the job, as different types of PPE are designed for specific tasks.

For instance, arc flash PPE for electrical work must be rated for the voltage and amperage involved in the job. It is also important to ensure that the PPE fits properly and is comfortable to wear, as this can reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, workers should be trained on how to use the PPE and be aware of the potential risks associated with arc flash.

Let’s discuss the types of Arc Flash PPE.

Types of ARC flash PPE

There are several types of arc flash PPE available, each designed to protect specific areas of the body and provide a different level of protection.

Arc-Rated Face Shields: These shields are designed to protect the face and neck from the intense heat and molten metal produced by an arc flash. They are typically made from materials such as polycarbonate or fiberglass and have a high arc rating.

Arc-Rated Clothing: This type of PPE includes arc-rated shirts, pants, coveralls, and jackets. It is designed to protect the torso and limbs from the heat and intense light produced by an arc flash. Arc-rated clothing is made from materials such as cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers and is rated for a specific level of arc flash protection.

Arc-Rated Gloves: These gloves are designed to protect the hands from the heat and electrical shock produced by an arc flash. They are typically made from materials such as leather or rubber and are rated for a specific level of arc flash protection.

Hard Hats: Hard hats are used to protect the head from falling debris and electrical shock. They are typically made from materials such as plastic or fiberglass and may include an arc flash hood to provide additional protection.

Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are used to protect the eyes from the intense light produced by an arc flash. They are typically made from materials such as polycarbonate and have a high level of impact resistance.

Factors to Consider when selecting an Arc Flash PPE

ATPV Rating

When selecting the right arc flash personal protective equipment, it is important to consider the technical factors that will affect the safety of the wearer. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting arc flash PPE is the arc thermal performance value (ATPV) rating.

This rating helps to determine the level of protection the PPE will provide against arc flash hazards. The ATPV rating is based on a number of factors, including the type of clothing material and the fabric’s weight and thickness. The ATPV rating is typically expressed in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2) and represents the minimum amount of thermal energy required to cause a second-degree burn.

The higher the ATPV rating, the greater the level of protection the PPE will provide. It is important to select arc flash PPE that has an ATPV rating that is appropriate for the application as well as the environment in which it will be used.

EBT Rating

When it comes to selecting the right arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE), one of the most important technical factors to consider is the equipment’s EBT rating. The EBT rating stands for the estimated break-open threshold, and it is a measure of the amount of energy required for the arc flash PPE to break open and release its contents.

This rating is important because it reflects the ability of the PPE to protect the user from an arc flash event. If the PPE has a low EBT rating, then it is a sign that it may not be able to protect the user from an arc flash event.

On the other hand, if the PPE has a higher EBT rating, then it is a sign that it is more likely to provide sufficient protection in the event of an arc flash. When selecting an arc flash PPE, it is important to make sure that the EBT rating is sufficient for the job.

Two Methods for Selecting Arc Flash PPE

Incident Energy Analysis Method

The Incident Energy Analysis Method is the preferred method for selecting arc flash PPE. This method involves conducting a detailed analysis of the electrical system to determine the amount of energy that can be released during an arc flash incident. The analysis considers various factors such as the voltage, current, and fault clearing time of the system. The resulting incident energy value is then used to determine the appropriate level of protection required.

To conduct an incident energy analysis, the following steps should be taken:

Obtain electrical system data such as one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and system specifications.
Identify the potential arc flash incident locations in the system.
Determine the available fault current and clearing time at each location.
Conduct a computer-aided analysis to determine the incident energy at each location.
Determine the appropriate level of PPE based on the calculated incident energy.

The benefits of using the incident energy analysis method are numerous. Firstly, it provides a more accurate determination of the required level of protection. Secondly, it considers the unique characteristics of the electrical system, ensuring that workers are protected from the specific hazards they may face.

Additionally, the incident energy analysis method provides a detailed understanding of the electrical system and its potential risks, which can be used to implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of arc flash incidents.

Arc Flash PPE Category Method

The Arc Flash PPE category method is another method used to select the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for arc flash incidents. This method is based on predetermined PPE categories, which are defined based on the predicted level of incident energy.

The categories are typically defined by industry standards such as NFPA 70E and ASTM F1506.

Under the arc flash PPE category method, each category of PPE is assigned a minimum predicted incident energy level, and workers must wear PPE that meets or exceeds this minimum level. The categories range from Category 0, which requires no special PPE, to Category 4, which requires the highest level of protection.

The benefits of using the arc flash PPE category method include its simplicity and ease of use. It does not require a detailed analysis of the electrical system and can be implemented quickly, making it ideal for workplaces with limited resources. The method also provides a clear, standardized approach to PPE selection, reducing the risk of human error.

However, it is important to note that the arc flash PPE category method provides a minimum level of protection and may not take into account the unique characteristics of the electrical system. In some cases, the method may overestimate or underestimate the required level of protection, potentially putting workers at risk.

Conclusion

Arc rated PPE is an essential piece of safety equipment for any workplace that deals with a high risk of electric arc flash. By providing workers with the necessary protection, employers can help ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees, which is of the utmost importance. Arc rated PPE also helps to reduce the possibility of costly legal liabilities for employers. With the wide range of arc rated PPE available, employers can find the best solution for their workers and be confident that they are providing the necessary protection.