FR Clothing Hazard Assessment – Fabrics Are Not Created Equal

So you have done your arc flash assessment and have determined the level of protection you require.
You are compliant. Or are you?

Selecting the correct flame resistant clothing for the job task is something that should be analyzed in depth and not just for what meets the standards such as the NFPA 2112.

The problem is that the tests that are done for garments to meet the NFPA 2112 are performed on a minimum set of values. For instance to pass the garments are subject to a 3-second, 2 cal/cm2s exposure using test method ASTM F1930, thermal manikin test.

What happens when the duration of the exposure lasts past 3 seconds? There is also the fact that different fuel sources can result in more or less intensity of the fire along with the amount of time it lasts such as 2, 3 or even 5 seconds.
The results of thermal manikin tests conducted on inherent FR garments and FR-treated cotton garments you can see the impact that hazard and garment selection have on a person’s survival rate.

The following article by OH&S Online really goes in to great detail about all the different causes and results of different fuel sources. This article really brings to your attention that there is a huge difference between just being in compliance and going above with the proper protection. Being complaint is not what you think as there are different requirements as to the intensity and duration of a flash fire. So the question is . Are you complaint?
https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2014/10/01/FR-Compliance-vs-Protection.aspx?Page=1


Disclaimer


The following two tabs change content below.

Terry Smeader

Distributor of Nomex, Flame Resistant Safety Clothing and Arc Flash Protection.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply