Arc Flash Protective Clothing
If it has been determined that work will be performed within the flash protection boundary of electrical equipment, a flash hazard analysis must be performed as determined in NFPA 70E “Standards for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces”.
This analysis will determine the incident energy exposure of the worker and the level and type of protective equipment required based on the working distance of the face and chest from a possible arc source and for the specific task to be performed.
The clothing used for arc flash protection shall be rated in accordance with ASTM F1506 and have an arc rating higher that the incident energy available in order to prevent second degree burns of a worker.
Tables 3-3.9.1 and 3-3.9.2 of the NFPA 70E can be found at our training download page. These tables provide assistance in determining the clothing required to protect workers from potential arc flash hazards.