When you work in an industry where Arc Flash and flash fire hazards are commonplace, it’s not enough to invest in the best protective clothing on the market. An informed decision about the clothing required for your team’s needs is essential, but if garments are not maintained effectively money and protection is lost. It is of vital importance that Arc Flash garments are looked after so they can take care of you, and your team.
There are two reasons why it is important to keep Arc Flash clothing clean – to remove lingering contaminants, and maintain the high visibility qualities of the garment. The types of industries that require Arc Flash clothing also dictate that dangerous contaminants may find their way onto the garments. For instance, flammable chemicals can linger and compromise the flame resistant integrity of the clothing. While Arc Flash clothing is robust against everyday dirt, the high visibility qualities are maintained at the highest levels when the garment is clean.
Every Arc Flash garment has washing instructions provided on the care label, and it is vital these are followed carefully. Manufacturers generally test items to ensure they can withstand a certain number of washes while maintaining their attributes effectively. By washing items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, you will prolong the life of the garment.
Undertaking regular checks of PPE is vital to ensure your team remains protected. The structural integrity of each garment must be checked to ensure the levels of protection are maintained. Encourage your teams to check baselayers and outerlayers taking the entire garment into consideration, including pockets, reflective tape and the stitching of the seams to highlight any damage and take appropriate action.
Even the smallest rip or hole can threaten the integrity of Arc Flash clothing. If a garment is damaged in any way, then subject to an Arc Flash or flash fire incident, the risk of severe injury increases. If any damage is detected, an appropriate repair must be undertaken. The best way is to consult the guidelines provided with the garment itself to ensure the correct method and components are used.
Frequent and rigorous inspection of your Arc Flash clothing will dictate when a garment needs to be taken out of service. Depending on the quality and durability of the clothing, along with how well it has been taken care of, some items will last longer than others. So it is imperative you invest in the highest possible quality Arc Flash clothing from the outset to protect your teams and avoid frequent financial outlays.
Arc Flash protection is a long game. You’re preparing for something rare with potentially devastating consequences if you fail to take the appropriate safety considerations. It’s why the value of durability in Arc Flash PPE can’t be understated. The longer a garment retains its performance, the more you save on replacement PPE while protecting lives. […]
“Hotter than the surface of the sun” is a way we often describe the temperatures generated by an Arc Flash – so why is an Arc Flash incident so hot and how hot is an arc flash? What generates the heat in an Arc Flash incident? Arc Flash incidents can create temperatures of up to […]
Summer presents unique challenges for those needing Arc Flash PPE. The combination of high temperatures and comprehensive protection can make balancing comfort and safety difficult. In these conditions, lightweight Arc Flash PPE is crucial to ensure workers stay protected without succumbing to heat stress, but the key to true comfort is breathability.
