Keeping your cool in wet conditions: What to look for in waterproof arc-flash-rated garments

Being dry is a top priority for anyone purchasing a waterproof arc-flash-rated garment. But as anyone who’s worked in wet conditions knows, not all waterproof personal protective equipment (PPE) is made equal. Leaky, sweaty gear is no fun when trying to complete a task while up against the elements. 

  

Well-constructed, breathable, waterproof garments don’t just stop the rain from getting in; they let moisture out, ensuring your workforce is protected and comfortable. When rain comes often and unpredictably, as in the UK, high-quality waterproof PPE can make all the difference to your employees’ wellbeing and productivity.  

 

If you’ve assessed your risks in each area and you’re ready to select certified garments that meet the needs of your team, these extra considerations are handy to know. 

We explain what makes a good waterproof arc-flash-rated garment and what to look for when purchasing.  

  

Breathable waterproof garments add wellbeing and comfort 

  

Cheap waterproof arc-flash-rated garments keep the rain out, but they also keep moisture in. These non-breathable garments trap body heat and sweat inside, creating an uncomfortable, moist feeling that distracts from the day’s tasks. High-performance, breathable clothes, on the other hand, allow heat and moisture to escape, keeping workers dry, comfortable and focused.  

  

When heat and moisture are wicked away, body temperature is better regulated. So, while temperatures may fluctuate in the project environment, high-quality, certified PPE keeps your workforce cool, comfortable and able to work to 100 per cent of their abilities. 

  

It’s not just short-term productivity that’s at stake. Allowing sweat and moisture to escape prevents skin irritation, rashes and infection, preventing your team needing time off due to unnecessary dermatological issues. 

  

Well-constructed waterproof garments help consistent performance 

  

Lower-quality waterproof garments don’t have the technically advanced features of their breathable, certified counterparts, which are better designed, constructed and rigorously tested. Special membranes or coatings like Gore-Tex® and eVent® stop larger water droplets from getting in, but let vapour molecules (released as sweat and body heat) out.  

  

Breathable waterproof garments are often designed as a layered system, with protective outer layers and sweat-wicking inner layers. Essentially, the wearer is kept dry from inside and out without having to think about making any adjustments.  

  

Even so, manual adjustments can be helpful. Giving your workers the option to increase ventilation and airflow with features like underarm zippers, back vents, and adjustable cuffs helps them to adapt to challenging environments in comfort. Modern waterproof garments incorporate these features for greater flexibility. 

  

Wearable waterproof garments support flexibility and agility 

  

For waterproof arc-flash PPE to be effective, it must be wearable in your working environment. If it’s comfortable, your workers are more likely to wear their garments correctly and consistently, allowing them to fulfil their primary protective purpose. With cheap or inadequate garments, there’s a heightened risk of injury (and even death) in an arc flash incident.  

  

Take our arc-rated garments with Gore-Tex Pyrad® fabric, for example. They stay up to 20 per cent lighter when wet or dry than other arc-rated category 3 garments. Our Gore-Tex Pyrad® garments help workers remain agile, dry and safe in the harshest environments. 

  

PPE that’s not fit for purpose is distracting and uncomfortable at best. At worst, sweaty, ill-fitting garments increase the risk of heat stress and scalding should an arc flash event happen. 

 

While wearability makes compliance more likely, don’t forget, the minimum certification you should work to is the indication from your risk assessment.  

 

Breathability, good-construction and wearability do not override certification. 

  

What you should look for when purchasing waterproof garments 

 

Extras to look out for that make compliant PPE more comfortable to wear include: 

  

Waterproof fabrics and membranes 

  

• Go for: Microporous membranes like Gore-Tex let body heat and sweat out but prevent rain droplets from getting in. 

• Go for: Hydrophilic coatings absorb and repel moisture, wicking sweat away from the skin and transferring it outside the garment. 

• Avoid: Polyurethane (PU) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Coatings create a barrier which blocks rain out but can affect breathability. 

  

Durable water-repellent treatment 

  

• Go for: Durable water-repellent (DWR) treated garments with a treatment applied to the outer layer of the fabric.  

• Don’t forget to maintain the DWR finish with spray-on or wash-in solutions to maintain its effectiveness. 

 

Sealed seams 

  

• Go for: Taped or welded seams have extra strengthening applied to prevent leakage caused by stitch holes. For example, the seams on our Gore-Tex garments are ultrasonically welded to create a seamless, waterproof joint. 

• Avoid: Seams without extra reinforcement – they’re more likely to leak. 

  

Advanced design features 

  

• Go for: Storm flaps and waterproof zippers prevent water from seeping in through vulnerable points. 

• Go for: Adjustable closures like Velcro straps and elastic cuffs create a snug fit that prevents water from entering garments on bodies of all sizes. 

• Avoid: Garments without these features are often cheaper initially but are less comfortable and effective. They’re more likely to be replaced sooner. 

  

Check out our Gore-Tex Pyrad range for men and women for more detailed information. Designed to provide exceptional protection against the thermal hazards of an electric arc, each garment has an impressive 30-cal arc rating. 

  

Alternatively, pick up the phone and speak to one of our experts.   

 

Read more about our partnership with Gore-Tex here.