Arc Flash Suit Maintenance Checklist: A Detail Guide
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Introduction
Many industries pose a significant threat to the workers' safety because of life-threatening scenarios during work such as injuries, equipment damage, and other fatalities. Therefore, ensuring a proper shield for these potentially hazardous events becomes so much more important for industrial workers.
That's where the arc flash suits come in.
Arc flash suits are specially developed to protect industrial workers working in big machinery industries like oil, manufacturing, energy, electrical, etc., where there is a higher possibility of risk.
Let's learn more about arc flash suits through this blog; a complete guide for a better understanding of what arc flash is, what risks it poses, what are arc flash suits, how arc flash suits work to protect industrial workers, how to select the right arc flash suits and what are the maintenance standards for arc flash suits.
Let's begin!
What is an Arc Flash?
An arc flash comes suddenly from electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage breakdown between conductors happens. This sudden event creates an intense burst of heat and light with a high possibility of severe burns, blindness, and fatal injuries.
The temperature in arc flash reaches up to 35,000 degrees Celsius which is hotter than the surface of the sun! The blast caused by an arc flash can produce a vibration shock to the extent of damaging the hearing of workers and throwing them off their feet.
The Risks of Arc Flash
1. Severe Burns
The high-level heat from an arc flash can create second and third-degree burnings.
2. Blast Injuries
The arc flash-caused blast can cause physical injuries like fractures and hearing loss.
3. Flying Scrapes
The arc flash force may contain heated metals and other components thrown at high speed and risk injuries.
4. Fire Hazards
Fire hazards may also happen because of arc flash where the clothing of workers ignites the flame and leads to fire.
5. Electrical Shock
Industrial workers may also get electrical shocks because of high arc flash.
What is Arc Flash Suits?
An arc flash suit is a complete set of flame-resistant clothing for the protection of industrial workers from injuries and hazards caused by electrical arc flashes. Arc suits, a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) are helpful in many industries like electrical, construction, oil and gas.
Arc flash suits are manufactured from materials that resist fire and heat, protecting against live electricity and intense burns. Arc flash protection clothing includes coveralls, jackets, pants, gloves, hoods, and shoes.
The strength of the arc flash suit material depends on the risk level of the job. These suits are rated for heat resistance, which is measured in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2). A higher cal/cm2 rating means better heat resistance and protection.
Arc flash suits are valuable for ensuring workers are safe because normal clothing can ignite during an electric arc flash. Even all under layers are also made from materials that resist arc and flame to prevent any melting onto the skin.
When are Arc Flash Suits Required?
Arc flash suits are required in situations of electrical systems releasing intensive energy through an arc flash. Arc suits are generally used by industrial workers in electrical, utility, and industrial sectors. They offer protection from arc flashes as per their ability to shield against heat, fires, and other hazards.
Arc flash clothing offers crucial protection by creating a barrier against heat and flames, effectively reducing burn injury risks and allowing workers extra time to escape from potential dangers.
Arc flash incidents can happen out of the blue but the only thing you can be ready is with this flame-resistant arc flash suit which raises survival rates, decreasing the need for medical procedures and infection risks. These PPE kits safeguard electrical industry workers from severe injuries due to arc flashes and explosions, significantly saving their lives.
Arc flash suits must be mandatory for safety when your workers are deployed in electrical systems where arc flash hazards are frequent like, electrical work on panels, construction near high voltage wires, utility work in power stations, data centers with heavy equipment, and mining or petroleum operations in high-heat environments.
Arc Flash Suit vs. Flame-Resistant Clothing
Arc flash suits and flame-resistant clothing both protect against heat dangers, but they have different roles and levels of safety.
To differ, arc flash suits are specific types of personal protective equipment (PPE) made to offer strong protection from the heat risks associated with an arc flash event.
They are formed of multiple layers of flame-resistant materials, including an outer layer, a moisture barrier, and an inner lining. Together, these layers form a thermal shield that minimizes heat exposure to the wearer's skin.
These arc suits offer full-body coverage, protecting the head, face, neck, and limbs. They come with accessories like arc-rated face shields or hoods, gloves, and boots for complete safety. Even arc flash suits go through strict testing and receive ratings based on their ability to protect against the heat generated during an arc flash.
The level of protection is identified by the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or Energy Break open Threshold (EBT) rating. These suits comply with various electrical safety standards and regulations, such as NFPA 70E.
Unlike arc flash suits, flame resistant clothing (FRC) is manufactured to prevent or reduce the chances of clothing catching fire. It slows down the spread of fire in situations that do not include arc flashes.
Read Here: What’s the Difference Between FR and Arc-Rated Clothing?
Maintenance of Arc Flash Suits
Maintenance of Arc flash suits is also important for increased safety. Here are some of the essential points for maintaining arc flash suits:
- Replace arc flash suits every 10 years; however, the usage frequency affects longevity.
- Train workers on proper arc flash suit usage and maintenance, focusing on cleaning hoods and face shields to reduce germ spread.
- Store in a cool, dry place, avoid heat and humidity and hang suits to maintain condition.
- Follow manufacturer’s washing instructions carefully.
- After cleaning, inspect for wear or damage in arc flash suit and contact manufacturer if you find stains.
- Conduct regular inspections of your arc protection suit.
- Check for helmet scratches and clothing currents.
- Damaged or discolored suits require timely modification or replacement from a reputable arc flash suit manufacturer like ACI Workwear.
Read Here: Arc Flash Suit Maintenance Checklist: A Detail Guide
How to Select the Right Arc Flash Suit for Industrial Workers
1. Take a Risk Assessment
Check the workplace for arc flash hazards and measure the risk of accidental contact levels in cal/cm².
2. Choose the Ideal Arc Scale
Select arc flash suits with an arc rating equal to or above the measured potential energy level, ensuring all protective suits meet this rating.
3. Ensure Compliance with Safety Standards
Ensure arc flash suits compliant with NFPA 70E, ASTM F1959, ASTM F2621, and IEC 61482 standards, and always follow manufacturer guidelines for usage and maintenance.
4. Determine Comfort and Mobility
Choose arc flash suits that balance protection and comfort with breathability, lightweight materials, and ergonomic designs for effective performance.
5. Provide Training and Education
Train workers on arc flash suit use, limitations, and safety protocols to ensure proper protective equipment is worn.
ACI Workwear - Best Arc Flash Suit Manufacturer
At ACI Workwear, we manufacture the best quality arc flash suits for industrial workers. Our wide range of industrial workwear like arc flash suits, makes us a leading arc flash suit manufacturer in the world.
Contact us today for durable arc flash suits, general workwear, fire-resistant clothing, etc. Our team at ACI Workwear manufactures adaptive arc flash suits that provide your workers with trusted protection.
Get in Touch with us now!
