To protect workers from electrical arc hazards, arc-rated garments will soon be mandatory for all people working on or near the Ausgrid and Endeavour networks.
From July 1 2015, all people working on or near the Ausgrid network will be required to wear full length arc-rated clothing.
From July 1 2016, all people working on the Endeavor network will be required to wear arc-rated clothing.
Arc-rated garments are now recommended for all people working on or near the electricity network. Image: Ausgrid.
NEW REQUIREMENTS.
Under these new recommendations, all people working on or near the electricity network must wear arc-rated clothing with a minimum rating of 4 cal/cm2. This will mean replacing all previously recommended cotton clothing.
While cotton clothing provides protection up to the point that it ignites, it is flammable. Once ignited, it will continue to burn. Arc-rated fabric is ‘self-extinguishing’ and will not continue to burn after the arc is extinguished.
WHAT IS AN ARC-FLASH?
An arc flash in an arching electrical fault that can generate a large amount of heat and may ignite flammable materials, such as clothing, or cause serious burn injuries to anyone nearby. An arcing electrical fault can cause serious injuries, or death.
Arc-flashes are highly dangerous and can cause life-threatening burn injuries.
WHAT IS ARC-RATED WORK WEAR?
Untreated cotton is flammable and has no flame retardant properties, which mean once it ignites, it will continue to burn. By contrast, Arc-rated clothing will self-extinguish and stop burning after the arc has been extinguished. Constructed from high-visibility, flame-retardant fabric, arc-rated work wear gives front line crews far better protection from arc flashes.
STOCK UP NOW AT ALL ROUND SUPPLIES.
Bisley have developed a new range of products specifically designed to meet the new guidelines, all created and engineered in America from Tencate Tecasafe fabric. The Bisley range of arc-rated work wear is now available at All Round Supplies.
For more information and stock codes, please read our Protective Work Wear product update.
Bisley’s arc-rated work wear is now available at All Round Supplies.
