Utilities Flyer V1.4 - Flipbook - Page 20
ABOUT ARC FLASH TESTING
When ARC Flash Protective Garments are worn together in a layered
combination, the combined garment set may give a total protection value
that is higher than the sum of each garment when tested alone.
ARC TESTING METHODS
There are two test methods for Arc Flash protective clothing:
• IEC61482-1-2 Commonly known as the ‘Box Test’
and
• IEC61482-1-1: Commonly known as the ‘Open Arc Test’
The Box Test method gives a protective classification of either Class 1,
4KA (lower level of protection) or Class 2, 7KA (higher level of protection).
This has traditionally been the popular and most recognised standard in
Europe, and a default choice for certification for HAZTEC® garments.
The Open Arc test method gives an Arc Thermal Protective Value
(ATPV) rating or an Energy Break Open Threshold (EBT50) rating. This is
becoming increasingly popular as garment combinations certified to this
method can give figures that are more relevant in risk assessments or arc
flash calculations.
For workwear within the HAZTEC® product range, a single layer garment
that is sold with an Arc certification is commonly certified to Class 1 on the
Box Test method.
ABOUT ELIM (ENERGY LIMIT VALUE)
ELIM is the figure that will become the recognized value that will be used.
Larger electrical organizations where Arc Flash Hazards are a daily risk will
already be specifying this figure. In the interim period it is important to be
aware that comparisons could be made between an ATPV and an ELIM
figure, of which ELIM will always be lower.
ELIM has been introduced because the opinion of EU was that 61842-1-1
could be in conflict with EU directive.According to directive, no standard
can impose harm to a worker.
HAZTEC® BREGA FR AS ARC Hi-Vis Polo Shirt. ARC Flash tested
using the Box Test method.
HRC HAZARD RISK CATEGORIES
The HRC (Hazard Risk Category) is established by the minimum
amount of calories per square centimetre (ATPV or Cal/cm2). Any
garment or garment set tested must result with a 50% probability of a
2nd or 3rd degree burn occurring to the wearer. The higher the result,
expressed in ATPC or Cal/cm2, the higher the HRC level achieved.
There are five risk levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Level 0 is where there
is little or no risk, and level 4 is an highest or most dangerous level
of risk. The chart below shows the 5 levels, with typical garments for
each level, typical layering requirements and the minimum ARC rating
requirements
for each category.
NFPA 70E
By this, ATPV/EBT imposes 50% probability that a worker will sustain
second degree burn in electric arc exposure. This means that the worker
will statistically have burns every other time.
ELIM is the conservative calculation of risk of an electric arc.ELIM the
maximum incident energy that a protective clothing can prevent against
in a hazardous situation, with 0% probability of enough energy getting
through the garment to cause a second-degree burn.
HRC Rating
20
Hazard Risk
Category
Common garments
at this level
Layer
Requirements
HRC 0 (or ARC 0)
Long sleeve shirt/upper
hearing protection, safety
glasses or goggles
1 layer
0
cal/cm2
HRC 1 (or ARC 1)
ARC rated FR shirt and
FR trousers or FR coverall,
ARC Flash hood (12 cal)
or ARC helmet with ARC
rated faceshield and
balaclava
1 layer of PPE
4
cal/cm2
HRC 2 (or ARC 2)
ARC rated FR shirt/upper
and FR trousers or FR
coverall, ARC Flash hood
(25 cal) or ARC helmet
with ARC rated faceshield
and balaclava
1 or 2 layers of
PPE
8
cal/cm
HRC 3 (or ARC 3)
ARC rated FR shirt/upper
and FR trousers or FR
coverall and ARC Flash
suit that meets minimum
ARC rating ARC Flash
hood (40 cal)
2 or 3 layers
of PPE
25
cal/cm2
HRC 4 (or ARC 4)
ARC rated FR shirt/
upper and FR trousers or
FR coverall and ARC Flash
suit that meets minimum
ARC rating
3 or 4 layers
of PPE
40
cal/cm2
This is the standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, created
by the National Fire Protection Agency in the United States. It was
the first nationally recognized standard for electrical safety in the
USA and was first released in 1976 in partnership with OSHA to help
provide agreement on electrical safety standards. There have been
several revisions over the years and it continues to be a document that
ensures working areas that are safe from unacceptable risk.
Minimum ARC Rating
of the PPE (cal/cm2)
LOWER RISK
HIGHER RISK
2
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