ASTM F1506 ARC  / NFPA 70E - USA ARC FLASH PROTECTION STANDARD 

ASTM F1506 is the Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and Electric Arc Rated Protective Clothing Worn by Workers Exposed to Flames and Electric Arcs. The specification is cited in: OSHA 1910.269, NFPA 70E, and CSA Z462. Testing to ASTM F1959 for an arc rating is one piece of the ASTM F1506 specification.  ASTM F1506 includes requirements for material testing and additional information for garments constructed from compliant materials. Compliance with ASTM F1506 is required for any hazard greater than 2 cal/cm² per OSHA 1910.269.

NFPA 70E-2021 requires some level of conformity assessment; ANSI 125 is referenced as an example framework.

Depending on the fabric or garment being tested, ASTM F1506 requires the following to comply with NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910.269:

ASTM F1959 – Arc Testing

ASTM D6413 – Vertical Flammability

AATCC 61 Method 2A – Colorfastness

ASTM D3786 – Bursting Strength

ASTM D1424 – Elmendorf Tear

ASTM D5034 – Breaking Strength

AATCC 135 – Dimensional Change

ASTM F2621 Garment Arc Flash Evaluation Testing

Masks, face coverings and respirators certified to the ASTM F3502-21 Specification for Barrier Face Coverings must meet ASTM F1506 if used in arc flash exposures.