It’s easy to think that as long as you’re wearing the correct level of arc-rated PPE and clothing, you’re covered against arc flash burns, but you would be mistaken. How you wear your PPE and arc flash clothing can affect the integrity, meaning you may not always be fully protected from harm.

Unlike those fabrics that have been specially treated, inherent fabrics do not have to undergo any type of process in order to make them flame resistant and are instead composed of fibres that are already innately flame resistant. 

These properties cannot be diminished through use or laundering, meaning that the product will remain effective and wearable for as long as the user requires it.

Across many different industries personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered to be the last line of defense, and the difference between a near miss and serious, even fatal, injury. Depending on the situation, employers are required to provide their workers with a minimum level of PPE to ensure they remain safe at all times. 

In order to make sure that the right type of PPE is issued to staff, it is important to understand the different Arc Flash PPE categories and the clothing requirements for each one of them.

Within certain industries it is of vital importance that workers wear Arc and Flame Resistant personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to keep them safe whilst working on live electricity. This includes workers in the electrical engineering, thermal generation, wind generation, petrochemical, rail, and utilities industries.

Global Zero Harm – An Achievable Goal for 2020 

Despite the many challenges associated with achieving zero harm, SKANWEAR® are focusing their efforts in helping Global Energy Companies achieve this for their workforce as part of their brand new Global 2020 Zero Harm campaign. After all, no company wants to face the moral accusation in setting injury targets that mean they are effectively planning to hurt a certain amount of their workers. 

It is our commitment to reduce the risk of the activities performed within the global energy industry that has seen SKANWEAR® innovate and become a leader in developing Arc Flash personal protective clothing and equipment.

Through our six Zero Harm Pillars, SKANWEAR® are helping Global Energy Companies achieve Global Zero Harm in 2020. 

Flame Retardant garments are a necessity for any employee who may be at risk of coming into contact with Electric Arc Events, Flash Fires or combustible dust explosions to protect the skin against burns and minimise the risk of injury.

Burns are a common health & safety issue in some workplaces, especially those that work with naked flames, chemicals and high temperatures.

The main difference between these two fabrics is the process that is used at the final stage in order to make the product flame resistant, but which type of fabric should you opt for given your working environment?