ASTM F1891 is a safety standard specification that defines the requirements and test methods for arc and flame-resistant rainwear. This safety standard makes sure rainwear effectively protects workers from the thermal hazards of electric arcs and flames, even in wet weather conditions.
The ASTM F1891 standard
ASTM F1891 is an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standard that sets the performance requirements and test methods for arc and flame resistant rainwear. Rainwear specified to this standard is designed to protect workers from the thermal hazards of electric arcs and flames.
ASTM F1891 outlines the specifications for materials, design features, and performance criteria of arc and flame resistant rainwear. The tests under this safety standard assess the garment’s ability to protect the wearer against thermal hazards associated with electric arcs and flames such as heat transfer or burns.
ASTM F1891 is used for rainwear compliance with OSHA 1910.269, NFPA 70E and CSA Z462.
It is important to note that ASTM F1891 does not apply to electric contact hazards or electric shock hazards involved with electric arcs. This specification also does not apply to flash fire hazards such as industrial hydrocarbon flash fires or other petrochemical flash fire hazards.
ASTM F1891 requirements and test methods
ASTM F1891 outlines comprehensive requirements and test methods for arc and flame resistant rainwear. The requirements for this standard cover the materials, design, and performance of protective rainwear for workers at risk of being exposed to thermal hazards of electric arcs and flames in wet weather conditions.
Through a series of standardised test methods, ASTM F1891 is used to certify whether the rainwear meets the minimal safety standards for arc and flame resistant rainwear.
- A sample of fabric must self-extinguish with <2 second after flame and <6″ char length according to ASTM Test Method D6413
- In contrast to ASTM F1506, ASTM F1891 requires that each different colour of the same fabric be tested
- The fabric must be tested for Arc Thermal Performance according to ASTM Test Method F1959. The results of the Arc Thermal Performance testing must be reported to the end user as an Arc Rating on a garment label. Rainwear that meets ASTM F1891 complies with OSHA 1910.269. ASTM F1891 is a pass/fail standard with requirements for reporting information not considered for the pass/fail criteria. All garments that meet the requirements of ASTM F1891 must state so on a garment label
- Material must withstand water pressure of 30 psig without leaking. The seams of the rainwear must not exhibit any evidence of leakage when exposed to water at 3 psig for (2) two minutes
- Material shall have a trapezoidal tear resistance of 6 lbs. in the warp direction and 6 lbs. in the fill direction
- Materials attached to the rainwear shall be permanent and electrically non-conductive, and shall not degrade the performance of the rainwear
- Rainwear material shall be flame resistant and shall not melt and drip when tested in accordance with ASTM D6413-08 and shall exhibit no more than a 2 second after flame time and less than a 6” char length
ASTM F1891 outlines the specifications for materials, design features, and performance criteria of arc and flame resistant rainwear. The tests under this safety standard assess the garment’s ability to protect the wearer against thermal hazards associated with electric arcs and flames such as heat transfer or burns.
ASTM F1891 is used for rainwear compliance with OSHA 1910.269, NFPA 70E and CSA Z462.
It is important to note that ASTM F1891 does not apply to electric contact hazards or electric shock hazards involved with electric arcs. This specification also does not apply to flash fire hazards such as industrial hydrocarbon flash fires or other petrochemical flash fire hazards.
ASTM F1891 test methods
The test methods used during ASTM F1891 are used to determine the material, design, and performance of the protective clothing. The sample material is subjected to tests to determine conformance to the following requirements:
- Flame resistance
- Tear strength resistance
- Waterproofness
- Electric arc resistance
- Material average weight, arc rating
- Arc thermal performance value (ATBV)
- Breakopen threshold energy (BTE)
- Heat attenuation factor
- Melting and dripping.
For the arc test method, the ATPV and EBT of the material is determined as per ASTM F1959. Material response characteristics such as after flame time, breakopen, charring, dripping, electric arc ignition, embrittlement, melting, and shrinking, all reported for two typical exposures at least equal to the arc rating and also for two typical exposures at least two times the arc rating.
All tests must be performed before and after five wash cycles, except for the arc test. Like in ASTM F1506, the arc test is considered a design test and only needs to be repeated after a change in the material. All other test methods must be performed annually for compliance.
