Take care of your PPE, so it can take care of you

An arc flash can reach temperatures four times higher than the sun’s surface – vaporising metal, setting fires, and causing fatal burns. The right personal protective equipment (PPE) is paramount, but are you correctly taking care of it?

Extreme heat isn’t the only potential risk presented by arc flashes, as global protective clothing supplier Charnaud points out in Six Dangerous Results of an Arc Flash. “When arc flashes occur, an immense amount of energy is released. This sudden explosion of energy can cause severe damage to objects and people in the vicinity,” notes the piece, adding that the six most common and dangerous results of an arc flash are:

1. Burns: Skin burns can result from direct contact with flames or sparks, as well as from clothing that is not flame-resistant, which can also burn onto the skin.

2. Fire: Arc flashes almost always lead to a fire, which may quickly spread out of control.

3. Flying debris: The explosive nature of arc flashes usually scatters molten metal shrapnel and other debris into the air at high velocity, posing a serious injury threat.

4. Blast pressure: The blast pressure resulting from an arc flash can exert significant force, reaching thousands of kg/m². 

5. Sound blast: The explosion creates a loud sound blast, which can reach up to 140 dB – as loud as a gunshot. 

6. Heat: Arc flash blasts are extremely hot. As well as burns, exposure to heat can result in various other injuries.

CableOrganizer.com, a leading online supplier in the US, highlights the fact that while arc flash clothing and PPE play a significant role in protecting workers from these risks, preventative measures don’t end with simply donning the right equipment. “For anyone working in high voltage situations, it’s vital to remember that reliance on arc flash PPE is actually a give-and-take relationship,” the company notes in How to Take Care of Arc Flash Clothing and PPE.

“In order for arc flash clothing to function properly, it needs to be regularly and carefully maintained, so that it can retain all of its protective properties, and put them to work saving you,” it continues. “Luckily, arc flash PPE maintenance is fairly simple – it’s really just a matter of keeping items clean, checking them for damage, and keeping track of how long they’ve been in active use.”

Here are a few tips for getting started:

Keep track of the age of your flame resistant (FR) clothing

There are many different FR fabrics in use now, each with a different lifespan. The general rule of thumb is to own five sets of arc flash clothing, with each set being washed and worn once per work week. Used according to these guidelines, treated 100% cotton lasts an average of 12 to 16 months, 88/12 cotton and nylon blends last for 18 to 30 months, and 93% Nomex blends last anywhere from two-and-a-half to four years. If you’re ever unsure, check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep your FR clothing spotless

Dirt, oil, chemicals, and other contaminants can easily wear down the flame-fighting properties of arc flash pants, shirts, hoods, jackets, and coveralls. It’s very important to wash FR clothing as soon as possible after being soiled. Never wear arc flash clothing a second time without laundering it first – dirty PPE is less effective than clean equipment, and can actually increase your risk of injury.

Go easy when washing arc flash clothing

When it comes to laundering arc flash PPE, the gentler the better. If you have the option between sending clothes out to an industrial laundering service or just washing them at home, go for the latter – home washing inflicts less wear-and-tear and helps the FR clothes last longer. Stick with mild detergent and warm (not hot) water, then tumble dry on low speed. Never use bleach or any other chlorine-based detergent; in most cases, they will break down FR fabrics. It’s also a good idea to double-check the manufacturer’s instructions, just in case there are any additional washing directions.

Inspect for damage

Even small tears and cuts can greatly reduce the protective powers of FR clothing, so it’s important to regularly inspect your arc flash apparel for signs of wear and damage. In the event that damage is found, either repair it in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications (special flame-resistant fabric patches and/or thread may be required), or replace the damaged article of clothing immediately. Never continue to wear damaged PPE, as it can greatly increase your risk of on-the-job injury.

To put it in a nutshell, if you take care of your PPE, your PPE will take care of you.