Arc Flash PPE the 40cal Comfort Revolution
Arc Flash PPE and the 40cal comfort revolution
The risks of arc flash and arc blast are a significant health and safety concern in the workplace for electrical workers.
Arc faults arise when current flows through the air between phase conductors, phase to neutral or from phase to earth. These connections can occur during high-risk activities, such as operating or racking of circuit breakers or contact across terminals from tools or equipment, a breakdown in insulation, or from a build-up of contaminates such as carbon or dust. An arc fault could be described as an unexpected, electrical short circuit in the air that produces an arc and associated by-products. When arc faults occur, the resulting energy released may be enough to seriously burn or otherwise injure nearby persons, ignite flammable materials including clothing, and cause significant damage to plant and equipment.
Significant development has occurred in engineering newly manufactured switchgear equipment with best-in-class arc fault protection, insulation, and isolation, however, there remains a large volume of installed industrial equipment without these engineered solutions, and we may be decades from cycling this equipment out of service. As such, we do rely on effective PPE as a last line of defense to prevent burns during an arc flash incident and it’s an area where innovative manufacturers are focusing efforts to improve wearability, comfort and breathability that ultimately leads to a safer and more productive workforce.
It stands to reason that arc flash PPE design that considers the operator, their comfort, the working environment, and the tasks to be completed will inherently provide better safety and productivity outcomes. Much of the first-generation Cat 4 PPE suffered from poor fitment, bulky and heavy materials, a lack of breathability and challenges with reach and bending tasks. By collaborating with industry PPE users to understand and solve many of the key complaints associated with earlier generations of arc flash PPE, National Safety Apparel (NSA) has developed and launched their industry leading ArcGuard Performance line of Cat4 (40cal/cm2) PPE.
Being an aggressive innovator focused on user comfort has allowed NSA to position as the leader in arc flash PPE clothing design. In collating customer feedback, three key characteristics stood out as critical to manufacturing the most comfortable PPE in the market. Cat 4 PPE needs to be lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking. NSA designed their ArcGuard Performance garment with this in mind, and through customer feedback and clever design, this product also delivers on step changes in fit and mobility, improved visibility and ease of adorning PPE.
The Arc Flash PPE comfort revolution is here
The ArcGuard performance garments utilize a GORE®PYRAD® single layer fabric system weighing only 9.5oz/yd (322gsm). Lighter weight materials reduce fatigue and the distraction of discomfort, allowing the wearer to focus on the task at hand and maneuver as the work requires. The new GORE®PYRAD® system rates as very breathable per the RET Hohenstein Rating System. The Hohenstein institute is a globally recognized expert in textile science, utilizing human subject trials and laboratory test methods to determine how breathability translate to comfort for the wearer. 
This product is up to 20% lighter than competitive premium products and more than 50% lighter than a competitive entry level product. The new 40 Cal single layer system is up to 48% thinner than competitive premium solutions that allows for a thin and highly functional garment design. The material allows heat & air to flow through and keeps the technician dry and comfortable on the inside while active and working. 
Smart PPE design
ArcGuard Performance 40 Cal PPE is up to 56% more flexible than other competitive premium solutions. The wearer feels an increased ease of motion with less muscular fatigue during the task (e.g. winding, repeatedly removing racks). This flexibility is achieved through smart design including stretch panels on the back for ease of movement, flex fit straps on the Bib Overalls for improved mobility and adjustable fit, elastic adjustable waist for a custom cinched fit and knit lined collar for comfort during head rotation and movement.
An issue often faced in first generation PPE is the difficulty in donning PPE over work boots. NSA has addressed this by incorporating a 660mm zip to the knee allowing an easy on and off for bib overalls over work boots. Pleats are provided at the knee for comfort when bending or kneeling, a common practice when working at a switchboard and changing out tools. Hi-Vis reflective strips are strategically placed on arms, legs and back to provide worker visibility in low light situations.
Visibility improvements
The new 40 Cal ArcGuard Performance Lift Front Hood includes a raft of design improvements that have greatly improved worker comfort and visibility without compromising on safety. The same 40cal GORE®PYRAD® single layer fabric system covers the helmet ensuring workers face and neck are completely covered with a very lightweight and breathable material.
The ArcGuard Performance lift front hoods feature numerous design benefits:
- PureView faceshield technology provides a greatly improved visibility and light transmission allowing the user to see the full color spectrum.
- Lens curves in both direction optimizing the field of view without distortion and reducing interior reflections
- Clear chin cup expands the downward view making it easier when looking down
- Offset vents offer additional ventilation to the hood without compromising ATPV and dually increase airflow reducing fogging without the need to lift the hood
- Lift Front visor allows the user to obtain fresh air while out of the hazard zone without removing the hood
- Dual fan option is available on the hoods for workers in Cat 4 PPE for extended periods of time, greatly reducing the risk of heat stress and improving comfort
- Intrinsically safe 60 lumen flashlights can be mount direct to the shield
Aggressive innovation by National Safety Apparel in this new generation of Cat4 40 cal PPE provides electrical workers with the benefits of lighter weight, greater breathability, moisture wicking, and smart design features.
NSA is a proud manufacture of safety apparel worn by the toughest workers in hazardous industries.
TEN is proud to distribute this innovative NSA range. Contact TEN for further information or to arrange a demonstration of the comfort revolution for your team
