At ROZEL, we understand the importance of electrical safety and the role that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays in ensuring the safety of professionals working in the electrical field. As specialists in Arc Flash Studies, we emphasize the significance of maintaining and caring for your electrical PPE. This article delves deep into the care, maintenance, and best practices associated with electrical PPE, ensuring that you are always protected and compliant.
Understanding the NFPA 70E Standards
The NFPA 70E article 130.7(B) Care of Equipment sets the foundation for the care and maintenance of electrical PPE. It is crucial to store this equipment in a manner that shields it from potential damaging agents like moisture, dust, chemicals, heat, and sunlight. Ensuring that your protective equipment is in a safe and reliable condition can be the difference between life and death.
Arc Flash Clothing: Best Practices
Arc-rated garments are designed to offer protection against arc flash hazards. However, their efficiency can be compromised if not maintained correctly:
- Cleanliness is Key: Any flammable contamination, including oils, grease, paints, and chemicals, can diminish the arc-rating of the clothing. Ensure your garments are always clean.
- Inspect for Damages: Regularly check for tears, cuts, or rips. Any garment deemed unsuitable should be promptly removed from service. While repairs are possible, they must adhere to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Laundering: Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or standards like ASTM F2757-16 for home laundering and ASTM F1449 for industrial laundering. Avoid using fabric softeners, chlorine bleach, DEET insect repellents, spray starch, and ensure arc-rated clothing is washed separately.
Voltage Rated Gloves: Care and Inspection
Rubber insulating gloves are indispensable for electrical safety. Their care involves:
- Avoiding Chemical Damage: Many chemicals, especially petroleum-based ones, can damage these gloves. If exposed, the gloves should be cleaned, inspected, and electrically re-tested.
- Cleaning: Use mild soap and water for cleaning. Steer clear of disinfectant sprays or other chemical cleaners.
- Storage: Store the gloves away from direct sunlight, heat, and in a protective bag. Ensure they are not folded, creased, or stored inside out.
Leather Protectors: Ensuring Safety
Leather protectors, worn over rubber gloves, shield hands from the heat during an arc flash and electric shocks. It's vital to inspect them for contaminants that could ignite during an arc flash. Only use leather gloves that meet the ASTM standard F696.
Standards to Remember
Several ASTM standards guide the care and maintenance of electrical PPE:
- ASTM F496: In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves
- ASTM F1449: Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal, and Arc Resistant Clothing
- ASTM F2757: Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal, and Arc Resistant Clothing
- ASTM F696: Specification For Leather Protectors For Rubber Insulating Gloves and Mittens
At ROZEL, we prioritize your safety. For specialized Arc Flash Studies and more information on electrical safety, reach out to us at (913) 667-9896.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.