FLASH PROTECTION

the extremely high temperatures and heat content of an electric arc can cause
extremely
painful and/or lethal burns. Since an electric arc can occur at any time in electrical
equipment
that has not been placed in an electrically safe work condition, the worker must take
precautions and wear protection when exposed to potential arc hazards. Note that
these sections
address equipment for electrical hazard. Fire protection equipment has slightly
different
requirements and is not covered.

Arc Thermal Performance Value-Research by Stoll & Chianta2 developed a curve

(the so-called Stoll curve) for human tolerance to heat. The curve is based on the
minimum incident heat energy (in kJ/m2 or cal/cm2) that will cause a second-degree
burn on human skin.
Stoll Curve A tabular or graphical relationship which quantitatively describes the
relationship between heat energy and human skin.2
Energy Break-Through (EBT ). Some types of flame resistant materials
become brittle when exposed to very high temperatures. The combination of the
brittleness and the concussion from the electrical blast can cause the material to
fail and break open. ASTM has defined this value as the average of the five highest
incident energy exposure values below the Stoll curve where the specimens do not
exhibit breakopen.
This is called the incident energy.The single most important of all arc energy
calculations is the one that determines the energy transfer from the arc to the
nearby body.
NOMEX* IIIA. NOMEX is an aramid fiber made by the DuPont Company. It has a
structure that thickens and carbonizes when exposed to heat. This unique
characteristic allows NOMEX to provide excellent thermal protection. NOMEX has
been modified in the years since it was first introduced. NOMEX IIIA is made with an
antistatic fiber and is, therefore, suitable for use in hazardous environments such as
those with high concentrations of hydrocarbon gas. Since the characteristics of
NOMEX are inherent to the fiber, and not a chemical treatment, the thermal
protection capabilities of NOMEX are not changed by repeated laundering.
Polybenzimidazole (PBI). PBI is a product of the Hoechst Celanese Corporation. It is
similar to NOMEX in that it is a synthetic fiber made especially to resist high temperatures.
PBI is non-flammable, chemically resistant, and heat stable. This heat stability makes it less
prone to shrinking or embrittlement when exposed to flame or high temperatures.
PBI does not ignite, melt or drip in Federal Vertical; Flame Tests FSTM 5903 and FSTM
5905. PBIs characteristics are permanent for the life of the garment. Hoescht Celanese performed
tests indicate that PBI has heat protection characteristics which are equal to or superior
than other materials.

Flash Boundary The radial distance from an energized conductor at which the heat
energy will equal 1.2 cal/cm2 in the event that the worst
case arc-flash event occurs.

Flash suit face shields will provide excellent face protection from molten
metal and the plasma cloud. Goggles which reduce the ultraviolet light
intensity are also recommended.
Parehas lang ng use sa hard hat
A complete rubber glove assembly is composed of a minimum of two parts
the rubber glove itself and a leather protective glove. In service, the leather protector fits over
the outside of the rubber glove and protects it from physical damage and puncture. Sometimes
the glove set will include a sheer, cotton insert that serves to absorb moisture and makes wearing
the gloves more pleasant.
Rubber gloves are available in six basic
voltage classes from class 00 to class 4,
and two different types: types I and II.
Table 2.8 identifies each class, its maximum
use voltage, and the root-meansquare
(rms) and direct current (dc)
voltages that are used to proof-test the
gloves
Rubber mats are used to cover and insulate floors for personnel protection.
Rubber insulating mats should not be confused with the rubber matting used to help prevent
slips and falls. This type of mat is sold by many commercial retail outlets and is not
intended for electrical insulation purposes. Rubber insulating mats will be clearly marked
and labeled as such.
Insulating rubber matting has a smooth, corrugated, or diamond design on one surface
and may be backed with fabric. The back of the matting may be finished with cloth imprint
or other slip-resistant material.
Rubber blankets in Fig. 2.15 are rubber insulating devices that are used to cover
conductive surfaces, energized or otherwise. They come in a variety of sizes and are used anytime
employees are working in areas where they may be exposed to energized conductors.
Rubber insulating line hoses are portable devices used to cover exposed
power lines and protect workers from accidental contact. Line hose segments are molded
and shaped to completely cover the line to which they are affixed.