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Defining Arc Flash Protection Clothing

When it comes to arc flash protection clothing, you will find that you need a certain appropriate risk category, ATPV rating, and/or NFPA rating. When you go shopping for your garments, you will find that getting the rating is easy simply by looking at the label. However, sometimes it is important to know a few other terms involved with this specialty safety apparel that will get you home at the end of a hazardous day.

> Arc flash protection clothing is used when describing safety apparel and/or equipment to protect individuals usually used by individuals. There are many types of protections protected against including energy flashes, tight spaces, protection from falls, and much more. These garments can be pants, shirts, coveralls, hoods, gloves, or other types of safety gear.

> ATPV stands for Arc Thermal Performance Value. You will find when you need a calories per square cm value representing the maximum protection offered by that garment. When it comes to arcing energy, you can depend on the ATPV. This number is carefully figured out using many concepts. However, Calories per cm squared is one deciding factor.

> Calories per cm squared identify the quantity of the energy protected against when it comes to distance between the material and the arcing flash. This is important when it comes to defining the ATPV. Some types of arc protection clothing will protect close up while others will only protect from a distance. You will need this number if you are working around energy either live or stored.

> Fabric weight is a term used when describing the actual weight of the material or garment in question. This is measures in two possible ways (1) grams per square meter or (2) ounces per square yard. This will vary from one country to the other according to the measurement system in place. For instance, a coverall with a fabric weight of 7 ounces will be lighter than bib overalls with a weight of 15 ounces.

> Flame resistant or FR is used to define any fabric that is inherently resistant to the heat or burning. This may also be used when defining specially treated fabrics. You should insure you know which type of flame resistance your garment.

> HAF or Heat Attenuation Factor is the value of heat blocked when things get hot. This is the fabrics ability to stay cool in hot situations. For instance, if you have a flame resistant shirt that 100% flame resistant, you will find it does not necessarily block all the heat in an exposure. However, if that garment has rating of HAF 90%, you know that 90% of the heat is going to be blocked in any situation.

> HRC or Hazard Rick Category is set forth by NFPA 2004 70E. The categories have stronger calories per square cm at category four than category one. There are four categories: Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, and Category 4.

When it comes to getting the best protection, you will find that understanding popular terms when it comes to arc flash protection clothing is going to serve you well.