Frequently Asked Questions

I am working on a 480V panel, and I am unsure what level of arc flash PPE is needed. Can you help me with your recommended selection?

NFPA 70E is a good place to go for guidance with questions like this. There are two methods outlined in NFPA 70E. The first one is called the incident energy analysis
method. This is used when the equipment is properly labeled, and the incident energy is known. The other is known as the Arc Flash PPE Category Method. This method is used
when the equipment is not labeled, and the incident energy must be estimated.

The first step in helping the end user with this question is to find out if the equipment is labeled. If it is, then it is simply a matter of matching up the corresponding incident energy level with the appropriate suit. As an example, if the customer says the 480V panel is labeled with an ATPV of 26 cal/cm2 then you should recommend a suit that has an ATPV at or greater then 26 cal/cm2. In this case any of the Oberon 40 cal suits would suffice.

If the equipment is not labeled, then it is important to push the customer to use the arc flash PPE Category Method outlined in NFPA 70E. By using the Tables in section 130.7 the
customer can answer a series of questions which will then help them select the appropriate PPE. It is important to push this back on the end user for selection as there is a big liability
for SureWerx if we tell someone what PPE to wear and then they get hurt. If you get pushback from the customer on this response, please engage with the Technical Services Team.

What is an Arc Flash and why should I care?

An Arc Flash is a violent electrical explosion or discharge. It is caused by an Arc fault and produces extreme heat with up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This event causes grave danger to anyone standing close to such an Arc Flash. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) effectively shields the worker from the extreme radiation and heat of the arc flash. It is estimated there is an average 30,000 Arc Flash incidents every year. These incidents results in average annual totals of 7000 burn injuries, 2000 hospitalizations, and 400 fatalities.

What are common causes?

Unintentional contact between an energized conductor with another grounded element.
Equipment failure or using incorrectly specified instruments.
Dropping of un-insulated tools or metal parts that make contact.
Live work on damaged equipment like cables or test instruments.
Loose connection and exposed live parts.
Lack of awareness and training.

How do I select the appropriate Arc Flash PPE according to NFPA 70E or CSA Z462?

According to NFPA 70E Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace there are two potential methods for determining arc flash PPE.

The incident energy analysis method in accordance with table 130.5(G)
The arc flash PPE category method in accordance with table 130.7(C)(15)

Depending on which method is used the tables in NFPA 70E can help you identify what arc flash PPE is required. Table 130.7(C)(15) has been recreated by Oberon and can be used to assist you in identifying what arc flash PPE you should select when using the arc flash PPE category method.

If you are using the incident energy method to select your arc flash PPE the recreated NFPA 70E Table 130.5(G) listed below can be used as a reference. Please reference NFPA 70E Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace directly for any specific questions on the guidelines listed in this FAQ.

Incident energy exposures equal to 1.2 cal/cm2 up to 12 cal/cm2

Arc-rated clothing with an arc rating equal to or greater than the estimated incident energy level.
Long-sleeve shirt and pants or coverall or arc flash suit
Arc-rated face shield and arc-rated balaclava or arc flash suit
Arc-rated outerwear (e.g. jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner)
Heavy-duty leather gloves, arc-rated gloves, or rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors
Hard hat
Safety Glasses or safety goggles
Hearing protection
Leather footwear

Incident energy exposures greater than 12 cal/cm2

Arc-rated clothing with an arc rating equal to or greater than the estimated incident energy level.
Long-sleeve shirt and pants or coverall or arc flash suit
Arc-rated arc flash suit hood
Arc-rated outerwear (e.g. jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner)
Arc-rated gloves or rubber insulating gloves and leather protectors
Hard hat
Safety Glasses or safety goggles
Hearing protection
Leather footwear

If NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 require a hood be worn when the incident energy level is above 12 cal/cm2 why does Oberon Company sell a 25 cal/cm2 hard cap and shield combo with a balaclava?

There are many standards involved when dealing with electrical safety in the workplace. NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 both help to lay the groundwork for companies to create electrical safety programs that protect the welfare and safety of their workers. While these standards are a great reference for companies to review, they can not cover all situations or environments. In Article 90 of the NFPA 70E standards certain industries are excluded and are listed below.

Installations in ships, watercraft other than floating buildings, railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive vehicles other than mobile homes and recreational vehicles.
Installations of railways for generation, transformation, transmission, or distribution of power used exclusively for operation of rolling stock or installations used exclusively for signaling and communications purposes.
Installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations.
Installations under the exclusive control of an electric utility.

These exclusions create some confusion on what to reference should electrical work need to be on installations of this nature. The National Electric Safety Code or NESC attempts to solve this issue by providing ground rules for safeguarding of persons during the installation, operation, or maintenance of power, telephone, cable TV,, and railroad signal systems. This is of particular importance when discussing Arc Flash PPE. Since the installations listed above are not covered by NFPA 70E standards, they will refer to NESC guidelines when selecting Arc Flash PPE.In Part 4, Section I of the NESC guidelines it states the following.

I. ClothingEmployees shall wear clothing suitable for the assigned task and the work environment.When employees will be exposed to an electric arc, clothing or clothing system shall be worn in accordance with Rule 410A3.When working in the vicinity of energized lines or equipment, employee should avoid wearing exposed metal articles.

If we then look at Rule 410A3 it states that if an assessment determines a potential employee exposure greater then 2cal/cm2 exists that the installation should, “Require employees to cover the entire body with an arc rated clothing and equipment having an effective arc rating not less than the anticipated level of arc energy.” This requirement does not stipulate the specific type of Arc Flash PPE to be used, just that it is appropriately rated and covers the entire body. As a result, workers such as Powerline Technician may have a need for a 20+ cal/cm2 ensemble that allows for maximum flexibility while working. Oberon Company created an arc flash kit for just such occasions. It is consists of a coverall, hard cap and shield, balaclava, and kitbag. All of the components of this kit are rated to protect the worker up to exposure levels of 25 cal/cm2. We call this kit the TCG25-CKE-NB Series.

What are the OSHA requirements for a glove inspection?

OSHA requires that “protective equipment be maintained in a safe, reliable condition.” Gloves should be inspected for tears, holes, ozone cuts and other defects before each use. For more information, refer to the ASTM F1236-16 standard guide for the visual inspection of electrical protective rubber products. Also, gloves should be inspected for any swelling, which is generally caused by chemical contamination (specifically petroleum products). Even the slightest swelling can be an issue. If the electrical gloves show any signs of the defects discussed above upon inspection, they should be taken out of service for cleaning and retesting (even if it hasn’t met the six month “in-service” rule or the 12-month shelf life rule discussed in thedate stamp sectionof this article) per ASTM D120-14a requirements.

Why do rubber electrical gloves have a date stamp on them?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.137(c)(2)(viii), all electrical gloves must be tested periodically and prior to being placed into service. All glove manufacturers incorporate some form of production code or date coding to indicate the date of initial testing. Rubber insulating gloves must be tested before first issue and every six months thereafter or upon indication that the insulating value is suspect; after repair; and after use without protectors. Also, if the insulating glove has been electrically tested but not issued for service, the insulating glove may not be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months. For additional information on in-service care of electrical gloves
reference ASTM F496-23.

These testing requirements can sometimes be a little confusing to interpret. Here’s an example: You’re considering using your electrical gloves for the first time on January 1, 2017, and notice the date stamp is November 1, 2016. Would you need to get the gloves retested before use? No, because you will be putting the gloves into service within the allowable 12-month window

The equipment I am working on is not labeled, how do I select the right arc flash PPE based on voltage?

Selecting appropriate arc flash PPE knowing only the voltage is impossible. You must have the fault clearing time and the available fault current as well as the voltage. If the equipment is in normal operating condition, you may be able to utilize the NFPA 70E 130.7 tables to select appropriate arc rated PPE.

I have been told that most electrical work I do falls within Arc Flash PPE Category 2, is that accurate?

No, it is impossible to know what protection is necessary without first completing an arc flash risk assessment. While it is true that the majority of energized work does fall within Arc Flash PPE Category 2 or have thermal incident exposure values below 8 cal/cm2, you can’t assume anything. You must use either the Incident Energy Analysis Method or Arc Flash PPE Category Method as part of your arc flash risk assessment to determine what protection is necessary.

If we don’t do any high voltage work, what type of PPE do we need?

Voltage does not determine the arc flash hazard. Knowing the voltage is only one piece of determining Arc Flash PPE. The electrode orientation, available fault current (amps), the working distance between the worker and the equipment, the clearing time of the circuit protection device, the spacing between conductors or from a conductor to ground, the number of phases, whether the conductors are in an enclosure, and the equipment configuration must all be considered when determining the potential severity of an arc flash hazard.

NFPA 70E provides two methods for the selection of arc flash PPE as part of an overarching requirement to complete an arc flash risk assessment. The two selection methods are:

Incident energy analysis method. Often referred to as an “arc flash study”, requires engineering calculations to determine the potential thermal incident energy in the event of an arc flash. Arc flash PPE is then selected so the arc rating (protection) matches or exceeds the calculated incident energy. Both the thermal incident energy and protective arc ratings are calculated as calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2).
Arc flash PPE category method. Otherwise known as the “table method”, involves a simplified approach using the tables from within the Standard to determine a category number from 1-4 and corresponding arc flash PPE minimum requirements. The table method requires validation of the parameters used in the creation of the categories, otherwise the user is forced into using the incident energy analysis method. Refer to Oberon’s catalog on page #5 for arc flash PPE category product information.

Either, but not both, arc flash PPE selection methods can be used on the same piece of equipment. The engineering calculations used in the incident energy analysis method cannot be used to specify an arc flash PPE category. Keep both methods separate and document your decision making processes within your company’s Electrical Safety Program.

The bottom line is that you can’t rely on voltage alone to figure out what arc flash PPE you need. NFPA 70E requires the employer to complete an arc flash risk assessment. If additional protective measures are required, arc flash PPE can be applied as a control to mitigate the risk of an arc flash. Refer to the latest edition of the NFPA 70E Standard to learn more about the requirements for an arc flash risk assessment.

What is ASTM F2178 – Standard for Arc Rated Eye or Face Protective Products?

ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) developed this F2178 standard in order to evaluate the arc protective value of face and head protective devices. Prior to the issue of this standard in August 2002, there was no standard that addressed the evaluation of a finished product, just the component fabric of a garment (ASTM F1506).

Every manufacturer of hoods and faceshields should conduct testing on the hoods and faceshields they sell. Oberon has conducted complete F2178, testing on its TCG™ Series, LAN™ Series and CAT™ Series, and ARC140™ Series hoods, as well as on its arc flash faceshields.

The importance of this standard is neither the product manufacturer nor the enduser know how the product will perform unless it is actually tested under arc conditions. While the fabric used to construct the hood may be arc-rated and flame resistant, other components may not be.

We have seen competitors’ arc flash hoods burst into flames when tested and require a fire extinguisher to put out the flames even though it was labeled “Meets ASTM F1506.” Furthermore, this testing evaluates the design of the product to ensure it works as well in the real world as it seems to in the theoretical world.

An arc flash personal protective equipment manufacturer is required to provide a report on the F2178 evaluation of its product, if asked by a consumer.

Do my arc flash garments need to be re-certified?

Current standards for arc flash thermal protective products are manufactured to comply with a variety of ASTM and ANSI standards. The standards dictate how products should be tested. They do not require any retesting of the garments after manufacturing as the current tests are destructive in nature and would render the PPE unusable after testing.

It is advisable for the user, before and after every use of an arc flash PPE product, whether it be a coat, pants, hood face shield, or accessory, to inspect the product for damages, including rips and tears, as well as any soiling, especially oil or other combustible material, which could adversely impact the arc thermal protective characteristics of the product. If any damage or soiling occurs, the user should not use that product until cleaning or repairs are made in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.

Additionally, it is important to not reuse an arc flash protective product after an exposure to an arc incident.
Your arc flash protection, when properly selected and worn, can save your life, protecting you against the thermal energy of an arc incident, preventing the onset of a second-degree burn. Proper care and respect should be taken in the handling and care of your protection.

What version of NFPA 70E is OSHA using as the standard for citation determination?

NFPA 70E has not been adopted by OSHA as a regulation. NFPA 70E is generally referenced, in the event of an incident, under the General Duty Clause since it is an industry recognized best practice standard.

Can I use your electrical arc flash products in the food industry?

Within the food industry, consideration must be provided for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, or HACCP. This is a systematic preventive approach to food safety from biological, chemical, and physical hazards in production processes that can cause the finished product to be unsafe and designs measures to reduce these risks to a safe level.

Arc flash PPE can contain materials that would be unsafe within the food production processes that can cause the finished product to be unsafe. An example would be the use of non-metal components such as buttons and ear canal inserts. Metal detectors are often used as part of the employer’s preventative approach to food safety, but would not catch these hazardous arc flash PPE components.

Oberon can customize any arc flash garment to use only hook & loop closures, i.e. Velcro. Contact Oberon for assistance with your arc flash PPE selection when using the products within a food processing environment.

Our equipment labels are 3 years old. Do we need to re-print our labels with the new Standard requirements?

The process of creating equipment labels is often a result of completing an arc flash incident energy analysis. The NFPA 70E Standard states that an incident energy analysis shall be updated when changes occur in your electrical distribution system that could affect the data on your labels. So the answer is if nothing has changed in your electrical distribution system, then the labels are still valid.

You will however need to address your equipment labels when the incident energy analysis needs be reviewed for accuracy at intervals not to exceed 5 years.

An equipment label exception identified by the Standard is that unless changes in the electrical distribution system(s) render the label inaccurate, labels applied prior to the effective date of the latest edition of the Standard shall be acceptable if they complied with the requirements for equipment labeling in the Standard in effect at the time the labels were applied.

Does the Economy Series face shields from Oberon meet any standard?

The Economy series face shield complies with ANSI Z87.1 for protection. This shield offers a truly low price for everyday shop, industrial and laboratory eye and face protection. Comfortable headgear allows for extended use without tight pinch points, unlike other low cost shields. Headgear is available in ratchet adjustable and snap fit adjustable styles.

What standards does Oberon’s hard cap meet?

Our Hard Hats meet either the ANSI Z89.1 or CSA Z94.1 Standard (Canadian Caps only) along with meeting the Edison Electrical Institute:

Class E Tested to 20,000 volts
Class G Tested to 2,200 volts
Class C No electrical protection

OSHA states that the wearer should always inspect their PPE before donning, how?

Before donning your protective eyewear, make sure it is clean and there are no smudges, dirt or oil obscuring your vision. Check the frame making sure it is clean and in working order, don’t tape or glue your spectacles the structural integrity of the glasses is important to your safety.

How often should GES suits be inspected?

GES suits should be inspected before and after each use and regularly for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any defects, discontinue use and replace the suit.

What safety precautions should I take when using a Gas Extraction Suits?

To ensure your safety when using a GES suit:

Always inspect the suit before use to ensure it’s in good condition.
Follow safety protocols for your specific work environment.
Wear appropriate protective gear in addition to the GES suit if needed.

Can Gas Extraction Suits (GES) be used in all weather conditions?

Yes, GES suits are designed to withstand various weather conditions. However, ensure the suit is in good condition before and after each use, especially in extreme environments.

How should I care for my Gas Extraction Suits (GES)?

Refer to the provided care and use document for detailed guidance on caring for your GES suit.

In general, you should:

Follow the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions.
Inspect the suit regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Avoid exposing the suit to harsh chemicals.

How long do Gas Extraction Suits (GES) last?

The lifespan of GES suits typically ranges from 2 to 5 years. Given their intensive use in rugged, outdoor environments, they require proper maintenance and care which can extend their life. Please see the GES Training Manual for more information.

What are Gas Extraction Suits (GES) used for?

Gas Extraction Suits are engineered to protect workers from thermal exposures and prevent skin burn injuries. An Oberon GES8+ Suit is designed to protect workers from an 8-second thermal exposure, while the GES6 Suit protects against a 6-second thermal exposure. Suits are designed to optimize protection, fit, and function.

Are long coats acceptable to use in US or Canada?

NFPA 70E Table 130.5 and 130.7 list out what types of Arc Rated PPE are acceptable to use for protection from an arc flash. Long coats are not listed in either of these tables and should not be used due to the limitations of this type of design. To learn more about these limitations please see the white paper Long Coat Protection concerns.

Additionally, CSA Z462-21 also has Arc Flash PPE Selection Tables. Table 3 and 6C do not list long coats as an approved type of Arc Rated PPE.

How should I cool the packs inside the Cooling Vest?

Place the Oberon Cooling Vest cooling packs in ice water or a refrigerator until they feel cool (approximately 1 hour). Do not freeze the packs as this will make them hard and uncomfortable to wear as well as excessively cold. The cooling packs should provide cooling to the body for approximately two hours. In extreme heat conditions or with heavy exertion, the duration of the packs may be reduced. When worn properly, the packs should feel cool at first. Your body will then acclimate to the temperature and the packs will no longer “feel” cold. They will, however, continue to function as a “heat sink”, pulling heat away from your body core into their mass. You should not feel cold or chilled by a properly functioning Cooling Vest. For extended use, consider keeping a second set in a small cooler filled with ice water, for example, and rotate the two sets.

How do I know what size to get?

We have a size chart on our website that will show you how to choose the right size. Please visit our sizing chart page HERE.

What are the limitations of an arc flash rated suit?

A common misperception is that a person wearing an arc rated suit is “bullet proof” from the hazards associated with electricity. There are 3 main potential hazards when working with electricity: Electric Shock, Arc Flash and Arc Blast. An arc flash suit can protect you from an arc flash provided that the incident energy level that the suit is exposed to is equal to or less than what the suit is rated for. All arc tested suits will come labeled with an estimated APTV level measured in calories/cm2. Oberon recommends having a risk assessment done before working on any electrical equipment to help identify the possible risks associated with the work task to be performed. Once this analysis is done the appropriate APTV level needed can be determined and the proper PPE selected.

This leaves two other potential electrical hazards that could potentially harm you. The arc blast is high pressure sound wave that is caused by a sudden arc fault. It can cause molten metal droplets to be propelled at high speeds as well as sudden expansion of air pressure that can blast out. An arc flash suit offers some protection from these types hazards, but only in a limited capacity. For instance, if a blast pressure wave were to be strong enough to propel a worker across a room an arc flash suit would not be able to protect the worker from the force of the wave.

The last type of electrical hazard that a worker can be exposed to is electrical shock. Shocks are caused when contact is made by a worker with an electrical energy source. Arc flash suits are not tested or designed to protect workers from this type of hazard. Typically workers will wear rubber electrical gloves with leather protectors when there is a risk of electrical shock while performing their work task.

What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit?

At Oberon, we emphasize that arc flash suits do not have a fixed expiration date. Instead, their service life depends on frequency of use, care, and workplace conditions. To ensure continued safety, we recommend:

Pre- and Post-Use Inspections: Workers must check their suits before and after each use for damage, contamination, or signs of wear. Any suit showing compromised protection should be removed from service immediately.
Formal Evaluations: Every 5 years at minimum, each suit should undergo a structured review to confirm it remains fit for service. This review is not a lifespan limit, but a best-practice interval for ensuring safety and considering technology upgrades.

Important: The actual service life of a suit may be shorter than 5 years if it is heavily used, laundered improperly, or exposed to harsh workplace conditions.

Key Considerations for Suit Longevity

Frequency of UseDaily use accelerates wear and may require earlier replacement.Light or occasional use can extend service life.
Laundering CareFollow the laundering instructions in the User Guide (page 13).Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or improper drying. Over-washing shortens garment life.
Workplace ExposuresContact with chemicals, acids, or flammable contaminants may degrade protective properties.Suits exposed to such hazards should be closely inspected and may need early replacement.
Storage EnvironmentStore suits out of direct sunlight in a clean, dry environment (User Guide, page 12).
Fabric ConditionOberon suits are made with aramid fibers, which may pill from abrasion.Replace any suit with more than 50% surface area pilled.
Component ReplacementPlastic components (hood lenses, adapters, etc.): replace within 5 years.Hard hat suspensions: replace annually.

Benefits of the 5-Year Review

Regular evaluations ensure workers benefit from the latest safety advancements, such as:

The Oberon Escape Strap for worker rescue.
Extended Leg Zippers for faster donning and doffing.

Summary

Arc flash suits are designed for long service life with proper care. Daily inspections keep workers safe on the job, while a formal 5-year review ensures long-term reliability and compliance. Lifespan may be significantly reduced by heavy use, harsh laundering, or damaging exposures. For detailed guidance, see the User Guide (pages 8–13).

What fabric is the best for arc flash clothing?

There are three different types of arc-rated flame resistant (FR) fabrics available on the market; Treated non-inherently FR fabrics, Inherently FR fabrics and Treated Inherently FR fabrics. Treated non-inherently FR fabrics, either 100% cotton, or cotton blends, have no flame resistant properties and require a chemical treatment application to become flame resistant (FRT). Inherent fabrics are engineered to be flame resistant (IFR), and there is no chemical that needs to be added to them for their protective capabilities. Treated Inherently FR fabrics are when traditional Inherently FR fabrics are treated using a similar process to non-inherently FR fabrics, resulting in a lightweight inherently FR fabric that provides more protection. Regardless of the type of FR fabric, the material must still be arc-rated with either an Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or an Energy Break-open Threshold (EBT).

How do the arc-rated clothes actually protect me?

Arc Flash PPE is tested to determine its protective ability, this is called an arc rating. This testing is done on the fabric or a finished product using various different testing methods according to applicable Standards. Arc-rated clothing provides insulation that protects a worker from the thermal incident energy caused by an arc flash incident.

There are various different types of arc ratings. In North America, the most popular product options have an ATPV or EBT rating. An arc rating is reported as either ATPV or EBT, whichever is the lower value. The ELIM is a new way to evaluate the arc thermal resistance properties to select PPE with a lower risk of a worker skin burn injury. All of these values are provided in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2).

ATPV: Arc Thermal Performance Value, the incident energy level at which there is a 50% probability of sufficient heat transfer to cause the onset of a second-degree skin burn injury.

EBT: Break-open Threshold Energy, the incident energy level at which there is a 50% probability of the formation of holes or tears in the layer closest to the skin.

ELIM: Incident Energy Limit, the highest incident energy data point without breakopen and without reaching the onset of a second-degree skin burn injury

The most common type of arc rating is the Arc Thermal Performance Value, or ATPV. Selecting PPE with an arc rating that matches or exceeds the highest level of potential thermal incident energy exposure from an arc flash incident, is critical in protecting your electrical workers. It is critical to know the incident energy potential of the equipment in your electrical environment to effectively choose the correct Arc-Rated PPE with the appropriate arc-rating.

How do I pre-use inspect my arc flash suit?

The NFPA 70E Standard requires that all arc flash PPE is pre-use inspected. Refer to Oberon’s resource section of the website for literature resources including User Guides and Storage, Use, Care & Maintenance files. While inspecting your arc flash suit if you identify a problem do not use the product until the issue has been repaired, cleaned or replaced. When pre-use inspecting your Oberon arc flash suit you should inspect each item one at a time.

How do I size my workers for an arc flash suit?

Refer to Oberon’s Sizing Guide section of the website. Alternatively, an Oberon Representative can help arrange for an arc flash suit sizing kit to be provided for your workers to use. The proper garment size will ensure electrical workers are protected, comfortable and productive. Arc flash suit sizes should be selected to be loose fitting over top of the worker’s uniform or everyday clothing. When sharing arc flash suits be certain to ensure every possible electrical worker has a comfortable size available to wear.

Oberon arc flash suits are sold in alphabet sizes from Small up to 5XL. All Oberon garments are available in regular (standard height), tall, extra tall or short vertical measurements. The arc flash suit size must be adequate to completely cover the workers body, not showing the underlayers in any area.

Does Oberon offer a long coat type arc flash suit?

No, Oberon has been a strong advocate against the use of this type of arc flash suit for the past 20 years. Long Coat with leggings style arc flash suits are a protection concern for workers! If a worker doesn’t kneel or squat with their legs together a large opening is created at the bottom. Furthermore, thermal incident energy can deflect and chimney up inside the long coat. Arc flash suits should be a Hood with either a Coat & Bib-Overall or Coverall. If you have a long coat style arc flash suit it should be replaced.

I know the voltage, what arc flash suit should I get?

Voltage does dot determine the arc flash hazard. Knowing the voltage is only one piece of determining Arc Flash PPE. The electrode orientation, available fault current (amps), the working distance between the worker and the equipment, the clearing time of the circuit protection device, the spacing between conductors or from a conductor to ground, the number of phases, whether the conductors are in an enclosure, and the equipment configuration must all be considered when determining the potential severity of an arc flash hazard. NFPA 70E provides two methods for the selection of arc flash PPE as part of an overarching requirement to complete an arc flash risk assessment. The two selection methods are;

Incident energy analysis method. Often referred to as an “arc flash study”, requires engineering calculations to determine the potential thermal incident energy in the event of an arc flash. Arc flash PPE is then selected so the arc rating (protection) matches or exceeds the calculated incident energy. Both the thermal incident energy and protective arc ratings are calculated as calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2).
Arc flash PPE category method. Otherwise known as the “table method”, involves a simplified approach using the tables from within the Standard to determine a category number from 1-4 and corresponding arc flash PPE minimum requirements. The table method requires validation of the parameters used in the creation of the categories, otherwise the user is forced into using the incident energy analysis method. Refer to Oberon’s catalog on page #5 for arc flash PPE category product information.

Either, but not both, arc flash PPE selection methods can be used on the same piece of equipment. The engineering calculations used in the incident energy analysis method cannot be used to specify an arc flash PPE category. Keep both methods separate and document your decision making processes within your company’s Electrical Safety Program.

The bottom line is that you can’t rely on voltage alone to figure out what arc flash PPE you need. NFPA 70E requires the employer to complete an arc flash risk assessment. If additional protective measures are required, arc flash PPE can be applied as a control to mitigate the risk of an arc flash. Refer to the latest edition of the NFPA 70E Standard to learn more about the requirements for an arc flash risk assessment.

Are Oberon TCG™ fabrics lighter weight than fire resistant treated cotton?

Yes, absolutely. For example, an Oberon TCG40™ garment, which is constructed of Oberon’s proprietary Inherently/Permanently Flame Resistant (IFR) fabric (a fabric specifically designed for the Arc Flash marketplace) and which has an arc rating of 46 cal/cm2, has a fabric weight of 10.9 ounces per square yard. A comparable chemically flame retardant treated (FRT) cotton product, with a similar arc rating, would weigh nearly twice as much. Additionally, Inherently FR garment is less bulky and more comfortable to wear. Garments manufactured with Inherently Flame Resistant fabrics like Oberon TCG™ Series and its LAN™ Series are permanently flame resistant. Unlike some FRT cotton fabrics, you cannot impact the flame resistant characteristic with washing. Really, the only benefit to an FRT cotton product is the low price. For the infrequent user, an FRT cotton garment can be a good solution. But for the industrial electrician, who will be using the garments frequently, the superior comfort and durability offered by an Inherently Flame resistant garment makes it the preferred choice. Oberon does offer a low cost FRT Cotton product (CAT™ Series) in addition to our IFR products (Good-Better-Best).

Can Arc Flash PPE be shared between workers?

No, due to personal hygiene and the risk of spreading infectious disease. Please see our white paper in the resource section of our website for more details. In summary, hard non-porous surfaces can be effectively disinfected, such as the arc flash hood visor, hard hat and other plastic components. However, we do not believe that fabrics can be safely shared between workers due to the ineffectiveness of disinfectant sprays or wipes on a porous surface. In the new Coronavirus world, we feel the most effective way to keep workers safe and healthy is for all arc flash PPE to be individually assigned.

Do Oberon’s polycarbonate face shields protect workers from different types of chemical splashes?

All of our polycarbonate face shields are hard coated with an anti-scratch and chemical resistant hardcoating. Oberon’s Arc Flash Face Shield will help to protect a workers face from a variety of harmful such as Alcohols (ethanol/isopropanol), aliphatic (diesel/gasoline/heptane/cyclohexane), Esters (ethyl acetate), Ketones (acetone, 2-heptanone;2-butanone), Dilute alkali, Concentrated/Dilute acids (except hydrofluoric). For additional details on the Oberon hard coating specifications please contact Oberon’s customer service via phone, email, or chat.

Do the UV properties of the 071 series UV shield degrade over time?

When exposed to direct sunlight, you will see yellowing over the years since the UV additive can only do so much. However: the attack is confined to maybe 20 microns to the surface of the plastic, the bulk stays protected. This is why you can retain many tensile properties but do lose some notched izod.

You can see the effect with accelerated weathering on a transparent grade (in this case LED2643, which is similar to 2407 but with higher light transmission). 1000 Joules is about 1 year Florida/Arizona, it will yellow slowly over time, then eventually stabilizes (Figure 1).

For interior uses, where sunlight goes through a window, yellowing is typically never an issue.

When discussing arc flash face shields what causes astigmatism?

The optical quality of an arc flash face shield has many variables that need to be considered. A few of the most important terms and definitions are listed below.

Prismatic Power and Imbalance

Prismatic power is defined as any the deviation of a ray of light through a specified point on a lens. Prism in a face shield can be produced when the front surface is not parallel to the back surface. When light passes through the prism, the object viewed appears to be displaced. Any imbalance in these surfaces can cause the wearer to see differing prismatic effects that can cause discomfort for the wearer.

Refractive Power and Astigmatism

Irregularly shaped visors with a lack of optical symmetry can cause light to bend improperly creating astigmatism (i.e., refractive error that causes objects to appear blurry). Refractive power (measured in diopters) is the ability of the lens to focus light properly thus keeping images crisp.

To better understand what an astigmatism is, a cosmetic raytraced image of a lens with target lines crossing the eye centers is listed below. By observing you can see the following.

Horizontally the image is compressed. This is due to a strong curvature of the face shield. This creates negative horizontal power. The shifting of the image is what we call prism.
Vertically the image is less compressed. There is very little power and prism. This is due to the lower curvature in this direction.
The discrepancy between horizontal and vertical power is what causes astigmatism.

I have an older Oberon 40 cal arc flash suit with a green shield. Can I replace the shield with the new TCG faceshield?

It is not possible to replace an older style, green arc flash face shield with the a new True Color Grey (TCG™) face shield due to the hole pattern configuration. Each Oberon face shield has a unique hole configuration which allows it to be affixed to an Oberon hood. Due to this fact a new hood must be purchased if your green shield gets damaged.

How do I clean and disinfect my Oberon face shield?

To clean and disinfect an Oberon face shield it is best to use a damp, soft cloth and gently wipe away any dirt or grit. Once this is done gently flush them off with room temperature tap water.

To disinfect a FaceFit™ shield clean first and then dampen a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe. This process may leave streaks as the surface dries. Once dry, use a soft clean cloth and lightly wipe off any streaks or film left on the shield from impurities in the wipes.

As an alternative method a 2% solution of Clorox bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite or NaOCL) and cool water can be used. Apply the solution by gently spraying the face shield and then allowing it to evaporate. Once dry the shield can be rinsed off with cool tap water.

How do I clean and disinfect safety googles and spectacles?

To clean and disinfect Oberon safety goggles and spectacles it is best to use a damp, soft cloth and gently wipe away any dirt or grit. Once this is done gently flush them off with room temperature tap water.

Once the safety goggles or spectacles are cleaned it is also important to disinfect them. Take a soft cloth that has been dampened with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe and gently clean the inside and out of the goggles. It is also important to wipe the elastic strap on the goggles. This process may leave streaks on the surface of the goggles or spectacles as they dry. Once dry, use a soft clean cloth and lightly wipe off any streaks or film left on the shield from impurities in the wipes.

How do I clean the inside of my arc flash hood?

The first step to cleaning and disinfecting an Oberon TCG™ hood is to disassemble your hood. Once done, if the shield has dirt or grit, flush it off with room temperature tap water.

The next step to disinfecting a TCG™ hood window is to take a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe and gently clean both sides of the shield. This process may leave streaks as the surface dries. Once dry, use a soft clean cloth and lightly wipe off any streaks or film left on the shield from impurities in the wipes.

As an alternative method a 2% solution of Clorox® Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite or NaOCL) and cool water can be used. Apply the solution by gently spraying the face shield and then allowing it to evaporate. Once dry, the shield can be rinsed off with cool tap water.

To clean and disinfect the fabric portion of a hood first remove the shield and launder the hood per the washing instructions on the hood label. The steps above will help to remove most of the dirt, germs, and possible viruses that could be on the hood after use.

Does the Oberon TCG™ Series shield block Infrared light? I am worried my eyes might be damaged if I am hit with and arc flash.

Does the Oberon TCG™ Series shield block Infrared light?

When you are involved in an arc flash two things occur simultaneously and help prevent damage to your eyes.

You blink. This happens very quickly. A good example of this at work would be when you accidentally look at the sun. Your first reaction is to immediately close your eyes. The blinding flash of an arc lasts as long as the arc flash is present. This would be about one third of a second for a 12 calorie arc flash and up to 2 seconds for a 100 calories/cm2 arc flash. The human eye response is about 1/10th of a second to blink. Therefore in about 1/10th of a second in all arc flashes the eye blinks to reduce the visible light reaching the eye. While we do not want to overexpose the eye to this visible light there is a natural response and self-limiting mechanism.
A second protective mechanism occurs in our TCG™ Shields when they are hit with an arc. There are additives in the shields that will carbonize in about 1/10th of a second. This carbonization will reduce all of the electromagnetic spectrum and most of the arc flash visible light. Essentially the front surface looks a lot like asphalt moss once it is hit with an arc flash. Please see the attached picture for reference. The combination of these two things prevents any significant damage to the eyes from occurring.

What are the limitations of an arc flash rated suit?

A common misperception is that a person wearing an arc rated suit is “bullet proof” from the hazards associated with electricity. There are 3 main potential hazards when working with electricity: Electric Shock, Arc Flash and Arc Blast. An arc flash suit can protect you from an arc flash provided that the incident energy level that the suit is exposed to is equal to or less than what the suit is rated for. All arc tested suits will come labeled with an estimated APTV level measured in calories/cm2. Oberon recommends having a risk assessment done before working on any electrical equipment to help identify the possible risks associated with the work task to be performed. Once this analysis is done the appropriate APTV level needed can be determined and the proper PPE selected.

This leaves two other potential electrical hazards that could potentially harm you. The arc blast is high pressure sound wave that is caused by a sudden arc fault. It can cause molten metal droplets to be propelled at high speeds as well as sudden expansion of air pressure that can blast out. An arc flash suit offers some protection from these types hazards, but only in a limited capacity. For instance, if a blast pressure wave were to be strong enough to propel a worker across a room an arc flash suit would not be able to protect the worker from the force of the wave.

The last type of electrical hazard that a worker can be exposed to is electrical shock. Shocks are caused when contact is made by a worker with an electrical energy source. Arc flash suits are not tested or designed to protect workers from this type of hazard. Typically workers will wear rubber electrical gloves with leather protectors when there is a risk of electrical shock while performing their work task.

How do I pre-use inspect my arc flash faceshield?

The NFPA 70E Standard requires that all arc flash PPE is pre-use inspected. Refer to Oberon’s resource section of the website for literature resources including User Guides and Storage, Use, Care & Maintenance files. While inspecting your arc flash faceshield if you identify a problem do not use the product until the issue has been repaired, cleaned or replaced. When pre-use inspecting your Oberon arc flash suit you should inspect each item one at a time.

The following steps apply when pre-use inspecting your Oberon arc flash faceshield;

Check the faceshield visibility, inspect for excessive scratching. If visibility is impaired or the shield is cracked or damaged remove from use (replace with appropriate lens).
Manually adjust the shield mounting mechanism (adapters) to ensure wing nuts are firmly in place, do not over tighten or the shield won’t be able to operate correctly.
Inspect adapters for cracks or damage, ensure fingers are locked into hard hat slots.
Check hard hat slots and inspect for cracks that could allow the adapter to slip out.
Ensure the nuts and bolts fastening a lower chin guard (double crown) are tight before use.

How do I activate my Oberon anti-fog coating?

Oberon arc flash faceshields and suit hood shield windows are available with anti-fog coatings. Before each and every use the anti-fog coating must be activated. Workers must use humidity to activate the anti-fog properties by pulling the inside of the faceshield or hood lens towards them and breathe on the surface. It’s important for your shield lens to be at room temperature for best results.

When using an Oberon arc flash suit hood, consider using a hood ventilation system that circulates air to your breathing zone. Oberon’s system delivers the external air directly down the inside of the hood shield window to reduce fogging in extreme conditions.

Can we use the new True Color Grey (TCG) shield in our old Oberon arc flash suit hoods?

No, older Oberon hoods that have a green/yellow shield window lens cannot be exchanged for the new clear TCG shield window. When Oberon designed the hoods for the new TCG shield lens, changes were made to the fabric construction and installation method. The new TCG shield lenses have metal snaps that make assembly and disassembly easier for the worker. All older Oberon hoods must be replaced with complete TCG hoods when upgrading to the new technology.

The ASTM F2178 Standard requires the hood to be tested as you would use it. This final product testing requirement is critical for the product to perform as needed during an arc flash exposure.

What is the difference between green versus grey arc flash faceshield or hood lenses?

Both Oberon green/yellow and new clear True Color Grey (TCG) lenses provide protection from an arc flash incident. A clear grey lens is safer than the old green technology because the likelihood of a worker making a mistake that could cause an arc flash has been reduced.

Oberon’s True Colour Grey is a medium density filter that allows all visible light to pass through it with no distortion. Oberon TCG is a nearly clear lens that provides the same protection as old style green with the difference being workers can finally see the true colours of their work.

Can I use Febreze on my PPE?

The stock answer is “the garments should be free of flammable contaminants”…whether that be oily/flammable dirt or additives from the cleaning process such as fabric softeners. The MSDS for Febreze states that Febreze does contain Ethanol which is flammable (also documented in the MSDS). If you require a blanket statement that it is OK to use Febreze regardless of how or how much is used, then the answer is NO because the MSDS states clearly that there is a flammable component in the solution.

Which safety spectacles are suitable to wear with arc flash face shields and hoods?

There are some companies in the market that promote “arc flash protective safety spectacles”. Even if the spectacles were manufactured with a material that absorbed the thermal energy of an Arc Flash incident (like Oberon’s arc flash face shields and hood windows) the limited surface area of the user’s face that a spectacle would cover would make the product ineffective at best! Much of the users face would be severely injured/burned by the thermal energy of the arc flash. Further, there would be limited protection to the face against injury from shrapnel created by the arc by a simple spectacle. It is important to note that the standards do not recognize the use of safety spectacles or “arc flash” goggles as suitable/ recognized arc flash protection.

NFPA 70E references the use of ANSI Z87.1 safety spectacles under a face shield or hood because the ANSI Z87.1 Standard (Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye & Face Protection) obligates the user to wear a safety spectacle or safety goggles under a face shield or hood window. Ultimately, a face shield is considered to be a secondary eye protective devise even though it covers your eyes and your face you still need to wear a primary eye protective device under the face shield such as a safety spectacle or cover goggle. Many users may be tempted to wear a face shield without safety spectacles beneath because it may not seem to make sense, but that is in the standard and that is what OSHA is looking for. NFPA 70E is not referencing any specific safety spectacle, nor one with any enhanced thermal protection. It is only calling for a safety spectacle (a simple clear lens safety spectacle such as Oberon T788-30).

It is important to note that one should be cautioned against wearing metal framed spectacles, either safety or prescription. If the spectacles were to fall from your face, into an energized system, the metal could initiate the arcing fault, which could cause an arc flash.

If the user or his employer have conducted an incident energy analysis and determined the level of suitable arc flash protection for the task to be performed, the standard is not calling for the use of a safety spectacle with enhanced protection. They simply want a safety spectacle per ANSI Z87.1. The face shield or hood window is providing the protection against the thermal incident energy.

Legal:Always conduct a task based risk assessment procedure to determine the proper PPE. The statements made here are for informational purposes only. This and Oberon’s marketing material does not recommend specific solutions for specific tasks but provides recommendations based upon its customer’s input. This and Oberon’s marketing material are in no way a substitution for the actual safety standards referenced or implied. Please refer to the actual standards or consult your supervisor, safety officer or human resources with any questions you have regarding the standards or the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for your task.

Can I use anti-fog wipes on Oberon products?

It is not recommended to use wipes on most of our arc flash face shields and arc flash hood windows as they already have a permanent anti-fog coating on the inner surface. Using wipes will likely damage the coating causing it to stop working. If the coating has been damaged already and does not function, we would then suggest that you experiment with the wipes in a bottom corner of the face shield to insure that it does not have any adverse results. The use of anti-fog wipes (that we are aware of which are primarily alcohol in nature with a small amount of anti-fog surfactant) will not cause the face shield to weaken or crack. The only adverse reaction would be to damage the coating or surface causing it to haze, making visibility difficult. There are Oberon arc flash face shields and safety face shields that do not have the permanent anti-fog coating on the inner surface. The use of anti-fog wipes with a small amount of caution (experimenting as above) should be okay to use with these.

Do I need to wear safety spectacles under your face shield?

Yes, applicable Standards including NFPA 70E require safety glasses/spectacles to be worn as primary eye protection. An arc-rated face shield or suit hood is designed to protect your face. Both safety glasses and arc-rated protection is required when an arc flash incident is likely to occur.

The ANSI Z87.1 standard covers industrial eye and face protective devices and their use in the marketplace. It defines safety glasses and safety/cover goggles as primary eye protective devises. Their job is to protect your eyes! A face shield is defined as a secondary protective device, requiring the use of a primary protective device underneath. The standard envisions the face shield protecting the face, even though your eyes are a part of your face.

What determines which eyewear to choose?

The NFPA 70E Standard identified safety glasses or safety goggles as selection required “SR”. The risk assessment includes hazard identification. The potential hazards then determine what type of primary eye protection is necessary.

Also consider the comfort of the worker. If the spectacles/goggles are not comfortable they won’t be worn properly. The style is important because everyone wants to look their best and wearing safety eyeglasses are no exception. Size, if the eyeglasses don’t fit properly then they won’t protect properly.

What color lens should I choose?

Clear- works well in indoor and outdoor applications provides excellent light transmission.
Amber- works well in low light work areas, works well in high glare areas and where a contrast is needed.

Dark Grey- works well for outdoor where sunlight and/or glare can cause problems. Dark Grey lens allows wearer to see colors more clearly.

I have a pair of really cool sunglasses that I purchased from Wal-Mart can I wear those?

It depends if they have the ANSI Z87.1-2010 stamped on their frame along with the Manufacturer’s logo stamped on the lens. Only this certifies that the spectacle in question have passed the ANSI standards for Safety Glasses. If they don’t meet those standards you could be putting yourself and your eyesight in danger!

How come I feel dizzy and get a headache when I put my safety glasses on?

Safety glass manufacturers have to adhere to very tough standards for the optical clarity and manufacture. Many times if you are not used to wearing eyewear you will find some discomfort wearing glasses for the first time and it may take a day to get used to them.

Do I have to wear safety glasses under my goggles or face shield?

Yes, OSHA requires the individual to wear safety glasses under goggles, face shields and welding helmets because the individual may lift the goggle, face shield or welding helmet and be exposed without the safety glasses.

Is eye injury common in the American workplace?

Yes, there are estimated 1,000 eye injuries occurring every day. Medical expenses, lost time, lost production, workmen’s compensation adds up to $300 million. This doesn’t include the price of adding up the price that the individual worker pays personally.

What do I have to know about wearing a face shield properly?

Assess the hazard, choose the window material is it a chemical splash, will the splash damage the window making it difficult to see. Polycarbonate offers excellent visual clarity, coated windows offer additional protection for splash, scratch resistance, heat, radiant energy and UV applications where UV is used to dry or sterilize products. If using a headgear make sure you adjust not only the size adjustment but the top adjustment that helps to place the shield at the right height. Make sure the window is properly secured so it doesn’t come off at a bad time.

How long does the user have to put new gloves into service?

The user has 12 months from the test date to put new gloves into service. It is important to note that the user must document when the gloves are put into service to comply with OSHA 1910.137 guidelines.

How are Oberon electrical gloves tested?

The manufacturer of Oberon gloves electrically tests every glove prior to shipment. Each “batch” of gloves is also subjected to a battery of physical and electrical tests to insure that the gloves meet the D120 Standards. It is the responsibility of the employer to insure that the gloves have passed the required electrical test within the specified time.

What size leather protector should I use?

Leather protectors should always be worn with rubber insulating gloves. ASTM F696 provides the specification for the manufacture of Leather Protectors. Leather protectors are sized to be worn on the same size rubber insulating glove so if you wear a size 10 rubber insulating glove you should order a size 10 leather protector.

How do I determine what size glove is right for me?

ASTM D120 section 8.2 provides the measurements of the diameter of the palm for manufacturers, measured at the midpoint of the palm, plus or minus 1⁄2”. Measure your hand by wrapping the tape all the way around your palm at the point shown to the right. This would equate to the probable size of glove to select. Personal preference for tightness and finger length will ultimately determine the size that you are most comfortable wearing. Please see the sizing guide.

What protection do Rubber Insulating Gloves provide?

Rubber Insulating Gloves are designed and constructed to act as a barrier between the user and the energy/voltage,to insulate the user from electric shock. The ASTM D120 standard outlines the protection that the glove provides. The rubber gloves are thicker as their protection increases. The rubber gloves will provide protection against either Alternating Current (AC) as well as Direct Current (DC), up to the levels detailed in the standard as well as typically onthe labeling, which is required to be affixed to each glove. It is important NOT to exceed the USE voltage detailed to avoid injury.

How do I perform a rubber electrical glove air test?

29 CFR 1910.137(c)(2)(ii) requires an air test be performed along with inspections for insulating gloves. ASTM F 496 also specifies air tests for the in-service care of insulating gloves and sleeves. Basically, the glove is filled with air (either manually or with a power inflator) and then checked for leakage. As stated in ASTM F 496, Type I gloves should be expanded no more than 1.5 times their normal size during the air test and Type II gloves no more than 1.25 times. The procedure should be repeated after turning the glove inside out.

What are the OSHA requirements for a glove inspection?

OSHA requires that “protective equipment be maintained in a safe, reliable condition.” Gloves should be inspected for tears, holes, ozone cuts and other defects before each use. For more information, refer to the ASTM F1236-16 standard guide for the visual inspection of electrical protective rubber products. Also, gloves should be inspected for any swelling, which is generally caused by chemical contamination (specifically petroleum products). Even the slightest swelling can be an issue. If the electrical gloves show any signs of the defects discussed above upon inspection, they should be taken out of service for cleaning and retesting (even if it hasn’t met the six month “in-service” rule or the 12-month shelf life rule per ASTM D120-14a requirements.

Can you recommend any rubber electrical glove test labs?

Gloves should be sent to an accredited laboratory for retesting. To find a laboratory in your area, you can visit the North American Independent Laboratories for Protective Equipment Testing (NAIL for PET) site: http://www.nail4pet.org.

Why do rubber electrical gloves have a date stamp on them?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 29Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.137(c)(2)(viii), all electrical gloves must be tested periodically and prior to being placed into service. All glove manufacturers incorporate some form of production code or date coding to indicate the date of initial testing. Rubber insulating gloves must be tested before first issue and every six months thereafter or up on indication that the insulating value is suspect; after repair; and after use without protectors. Also, if the insulating glove has been electrically tested but not issued for service, the insulating glove may not be placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months. For additional information on in-service care of electrical gloves reference ASTM F496-23.

These testing requirements can sometimes be a little confusing to interpret. Here’s an example: You’re considering using your electrical gloves for the first time on January 1,2017, and notice the date stamp is November 1, 2016. Would you need to get the gloves retested before use? No, because you will be putting the gloves into service within the allowable 12-month window

What are the limitations of an arc flash rated suit?

A common misperception is that a person wearing an arc rated suit is “bullet proof” from the hazards associated with electricity. There are 3 main potential hazards when working with electricity: Electric Shock, Arc Flash and Arc Blast. An arc flash suit can protect you from an arc flash provided that the incident energy level that the suit is exposed to is equal to or less than what the suit is rated for. All arc tested suits will come labeled with an estimated APTV level measured in calories/cm2. Oberon recommends having a risk assessment done before working on any electrical equipment to help identify the possible risks associated with the work task to be performed. Once this analysis is done the appropriate APTV level needed can be determined and the proper PPE selected.

This leaves two other potential electrical hazards that could potentially harm you. The arc blast is high pressure sound wave that is caused by a sudden arc fault. It can cause molten metal droplets to be propelled at high speeds as well as sudden expansion of air pressure that can blast out. An arc flash suit offers some protection from these types hazards, but only in a limited capacity. For instance, if a blast pressure wave were to be strong enough to propel a worker across a room an arc flash suit would not be able to protect the worker from the force of the wave.

The last type of electrical hazard that a worker can be exposed to is electrical shock. Shocks are caused when contact is made by a worker with an electrical energy source. Arc flash suits are not tested or designed to protect workers from this type of hazard. Typically workers will wear rubber electrical gloves with leather protectors when there is a risk of electrical shock while performing their work task.

What pen I can use to write on rubber gloves?

Some customers have contacted us asking how to properly mark their electrical rubber gloves with either first use date or employee name. When writing on an electrical rubber glove, it is important to use an ink that will not compromise the protective properties of the glove.

The manufacturer recommends the use of either a Sharpie® marker for colored gloves or a Pentel® white marker for black gloves.

Do not use paint or other substance that could damage the rubber material. Additionally, avoid sharp objects such as pencils that could damage/puncture the glove, affecting its insulating capabilities.

NOTE: Even when using a safe ink, it is recommended that you limit the writing to a small area on the rubber glove, preferably an area close to the rolled edge of the cuff.

Can I use Febreze on my PPE?

The stock answer is “the garments should be free of flammable contaminants”…whether that be oily/flammable dirt or additives from the cleaning process such as fabric softeners. The MSDS for Febreze states that Febreze does contain Ethanol which is flammable (also documented in the MSDS). If you require a blanket statement that it is OK to use Febreze regardless of how or how much is used, then the answer is NO because the MSDS states clearly that there is a flammable component in the solution.

How are Arc Flash thermographer’s gloves used?

Arc Flash Thermographer’s gloves are manufactured of an arc-rated fabric that has been tested according to ASTM F1959 to provide protection against the thermal incident energy of an Arc Flash. Like the Arc Flash garments that are used in this application, the fabric is arc-rated and flame resistant and provides some level of insulating protection against the thermal incident energy. Again, like the Arc Flash suits, they are assigned an arc rating to reflect the level of protection offered (either ATPV or EBT).

Arc Flash Gloves are NOT manufactured of rubber. As such, they do not provide shock protection against voltage. They should not be used within the Restricted Approach Boundary as defined by NFPA 70E where there is the risk of contact with voltage due to proximity to the energized circuit. Within this space, only rubber electrically insulating gloves should be used to protect the worker from accidental electric shock. The NFPA 70E Standard requires that a shock risk assessment be performed and documented.

Further, Arc Flash Thermographer’s Gloves are not to be used as an alternative to leather protectors for rubber insulating gloves. Leather protectors are worn over rubber insulating gloves to protect the rubber gloves from physical damage. Even the smallest puncture can provide an avenue for the voltage to penetrate the glove and contact the worker. Thermographer’s Gloves are manufactured of a woven fabric, which will provide limited protection from mechanical hazards. Leather is a dense material that resists and decreases the likelihood of puncture.

Arc Flash Thermographer’s Gloves are promoted to workers working within the Arc Flash Protection Boundary.

Arc Flash Gloves available by Oberon include 25, 40, 65 and 100 calorie versions.

What is the arc flash protection offered by leather gloves and should they be arc-rated?

If rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors are required as per your shock risk assessment, additional leather or arc-rated gloves are not required. Leather protectors can be arc-rated, but it’s not required. The most important consideration when selecting hand protection is to first identify and understand your hazards.

If a shock hazard exists the worker shall wear shock protection. If no shock hazard exists, the NFPA 70E Standard identifies that heavy duty leather gloves or arc-rated gloves are required when an arc flash hazard is likely to exist. Heavy-duty leather gloves are described as being made entirely of leather with a minimum thickness of 0.03 in. (0.7 mm) and are unlined or lined with non-flammable, nonmelting fabrics. Heavy-duty gloves that meet this requirement have been shown to have arc ratings in excess of 10 cal/cm2ATPV.

Gloves not used for shock protection (i.e. not rubber insulating) can be arc-rated, including leather protectors. Refer to the ASTM F2675 Standard Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of Hand Protective Products Developed and Used for Electrical Arc Flash Protection for more information.

Do Oberon’s polycarbonate face shields protect workers from different types of chemical splashes?

All of our polycarbonate face shields are hard coated with an anti-scratch and chemical resistant hardcoating. Oberon’s Arc Flash Face Shield will help to protect a workers face from a variety of harmful such as Alcohols (ethanol/isopropanol), aliphatic (diesel/gasoline/heptane/cyclohexane), Esters (ethyl acetate), Ketones (acetone, 2-heptanone;2-butanone), Dilute alkali, Concentrated/Dilute acids (except hydrofluoric). For additional details on the Oberon hard coating specifications please contact Oberon’s customer service via phone, email, or chat.

How do I clean my hood ventilation system (HVS)?

The first step to cleaning and disinfecting an Oberon TCG™ hood is to disassemble your hood. Once done, if the shield has dirt or grit, flush it off with room temperature tap water.

The next step to disinfecting a TCG™ hood window is to take a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe and gently clean both sides of the shield. This process may leave streaks as the surface dries. Once dry, use a soft clean cloth and lightly wipe off any streaks or film left on the shield from impurities in the wipes.

Next, wipe down the hood ventilation system by using a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe and gently clean the outer surface of the air bladder with hose and the fan motor. Let the ventilation system air dry.

*As an alternative method a 2% solution of Clorox® Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite or NaOCL) and cool water can be used. Apply the solution by gently spraying the face shield and then allowing it to evaporate. Once dry, the shield can be rinsed off with cool tap water. This solution can also be used with the ventilation system by applying the same method.

New CAT40 Series Hood Configuration

What hood window do I purchase for my Oberon™ CAT40 series hood?

Oberon™ has upgraded the CAT40 series hood configuration from button holes with hood pins to snap fasteners.

To order a replacement hood window, please consider the following information:

Hood windows for CAT40 hoods manufactured prior to March 6, 2023 will need to order Oberon SKU#CAT40AFH.

Hood windows for CAT40 hoods manufactured on or after March 6, 2023 will need to order Oberon SKU#TCG40AFH.

How do I disassemble an Oberon Arc Flash Hood?

Step 1: Remove all optional accessories.

Step 2: Remove the hard cap by carefully pushing in on the slot adapter clips.

Step 3: Unsnap the front of the shield from the hood.

Step 4: Flip the hood inside out and unzip the bladder from left to right.

This video is a step by step guide to disassembling the Oberon Arc Flash Hood.

I have an older Oberon 40 cal arc flash suit with a green shield. Can I replace the shield with the new TCG faceshield?

It is not possible to replace an older style, green arc flash face shield with the a new True Color Grey (TCG™) face shield due to the hole pattern configuration. Each Oberon face shield has a unique hole configuration which allows it to be affixed to an Oberon hood. Due to this fact a new hood must be purchased if your green shield gets damaged.

Should the balaclava be worn “tactical style” covering the mouth and nose?

The NFPA 70E committee considered requiring balaclavas be defined as “covering the mouth and nose”, but the committee rejected this for several reasons.

To date they are not aware of any incidents of a burned mouth or nose that has occurred when a worker was wearing a balaclava, and the energy was in the range of <12 cal/cm².
Many tests have been done with balaclavas and face shields, and this testing showed that covering the chin area substantially raised the level of protection without covering the mouth sensor.
Heat stress could become more of a concern.
Wearing the balaclava over the nose could cause the safety glasses of the worker to fog up in certain situations.

Since the NFPA 70E committee didn’t believe that the balaclava definition should be changed, Oberon recommends wearing safety glasses, an arc rated shield, and a balaclava with the chin covered in arc flashes up to 12 cal/cm² as recommend by NFPA 70E Annex H.3. There is no guidance in OSHA 1910.269.

Should I tuck the balaclava into the shirt or flash suit to meet OSHA 1910.260 or NFPA 70E?

Although no standard specifically covers it, Oberon recommends tucking the balaclava in to prevent a possible arc from coming up underneath the flap of the balaclava.

How do I clean and disinfect my Oberon face shield?

To clean and disinfect an Oberon face shield it is best to use a damp, soft cloth and gently wipe away any dirt or grit. Once this is done gently flush them off with room temperature tap water.

To disinfect a FaceFit™ shield clean first and then dampen a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe. This process may leave streaks as the surface dries. Once dry, use a soft clean cloth and lightly wipe off any streaks or film left on the shield from impurities in the wipes.

As an alternative method a 2% solution of Clorox bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite or NaOCL) and cool water can be used. Apply the solution by gently spraying the face shield and then allowing it to evaporate. Once dry the shield can be rinsed off with cool tap water.

How do I clean and disinfect safety googles and spectacles?

To clean and disinfect Oberon safety goggles and spectacles it is best to use a damp, soft cloth and gently wipe away any dirt or grit. Once this is done gently flush them off with room temperature tap water.

Once the safety goggles or spectacles are cleaned it is also important to disinfect them. Take a soft cloth that has been dampened with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe and gently clean the inside and out of the goggles. It is also important to wipe the elastic strap on the goggles. This process may leave streaks on the surface of the goggles or spectacles as they dry. Once dry, use a soft clean cloth and lightly wipe off any streaks or film left on the shield from impurities in the wipes.

How do I clean the inside of my arc flash hood?

The first step to cleaning and disinfecting an Oberon TCG™ hood is to disassemble your hood. Once done, if the shield has dirt or grit, flush it off with room temperature tap water.

The next step to disinfecting a TCG™ hood window is to take a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol or use a Lysol® wipe and gently clean both sides of the shield. This process may leave streaks as the surface dries. Once dry, use a soft clean cloth and lightly wipe off any streaks or film left on the shield from impurities in the wipes.

As an alternative method a 2% solution of Clorox® Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite or NaOCL) and cool water can be used. Apply the solution by gently spraying the face shield and then allowing it to evaporate. Once dry, the shield can be rinsed off with cool tap water.

To clean and disinfect the fabric portion of a hood first remove the shield and launder the hood per the washing instructions on the hood label. The steps above will help to remove most of the dirt, germs, and possible viruses that could be on the hood after use.

Does the Oberon TCG™ Series shield block Infrared light? I am worried my eyes might be damaged if I am hit with and arc flash.

When you are involved in an arc flash two things occur simultaneously and help prevent damage to your eyes.

You blink. This happens very quickly. A good example of this at work would be when you accidentally look at the sun. Your first reaction is to immediately close your eyes. The blinding flash of an arc lasts as long as the arc flash is present. This would be about one third of a second for a 12 calorie arc flash and up to 2 seconds for a 100 calories/cm2 arc flash. The human eye response is about 1/10th of a second to blink. Therefore in about 1/10th of a second in all arc flashes the eye blinks to reduce the visible light reaching the eye. While we do not want to overexpose the eye to this visible light there is a natural response and self-limiting mechanism.
A second protective mechanism occurs in our TCG™ Shields when they are hit with an arc. There are additives in the shields that will carbonize in about 1/10th of a second. This carbonization will reduce all of the electromagnetic spectrum and most of the arc flash visible light. Essentially the front surface looks a lot like asphalt moss once it is hit with an arc flash. Please see the attached picture for reference. The combination of these two things prevents any significant damage to the eyes from occurring.

What are the limitations of an arc flash rated suit?

A common misperception is that a person wearing an arc rated suit is “bullet proof” from the hazards associated with electricity. There are 3 main potential hazards when working with electricity: Electric Shock, Arc Flash and Arc Blast. An arc flash suit can protect you from an arc flash provided that the incident energy level that the suit is exposed to is equal to or less than what the suit is rated for. All arc tested suits will come labeled with an estimated APTV level measured in calories/cm2. Oberon recommends having a risk assessment done before working on any electrical equipment to help identify the possible risks associated with the work task to be performed. Once this analysis is done the appropriate APTV level needed can be determined and the proper PPE selected.

This leaves two other potential electrical hazards that could potentially harm you. The arc blast is high pressure sound wave that is caused by a sudden arc fault. It can cause molten metal droplets to be propelled at high speeds as well as sudden expansion of air pressure that can blast out. An arc flash suit offers some protection from these types hazards, but only in a limited capacity. For instance, if a blast pressure wave were to be strong enough to propel a worker across a room an arc flash suit would not be able to protect the worker from the force of the wave.

The last type of electrical hazard that a worker can be exposed to is electrical shock. Shocks are caused when contact is made by a worker with an electrical energy source. Arc flash suits are not tested or designed to protect workers from this type of hazard. Typically workers will wear rubber electrical gloves with leather protectors when there is a risk of electrical shock while performing their work task.

What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit?

At Oberon, we emphasize that arc flash suits do not have a fixed expiration date. Instead, their service life depends on frequency of use, care, and workplace conditions. To ensure continued safety, we recommend:

Pre- and Post-Use Inspections: Workers must check their suits before and after each use for damage, contamination, or signs of wear. Any suit showing compromised protection should be removed from service immediately.
Formal Evaluations: Every 5 years at minimum, each suit should undergo a structured review to confirm it remains fit for service. This review is not a lifespan limit, but a best-practice interval for ensuring safety and considering technology upgrades.

Important: The actual service life of a suit may be shorter than 5 years if it is heavily used, laundered improperly, or exposed to harsh workplace conditions.

Key Considerations for Suit Longevity

Frequency of UseDaily use accelerates wear and may require earlier replacement.Light or occasional use can extend service life.
Laundering CareFollow the laundering instructions in the User Guide (page 13).Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or improper drying. Over-washing shortens garment life.
Workplace ExposuresContact with chemicals, acids, or flammable contaminants may degrade protective properties.Suits exposed to such hazards should be closely inspected and may need early replacement.
Storage EnvironmentStore suits out of direct sunlight in a clean, dry environment (User Guide, page 12).
Fabric ConditionOberon suits are made with aramid fibers, which may pill from abrasion.Replace any suit with more than 50% surface area pilled.
Component ReplacementPlastic components (hood lenses, adapters, etc.): replace within 5 years.Hard hat suspensions: replace annually.

Benefits of the 5-Year Review

Regular evaluations ensure workers benefit from the latest safety advancements, such as:

The Oberon Escape Strap for worker rescue.
Extended Leg Zippers for faster donning and doffing.

Summary

Arc flash suits are designed for long service life with proper care. Daily inspections keep workers safe on the job, while a formal 5-year review ensures long-term reliability and compliance. Lifespan may be significantly reduced by heavy use, harsh laundering, or damaging exposures. For detailed guidance, see the User Guide (pages 8–13).

What fabric is the best for arc flash clothing?

There are three different types of arc-rated flame resistant (FR) fabrics available on the market; Treated non-inherently FR fabrics, Inherently FR fabrics and Treated Inherently FR fabrics. Treated non-inherently FR fabrics, either 100% cotton, or cotton blends, have no flame resistant properties and require a chemical treatment application to become flame resistant (FRT). Inherent fabrics are engineered to be flame resistant (IFR), and there is no chemical that needs to be added to them for their protective capabilities. Treated Inherently FR fabrics are when traditional Inherently FR fabrics are treated using a similar process to non-inherently FR fabrics, resulting in a lightweight inherently FR fabric that provides more protection. Regardless of the type of FR fabric, the material must still be arc-rated with either an Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or an Energy Break-open Threshold (EBT).

How do the arc-rated clothes actually protect me?

Arc Flash PPE is tested to determine its protective ability, this is called an arc rating. This testing is done on the fabric or a finished product using various different testing methods according to applicable Standards. Arc-rated clothing provides insulation that protects a worker from the thermal incident energy caused by an arc flash incident.

There are various different types of arc ratings. In North America, the most popular product options have an ATPV or EBT rating. An arc rating is reported as either ATPV or EBT, whichever is the lower value. The ELIM is a new way to evaluate the arc thermal resistance properties to select PPE with a lower risk of a worker skin burn injury. All of these values are provided in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2).

ATPV: Arc Thermal Performance Value, the incident energy level at which there is a 50% probability of sufficient heat transfer to cause the onset of a second-degree skin burn injury.

EBT: Break-open Threshold Energy, the incident energy level at which there is a 50% probability of the formation of holes or tears in the layer closest to the skin.

ELIM: Incident Energy Limit, the highest incident energy data point without breakopen and without reaching the onset of a second-degree skin burn injury

The most common type of arc rating is the Arc Thermal Performance Value, or ATPV. Selecting PPE with an arc rating that matches or exceeds the highest level of potential thermal incident energy exposure from an arc flash incident, is critical in protecting your electrical workers. It is critical to know the incident energy potential of the equipment in your electrical environment to effectively choose the correct Arc-Rated PPE with the appropriate arc-rating.

How do I pre-use inspect my arc flash faceshield?

The NFPA 70E Standard requires that all arc flash PPE is pre-use inspected. Refer to Oberon’s resource section of the website for literature resources including User Guides and Storage, Use, Care & Maintenance files. While inspecting your arc flash faceshield if you identify a problem do not use the product until the issue has been repaired, cleaned or replaced. When pre-use inspecting your Oberon arc flash suit you should inspect each item one at a time.

The following steps apply when pre-use inspecting your Oberon arc flash faceshield;

Check the faceshield visibility, inspect for excessive scratching. If visibility is impaired or the shield is cracked or damaged remove from use (replace with appropriate lens).
Manually adjust the shield mounting mechanism (adapters) to ensure wing nuts are firmly in place, do not over tighten or the shield won’t be able to operate correctly.
Inspect adapters for cracks or damage, ensure fingers are locked into hard hat slots.
Check hard hat slots and inspect for cracks that could allow the adapter to slip out.
Ensure the nuts and bolts fastening a lower chin guard (double crown) are tight before use.

How do I pre-use inspect my arc flash suit?

The NFPA 70E Standard requires that all arc flash PPE is pre-use inspected. Refer to Oberon’s resource section of the website for literature resources including User Guides and Storage, Use, Care & Maintenance files. While inspecting your arc flash suit if you identify a problem do not use the product until the issue has been repaired, cleaned or replaced. When pre-use inspecting your Oberon arc flash suit you should inspect each item one at a time.

Will the LED headlamp on my faceshield or hood explode?

Oberon promotes the use of LED headlamps on all arc flash faceshields and suit hoods to enhance the workers ability to properly see the work task. Oberon has performed limited testing of the products we support. The arc flash exposures were relevant to the protection provided by the arc flash PPE. During testing none of the LED lamps exploded and we observed no signs of concern regarding melting, dripping or continued ignition/after flame.

How do I activate my Oberon anti-fog coating?

Oberon arc flash faceshields and suit hood shield windows are available with anti-fog coatings. Before each and every use the anti-fog coating must be activated. Workers must use humidity to activate the anti-fog properties by pulling the inside of the faceshield or hood lens towards them and breathe on the surface. It’s important for your shield lens to be at room temperature for best results.

When using an Oberon arc flash suit hood, consider using a hood ventilation system that circulates air to your breathing zone. Oberon’s system delivers the external air directly down the inside of the hood shield window to reduce fogging in extreme conditions.

Can we use the new True Color Grey (TCG) shield in our old Oberon arc flash suit hoods?

No, older Oberon hoods that have a green/yellow shield window lens cannot be exchanged for the new clear TCG shield window. When Oberon designed the hoods for the new TCG shield lens, changes were made to the fabric construction and installation method. The new TCG shield lenses have metal snaps that make assembly and disassembly easier for the worker. All older Oberon hoods must be replaced with complete TCG hoods when upgrading to the new technology.

The ASTM F2178 Standard requires the hood to be tested as you would use it. This final product testing requirement is critical for the product to perform as needed during an arc flash exposure.

Can we use a different brand hard hat with an Oberon faceshield or suit hood?

Yes, Oberon has different adapters available that can fit other manufacturer’s hard hats. However the selection is limited and you must consult with an Oberon Representative for assistance. The originally supplied Oberon hard hat shall never be switched for another manufacturer’s hard hat without first changing the adapters. Failure to comply will result in broken adapters and increased risk to the worker. Oberon has conducted all of its arc flash testing using Oberon manufactured hard hats. For the best results you should always use an Oberon hard hat.

Will the Hood Ventilation System pull in toxic smoke after an arc flash incident?

This is highly unlikely. Workers need the fresh air provided by an Oberon hood ventilation system to properly function during a work task execution. The risk of heat stress causing disorientation and dizziness is far more severe than the likelihood of the fan unit pulling in toxic fumes from an arc flash. Oberon has tested its hood ventilation system and made no observations of the fan causing any increased harm to the worker. When the fan unit is directly exposed to an arc flash incident the motor was rendered inoperable.

What is the difference between green versus grey arc flash faceshield or hood lenses?

Both Oberon green/yellow and new clear True Color Grey (TCG) lenses provide protection from an arc flash incident. A clear grey lens is safer than the old green technology because the likelihood of a worker making a mistake that could cause an arc flash has been reduced.

Oberon’s True Colour Grey is a medium density filter that allows all visible light to pass through it with no distortion. Oberon TCG is a nearly clear lens that provides the same protection as old style green with the difference being workers can finally see the true colours of their work.

Can I use Febreze on my PPE?

The stock answer is “the garments should be free of flammable contaminants”…whether that be oily/flammable dirt or additives from the cleaning process such as fabric softeners. The MSDS for Febreze states that Febreze does contain Ethanol which is flammable (also documented in the MSDS). If you require a blanket statement that it is OK to use Febreze regardless of how or how much is used, then the answer is NO because the MSDS states clearly that there is a flammable component in the solution.

Can I use anti-fog wipes on Oberon products?

It is not recommended to use wipes on most of our arc flash face shields and arc flash hood windows as they already have a permanent anti-fog coating on the inner surface. Using wipes will likely damage the coating causing it to stop working. If the coating has been damaged already and does not function, we would then suggest that you experiment with the wipes in a bottom corner of the face shield to insure that it does not have any adverse results. The use of anti-fog wipes (that we are aware of which are primarily alcohol in nature with a small amount of anti-fog surfactant) will not cause the face shield to weaken or crack. The only adverse reaction would be to damage the coating or surface causing it to haze, making visibility difficult. There are Oberon arc flash face shields and safety face shields that do not have the permanent anti-fog coating on the inner surface. The use of anti-fog wipes with a small amount of caution (experimenting as above) should be okay to use with these.

How do I disinfect my Oberon hood?

The interior of the Arc Flash Hood can get soiled from perspiration and/or heavy usage. When more than one worker uses the hood, bacteria and other germs can get transmitted from one worker to another. In these situations, it is highly recommended that the hood be washed periodically according to the washing instructions on the hood’s label. However, between washings, the interior of the hood can be disinfected using anti-bacterial disinfectant spray. Spray the interior of the hood, and then wipe the shield window with a soft cloth. Warning: Do not soak the hood fabric with the spray. After spraying the hood, allow it to dry before using.

Can Arc Flash PPE be shared between workers?

No, due to personal hygiene and the risk of spreading infectious disease. Please see our white paper in the resource section of our website for more details. In summary, hard non-porous surfaces can be effectively disinfected, such as the arc flash hood visor, hard hat and other plastic components. However, we do not believe that fabrics can be safely shared between workers due to the ineffectiveness of disinfectant sprays or wipes on a porous surface. In the new Coronavirus world, we feel the most effective way to keep workers safe and healthy is for all arc flash PPE to be individually assigned.

How safe is it to wear hard-wired telecommunication headsets under the arc flash hood?

This question is best answered by addressing several points;

Wireless communication is the safest alternative. Wherever possible, one should opt to using wireless headset under their arc flash hood. The communications device would be completely covered by the hood and would not interfere with the performance of the hood. However, working conditions may make it difficult to use wireless communications. Strong electromagnetic field could interfere with communication sine waves; as communications sine waves could hinder the operation of control devices.
The telecommunication wire attached to the headset could increase the risk of fire hazard. Within the approach boundary, there could be sufficient heat energy to ignite the rubber insulating the wire. If this happens near the worker, the fire could burn up the wire into the hood.
Appropriate hood will protect the headset. It is not clear at the writing of this text whether or not there exist any FR communication headset. Using an FR communication headset would reduce the chance of the headset contributing to a burn injury. However, in the event of an arc flash, if the hood arc rating exceeds the hazardous energy, the part of the headset that is under the hood should not receive enough thermal incident energy to ignite. The energy level under the hood should not exceed 1.2 cal/cm2. This assumes the arc flash risk assessment was done accurately.
The headset should not interfere with the proper fit and lay of the hood and clothing The wire attached to the headset should be long enough to avoid it being stretched. If the wire stretches, it may cause the hood to be pulled open, creating a gap that will compromise the performance of the hood.

When should I use arc rated earplugs?

The NFPA 70E Standard requires workers wear hearing protection any time an arc flash incident is likely to occur. This requirement is the same for either arc flash PPE selection method; incident energy analysis or arc flash PPE categories. The Standard states hearing protection required and points to ear canal inserts. Other types of hearing protection are permitted to be used in lieu of or in addition to ear canal inserts provided they are worn under an arc-rated arc flash suit hood.

Oberon conducted Acoustical testing on its products in February of 2004. The results indicate that an arc-rated hood can significantly attenuate the sound hazard, but since the sound level for an arc flash event is so high, the worker using an arc-rated hood still needs to use hearing protection. The arc-rated hood, tested under ASTM 2178, would not allow enough energy to be transmitted through the hood to ignite or melt ear canal inserts or earmuff type hearing protective devices.

Can I wear my hard hat in the reverse position?

Reverse wearing option helmets are intended to pass all testing requirement whether they are worn facing frontward or backwards in accordance with the manufacturer’s wearing instructions. Oberon asks that you reverse the suspension when wearing our hard hats in reverse.

What is the service life of a hard cap?

Though the hard hat can be used for an indefinite amount of time, we suggest a service life of 5 years. Sunlight (UV), chemicals, bumps and temperature extremes can all cut the service life short. OSHA asks that the wearer of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) inspect their equipment regularly. Please check your hard hat for any discoloration, any striated marks that would signify stress, cuts, nicks or fading that should mean replacement of the hard hat. If the hard hat has been subjected to a fall or has been hit, the hard hat should be taken out of service and replaced. Hard Hats should not be stored in direct light (UV damage) for instance in the back window of your car. If the hard hat or suspension has been altered in any way, the hat should be removed from service immediately. No paint, markers or labels shall be affixed to the hard hat as the chemicals could damage the hard hat.

What is the service life of a hard cap’s suspension?

Hard cap suspensions should be wiped down at least weekly. They should be inspected for cuts, tears, discoloration. We suggest a replacement policy of 12 months for the hard hat suspension.

Is there a code that signifies the date of manufacture in the hard hat?

Yes, there is code inside the cap and the suspension noting the date of manufacture and the material type.

Can I wear safety stickers on my hard cap?

Safety Stickers should be kept to a minimum; so as not to block any cracks, discoloration, fading or other damage from view. Inspect the cap both inside and out for damage.

Can I wear a ball cap under my hard cap?

No, a ball cap has too much structure and could compromise the performance of our hard cap. However you can wear arc-rated winter liners, cooling bandanas or a sweatshirt hood under the hard hat.

How do I adjust my hard cap?

Adjust the size from the back of the hat either with the pinlock or the ratchet to what feels comfortable, but secure. Then, looking at the suspension, adjust the height suspension near each lug to position the angle you would like to wear the hard hat.

How I clean my hard cap?

When cleaning your hard cap, please remove the suspension from the hat, wipe down with Warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to dry the hard hat. DO NOT use solvents or harsh chemicals to clean the hats.

What standards does Oberon’s hard cap meet?

Our Hard Hats meet either the ANSI Z89.1 or CSA Z94.1 Standard (Canadian Caps only) along with meeting the Edison Electrical Institute:

Class E Tested to 20,000 volts
Class G Tested to 2,200 volts
Class C No electrical protection

What temperature range is Oberon’s hard cap tested at?

Oberon’s hard caps are tested to the ANSI Z89.1—2009 which tests head protection from 0 degrees F to 120 degrees F.

How can I encourage my employees to practice lockout / tagout?

Oberon has stations and carrying boxes to make sure everyone has the proper equipment with them when needed.

Can lockouts be forcibly removed?

They are only a visible deterrent. They should only be removed with approval and a great deal of caution.

Are there specifications for Lockout devices and Tag out Devices?

Tagout devices– shall be constructed and printed so that exposure to weather conditions or wet and damp locations will not cause the tag to deteriorate or the message on the tag to become illegible.
Tags– shall not deteriorate when used in corrosive environments such as areas where acid and alkali chemicals are handled and stored.
Standardized– Lockout and tagout devices shall be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: Color; shape; or size; and additionally, in the case of tagout devices, print and format shall be standardized.

Substantial–Lockout devices. Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with the use of bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.

Tagout devices– Tagout devices, including their means of attachment, shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal. Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds and having the general design and basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.

Identifiable– Lockout devices and tagout devices shall indicate the identity of the employee applying the device(s).

What does a Hazardous Energy Control Program consist of?

The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, start-up or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative.

What version of NFPA 70E is OSHA using as the standard for citation determination?

NFPA 70E has not been adopted by OSHA as a regulation. NFPA 70E is generally referenced, in the event of an incident, under the General Duty Clause since it is an industry recognized best practice standard.

Once we have determined the conductor or circuit part is de-energized, can we take off certain layers of the protective gear?

Good question . . . Yes . . usually. I will defer to the definition of an Arc Flash Hazard . . . “A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electric Arc. FPN No. 1: An arc flash hazard may exist when energized electrical conductors or circuit parts are exposed or when they are within equipment in a guarded or enclosed condition, provided a person is interacting with the equipment in such a manner that could cause an electric arc . . .” NFPA 70E would expect the user, within the hazard approach boundary, to be wearing an level of protection appropriate to the hazard when de-energizing a system and voltage testing. If the electrical system has been de-energized and has been voltage tested to verify that it has been de-energized . . upstream and downstream . . . then it could be possible to remove the electrical gloves and Arc Flash clothing, if there is no other adjacent electrical hazard, in close proximity to the de-energized system, that would retain its hazard approach boundary. It is important to comply with any work practices established by the employer, that might establish that PPE should be utilized to a greater extent than the minimum established by NFPA 70E.

When can I expect my refund?

In case your return request is within the eligibility criteria and the returned item has been received and accepted by Oberon, a refund will be issued accordingly.

How do I make a return or exchange?

To return any merchandise to Oberon, please contact Oberon Customer Service at 508-999-4442 or service@oberoncompany.com for a  Returned Goods Authorization Request Form. Customer must complete the form and return via email to returns@oberoncompany.com.

What is your return and exchange policy?

For returns, notify Oberon Company within 14 days following delivery of any discrepancy in the order or of any damaged item to be eligible for exchange or merchandise credit. For details see End User Terms under Exchanges & Returns.

Can I change my shipping address?

If you need to change your shipping address before your order ships, please contact Oberon Customer Service at 508-999-4442 or service@oberoncompany.com

Can I cancel or edit my order?

If you need to cancel or edit your order and it has not shipped, please contact Oberon Customer Service at 508-999-4442 or service@oberoncompany.com

What happens if my package is lost or stolen?

Please contact the shipping company that delivered the package to you.

Why has my order been returned to sender?

If your order has been returned to sender, then there was a problem with your address. Contact Oberon Customer Service at 508-999-4442

My tracking shows delivered but I never received it, what can I do?

If your order shows delivered but you never received it, please contact the shipping company tied to the tracking number for the package.

What does “processing” mean?

When your order says “Processing” it is in the process of being picked and shipped. Once the order is loaded onto the truck the status changes to “Complete”. Then, an invoice will be sent to the email address on the order.

Where do you ship?

We offer free shipping to all contiguous United States locations, that includes the 48 adjoining states. Orders shipped to Alaska, Hawaii or Canada will be charged freight.

What shipping methods do you offer?

We offer free ground shipping via UPS for all of our orders.

Free Ground Shipping, Every Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Arc Flash Standards

Body Protection

Eye & Face Protection

Does the Oberon TCG™ Series shield block Infrared light?

Hand Protection

Head Protection

Lockout & Tagout

Shipping & Returns

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