Body Protection

What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit?

What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit?

This is a challenging topic to consider as many variables must be considered when determining when an arc flash suit needs to be replaced.  Things like the age of a suit, frequency of use, laundering care, and the environment your suit is stored in can all play roles in how long it will last.  Oberon recommends  a pre and post inspection after every use of your arc flash suit.  The diagram...


What fabric is the best for arc flash clothing?

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...


How do the arc-rated clothes actually protect me?

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...


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

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...


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

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...


Does Oberon offer a long coat type arc flash suit?

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...


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

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...


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

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...


Can Arc Flash PPE be shared between workers?

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...