Head Protection Archives

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...

Posted By Zac TwightPost Date: November 12, 2018

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...

Posted By Zac TwightPost Date: June 8, 2018

What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit?

Oberon’s standard guideline is that the maximum service life is 5 years however, there are a lot of variables to consider when discussing life expectancy of Arc Flash PPE. Here are some key points to consider: Plastic components including hard hats, face shields, hood lenses, adapters, etc., are recommended to be replaced at 5 years. Garment life expectancy will depend on: Fabric/material used: inherently FR fabric could last longer than FR treated fabric, but...

Posted By Zac TwightPost Date: June 8, 2018

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...

Posted By Zac TwightPost Date: June 8, 2018

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...

Posted By Zac TwightPost Date: June 8, 2018

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...