FAQs Archive

How is arc flash PPE rated?

Understanding Rating of Arc-Rated PPE Any worker at risk of exposure to an arc flash hazard shall wear specially designed and appropriately rated personal protective equipment (PPE). There are hundreds, if not thousands of commercially available arc-rated product options to choose from in multiple designs, shapes and sizes. The selection process can be overwhelming without first understanding how arc-rated PPE is rated. The arc rating on all arc flash PPE in North America is established based on ASTM standardized laboratory test methods....

Posted By Zac TwightComments: Comments OffPost Date: January 13, 2021

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

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...

Posted By OberonComments: Comments OffPost Date: June 1, 2020

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

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...

Posted By Zac TwightComments: Comments OffPost Date: May 4, 2020

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

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.

Posted By Zac TwightComments: Comments OffPost Date: May 4, 2020

How do I clean and disinfect my Oberon face shield?

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...

Posted By OberonComments: Comments OffPost Date: March 30, 2020

How do I clean and disinfect safety googles and spectacles?

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...

Posted By OberonComments: Comments OffPost Date: March 26, 2020

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

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...

Posted By OberonComments: Comments OffPost Date: March 16, 2020

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

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...

Posted By Zac TwightComments: Comments OffPost Date: December 18, 2018

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?

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...

Posted By Zac TwightComments: Comments OffPost Date: December 18, 2018

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 TwightComments: Comments OffPost Date: November 12, 2018

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