Arc Flash Protection

ChemStat 919
ChemStat 487
ChemStat 16

Electrical arcs can occur in normal industrial environments when under proper conditions electrical power sources de-energize explosively through the air. Typically one (1) second or less in duration, electrical arcs can nonetheless generate very high levels of radiant heat energy and can cause severe electrical burns. Government agencies and technical associations have addressed the problem.

OSHA regulation 1910.269 requires that “employees shall wear clothing resistant to flash flame wherever there is possible exposure to an electric arc flash.” The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued NFPA 70E advising that apparel made of polyester, nylon, acetate, or rayon be prohibited from the workplace where a risk of arc flash exists. The American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) has issued specification ASTM 1506, “Standard Performance Specification for Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards.”

Cleanrooms present a unique situation for electrical arc protection because of the additional prohibition on self-linting materials. Few materials exist in filament form that satisfy both OSHA requirements for safety and cleanroom requirements for non-linting.

Composed of 100% filament Nomex® and meeting the requirements of ASTM F1506, ChemStat 919 and ChemStat 487 are not only inherently flame regardant and static dissipative, but also compatible with all cleanroom protocols. They exhibit ATPv ratings of 6.3 and 5.0 cal/cm2, respectively, for Arc Thermal Performance in accordance with ASTM F1959-99.

The rating of the fabric in itself is not an indicator of protection; ultimately the protective garment must be rated for total arc flash protection. Moreover, the use of flame resistant Nomex® clothing does not necessarily preclude the possibility of burn injury; the thickness of a fabric layer or the number of layers must increase with increased hazard levels.

ChemStat 919 and ChemStat 487 may be used as the outer layer of a protective garment. ChemStat 16 SG is a lightweight Nomex® fabric without static protection that can be used as part of multi-layer garment system to provide additional layering and protection.

ChemStat 919, ChemStat 487 and ChemStat 16 SG exhibit high resistance to beta and gamma radiation.