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Flame Resistant FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions & Concerns
ANSI/ISEA 107 Compliant Flame Resistant (FR) GarmentsThe ANSI/ISEA 107 standard has provided requirements for labeling garments as Flame Resistant (“FR”). For the ANSI label to state “FR”, the material shall comply with the requirements of at least one of the methods listed in the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard. If the material used on the garment does not comply with any of the methods listed; the ANSI label must state “Not FR”.Standards referred to in ANSI/ISEA 107:ASTM F1506-18, Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for use by Electrical Workers exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards
ASTM F1891-12, Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
ASTM F2302-08, Standard Performance Specification for Labeling Protective Clothing as Heat and Flame Resistant
ASTM F 2733-09, Standard Specification for Flame Resistant Rainwear for Protection Against Flame Hazards
NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Firefighting
NFPA 2112, Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire
ASTM F1891-12, Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
ASTM F2302-08, Standard Performance Specification for Labeling Protective Clothing as Heat and Flame Resistant
ASTM F 2733-09, Standard Specification for Flame Resistant Rainwear for Protection Against Flame Hazards
NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Firefighting
NFPA 2112, Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire
Definitions
Flame Resistant vs. Flame or Fire Retardant
Resistant in this context is defined as a material that is inherently resistant to igniting/burning and does not melt or drip when exposed directly to extreme heat or fire.Textiles that meet this description include: Modacrylic, Nomex®, and Indura® FR materials.Retardant is defined as a material that has been chemically treated to self-extinguish when the ignition source is removed. Polyester is most commonly used material used in high visibility safety apparel. When exposed to fire or heat, polyester melts and drips as a molten polymer. Molten polyester could cause additional injury to a worker wearing a polyester chemically treated vest exposed to arc flash.The main consequence of these differences is that “Retardant” or “Self Extinguishing” vests are not compliant with any of the flame resistant standards referenced by the ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard and are therefore not permitted.
Characteristics of Flame-Resistant Clothing
- Maintains a barrier
- Insulates the wearer from heat
- Resists breaking open
- Reduces burn injury and increases chances of survival
Arc Flash
An arc flash is the light and heat produced from an electrical arc supplied with sufficient electrical energy to cause substantial damage, harm, fire or injury.
With increased awareness of the dangers of arc flash, FR materials are tested for their ability to resist arc flash. The arc rating is the maximum incident energy resistance demonstrated by a material prior to break open (a hole in the material) or necessary to pass through and cause with 50% probability a second degree burn. Among the best fabrics for protection against electrical arc flash are the Modacrylic-cotton blends.
An arc flash is the light and heat produced from an electrical arc supplied with sufficient electrical energy to cause substantial damage, harm, fire or injury.
With increased awareness of the dangers of arc flash, FR materials are tested for their ability to resist arc flash. The arc rating is the maximum incident energy resistance demonstrated by a material prior to break open (a hole in the material) or necessary to pass through and cause with 50% probability a second degree burn. Among the best fabrics for protection against electrical arc flash are the Modacrylic-cotton blends.
Arc Rating
Arc ratingsAs defined in ASTM 1506-18, Arc rating is the value attributed to materials that describes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc discharge. The arc rating is expressed in cal/cm2 and is derived from the determined value of Arc Thermal Performance Value (APTV) or Energy Breakopen Threshold (EBT). A garment’s arc rating can be found on the interior garment label.
Some manufacturers incorporate an exterior label that indicates its corresponding Arc Flash PPE Category (formerly Hazard Risk Category (HRC) value), making a garment’s protective levels obvious at all times.
Arc ratingsAs defined in ASTM 1506-18, Arc rating is the value attributed to materials that describes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc discharge. The arc rating is expressed in cal/cm2 and is derived from the determined value of Arc Thermal Performance Value (APTV) or Energy Breakopen Threshold (EBT). A garment’s arc rating can be found on the interior garment label.
Some manufacturers incorporate an exterior label that indicates its corresponding Arc Flash PPE Category (formerly Hazard Risk Category (HRC) value), making a garment’s protective levels obvious at all times.
NFPA70E®
NFPA 70E®, titled Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, is a standard of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®).
The document covers electrical safety requirements for industrial personnel (for example: electricians, maintenance workers, operators).
NFPA 70E® was developed by NFPA® at the request of OSHA to “help companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast, and assists in complying with [sections of the standards] OSHA 1910… and OSHA 1926″
As the NFPA® website states, the standard “encompasses safety-related work practices, safety-related maintenance requirements, and safety requirements for special equipment. The Standard includes guidance for making hazard identification and risk assessments, selecting appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), establishing an electrically safe work condition, and employee training.
This comprehensive standard is available from NFPA.org
NFPA 70E®, titled Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, is a standard of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®).
The document covers electrical safety requirements for industrial personnel (for example: electricians, maintenance workers, operators).
NFPA 70E® was developed by NFPA® at the request of OSHA to “help companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities due to shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast, and assists in complying with [sections of the standards] OSHA 1910… and OSHA 1926″
As the NFPA® website states, the standard “encompasses safety-related work practices, safety-related maintenance requirements, and safety requirements for special equipment. The Standard includes guidance for making hazard identification and risk assessments, selecting appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), establishing an electrically safe work condition, and employee training.
This comprehensive standard is available from NFPA.org
High-Viz under NFPA 70E®
NFPA 70E® covers many different subjects. Our focus here is the integration of NFPA 70E® into the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard as follows:
NFPA 70E® covers many different subjects. Our focus here is the integration of NFPA 70E® into the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard as follows:
General Requirements
Garments must:
Meet a minimum ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) rating in accordance with the PPE Category (CAT level) required for the job.
Retain a minimum ATPV rating after laundering, for the life of the garment.
Meet ASTM F1506
Zippers must be flame resistant when used.
Garments must:
Meet a minimum ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) rating in accordance with the PPE Category (CAT level) required for the job.
Retain a minimum ATPV rating after laundering, for the life of the garment.
Meet ASTM F1506
Zippers must be flame resistant when used.
Labeling Requirements
Labels must:
Must have a tracking ID number
Must show the garments ATPV rating
Must indicate it meets ASTM F1506-18
Shows Manufacturer, Size and Care instructions
Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV)
ATPV stands for Arc Thermal Performance Value, which is a value attributed to materials that describes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc discharge expressed in cal/cm2. The higher the ATPV Value, the more protection against electrical arc flash. The same applies to the PPE Category for FR clothing.
Labels must:
Must have a tracking ID number
Must show the garments ATPV rating
Must indicate it meets ASTM F1506-18
Shows Manufacturer, Size and Care instructions
Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV)
ATPV stands for Arc Thermal Performance Value, which is a value attributed to materials that describes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc discharge expressed in cal/cm2. The higher the ATPV Value, the more protection against electrical arc flash. The same applies to the PPE Category for FR clothing.
Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV)
ATPV stands for Arc Thermal Performance Value, which is a value attributed to materials that describes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc discharge expressed in cal/cm2. The higher the ATPV Value, the more protection against electrical arc flash. The same applies to the PPE Category for FR clothing.
ATPV stands for Arc Thermal Performance Value, which is a value attributed to materials that describes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc discharge expressed in cal/cm2. The higher the ATPV Value, the more protection against electrical arc flash. The same applies to the PPE Category for FR clothing.
FAQs
Who wears Flame Resistant (FR) clothing?
People who work in hazardous environments that may involve the following hazards: Electric Arc (electricians, electric utility lineman, etc.), Flash Fire (refinery, chemical and pharmaceutical workers, etc.) Combustible Dust Explosion (workers in the paper and pulp industry, food processing, paint, and many more industries).
Where do I find a garment's Arc Rating on an ANSI garment?
The Arc Rating (ATPV value) is found on garments label as required by the ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard and ASTM F1506-19a.
Can I have my company logo printed on a FR Vest or T-Shirt?
In most cases, Kishigo can screen print your company’s logo on our flame resistant apparel.
Contact us or your distributor for more details.
How do I care for flame resistant apparel?
Every garment that Kishigo sells includes a care label. Follow instructions carefully to maximize the life of your garment.
What FR Fabics does Kishigo use?
Kishigo partners with leading FR fabric brands like GlenGuard and Westex by Milliken among others.
What should I know about buying FR?
A risk assessment should always be performed by a trained professional prior to buying an FR garment. The appropriate Category (CAT) should always be selected and it is imperative that the garment matches the environment it is intended for. For example, ASTM F1506 certified garments are meant for protection from arc flashes, whereas NFPA 2112 certified apparel is ideal for situations involving the potential for flash fire.
All of our ANSI FR products are compliant to NFPA 70E and tested to ASTM F1506-19a. With the proper labeling, documentation and design, you can be confident that your Kishigo ANSI 107 high visibility garment meets both the FR and ANSI requirements they were intended for.
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