ASTM F1506-10A
Specific standard relating to the performance of flame and arc resistant textile materials present in clothing intended for workers in the electrical sector who may be exposed to momentary electric arcs and similar thermal hazards.
This standard defines the performance criteria for clothing worn by electric utility workers and other employees working near live parts. In addition to non-thermal requirements, this standard requires the fabric to be "FR" (Flame Resistant). Flame resistance is measured using the vertical flammability test of ASTM D6413 (maximum flame persistence time of 2 seconds and char length of 15 cm). Arc flash resistance is determined from the arc flash thermal resistance value (ATPV) or the burst penetration energy (EBT) as established in the ASTM F1959-06ae1 arc flash thermal performance test.
CLASS 1 LEVEL FR
CSA Z96-15 High-Visibility Safety Clothing
This standard establishes requirements for clothing designed to visually signal the wearer's presence, ensuring their detection and visibility in hazardous situations, under all lighting conditions, both during the day and at night in headlight beams. Performance requirements must be met regarding color, retroreflectivity, minimum coverage areas, and material configuration.
Class 1: This is the lowest class requiring the fewest reflective strips.
- The bands must include a basic harness or stripes/bands on the shoulders or around the waist.
- Minimum of 0.14 m² of base material (bright or fluorescent color approved).
- Minimum of 0.10 m² of retroreflective material (strips).
Other general requirements include the following:
- The minimum width of retroreflective strips is 50 mm.
- When multiple strips are placed on the garment, the minimum space between the strips must correspond to the width of the strip.
- Stripes near the edge of a sleeve or on the leg of trousers must not be placed less than 50 mm from the edge.
- The stripes must be arranged to ensure 360° visibility from all angles.
- A symmetrical "X" must be visible on the back of the garment, from the shoulder to the waist.
- High-visibility clothing bearing the marking "FR" must meet the requirements of one of the following flame resistance standards: ASTM F1506, ASTM F1891, NFPA 2112 or CAN/CGSB 155.20.
The level is assigned according to the minimum retroreflectivity coefficient of the strips, as defined in the standard. A garment bearing the marking "FR" will have an "FR level".
ASTM F2302-08
Specific standard for flame and heat resistance performance used for labeling protective clothing.
CSA Z96-09 Class 1 Level 2
Basic harness or safety band on the shoulders and around the waist. Suitable for environments where workers are separated from traffic.
CSA Z96-09 Class 2 Level 2
Offers full coverage from the waist down to the neck and features retroreflective stripes applied to a fluorescent base material. Suitable for more complex and low-light work environments requiring greater visibility.
CSA Z96-09 Class 3 Level 2
Class 3 safety clothing provides greater visibility to the worker and is recommended for very low light conditions and/or dark environments. Class 3 clothing meets the same requirements as Class 2 clothing and also has retroreflective stripes around the arms and legs. High-visibility work overalls meet this standard, and safety coats and trousers can be combined to meet this standard.
NFPA 70E
This standard provides guidance on the selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers exposed to hazards associated with energized electrical equipment.
CSA Z462-15
This standard provides guidance on the selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers exposed to hazards associated with energized electrical equipment. Since this Canadian standard is based on the American standard NFPA 70E, it contains many similar provisions and tables.
HRC 2
The CSA Z462 standard establishes categories of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is classified into categories according to its level of protection against electric arcs.
Clothing designated as arc flash resistant (minimum of 8 cal/cm2):
- Long-sleeved shirt and anti-arc trousers or anti-arc overalls.
- Anti-arc suit hood; or anti-arc face shield and anti-arc balaclava.
- Jacket, parka, waterproof clothing or protective arc helmet liner (if needed).
Protective equipment:
- Protective helmet
- Safety glasses (Required)
- Noise-canceling earplugs (to be inserted into the ear canal)
- Durable leather gloves
- Leather boots or shoes
HRC 4
The CSA Z462 standard establishes categories of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is classified into categories according to its level of protection against electric arcs.
Clothing designated as arc flash resistant (minimum of 40 cal/cm2):
- Anti-arc long-sleeved shirt (as required)
- Anti-arc pants (as required)
- Anti-arc overalls (as required)
- Arc-resistant coverall jacket (as required)
- Anti-arc jumpsuit pants (as required)
- Anti-arc wetsuit hood
- Arc-resistant gloves
- Jacket, parka, waterproof clothing or protective arc helmet liner (if needed)
Protective equipment:
- Protective helmet
- Safety glasses (Required)
- Noise-canceling earplugs (to be inserted into the ear canal)
- Leather boots or shoes
NFPA 2112-2012
Standard for flame-resistant clothing for the protection of industrial workers against flash fires. This standard specifies the minimum performance requirements and test methods for flame-resistant (FR) fabrics, as well as the components and certification and design requirements for clothing intended to protect workers against flash fire hazards. Under this standard, flame-resistant fabrics must successfully pass a comprehensive series of thermal tests, including the following:
- ASTM D6413 – Vertical flammability test: the fabric must exhibit a maximum flame persistence time of 2 seconds and a charred length of 10 cm.
- ASTM F2700 – Heat transfer measurement: the fabric must show results of at least 6 cal/cm2 in the presence of a spacer device and 3 cal/cm2 when in direct contact with the heat source.
- Thermal stability test: the fabric must not melt or run, separate or catch fire after spending five minutes in an oven at 500°F (260°C).
- Thermal shrinkage test: the fabric should not shrink more than 10% after spending five minutes in an oven at 500°F (260°C).
- ASTM F1930-11 – Thermal test on a heat-sensitive mannequin: the fabric shall not exhibit more than 50% of foreseeable bodily injury after thermal exposure lasting three seconds.
CSA white rectangle
The white rectangle with the Greek letter omega - Ω - indicates that the shoe has an electric shock-resistant sole. These certified shoes have a sole and heel that, at the time of manufacture, have insulating properties that allow them to withstand a voltage of 18,000 volts and a leakage current not exceeding 1 mA for 60 seconds.
CSA Yellow Rectangle
The yellow rectangle with the letters AS or SD and the grounding symbol (in green) indicates that the shoe has an antistatic sole. The outsole contains an antistatic compound to dissipate electrostatic charges in a controlled manner. The test criteria are 106 to 108 ohms. Note that AS or SD shoes without a protective toe cap do not have a CSA-certified protective sole.
CSA Blue Rectangle
The blue rectangle indicates that this is a Class 1 toe cap shoe without a puncture-resistant sole. A Class 1 toe cap can withstand impacts of up to 125 joules.
CSA Green Triangle
The green triangle indicates that the shoe has a puncture-resistant sole and a Class 1 toe cap that can withstand impacts of up to 125 joules. The toe cap is designed to withstand a force of at least 1200 newtons (122 kg / 270 lb).
Metatarsal protector
The metatarsal protection symbol indicates protection of the metatarsal of the foot when working around heavy objects. Toe protection is required for any shoe with a metatarsal protector.
Chainsaw Guard
For forestry workers or others who work with or carry chainsaws or other portable cutting tools.
Super antistatic
The yellow rectangle indicates that the shoe has a puncture-resistant sole and a Class 2 toe cap. (Super antistatic footwear). When tested in accordance with ASTMF2412, each test specimen shall be within a range of 106 Ohms to 3.5 x 107 Ohms.
