Abstract

Globally, it is a requirement that all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) matches the hazard. When an employer’s risk assessment determines that an arc flash hazard is present, Arc Rated PPE is required for its employees. While all arc rated clothing is flame resistant (FR), not all FR clothing has an arc rating. Understanding arc ratings and arc rated clothing can be complicated but it is critical to safely perform many tasks in a variety of workplaces.

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Thank you to everyone who attended this webinar on the science behind arc ratings and arc rated clothing.

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Webinar Details

You will gain valuable knowledge about how the arc rating of PPE is determined, how to interpret the relevant standards, and what to look for to properly select and inspect arc rated PPE.

Topics to Cover

  • What is an Arc Flash?
  • What is an Arc Rating and how is it determined?
  • What is Arc Rated Clothing?
  • Standards pertinent to Arc Rated Clothing.
  • PPE Labeling – What to look for in your garment.

Who Should Attend?

  • Safety Professionals
  • Electricians
  • Electrical Line Workers
  • Maintenance Workers
  • Anyone who wears Arc Rated clothing.

Presenters

ABL1 Organization Brian Shiels 002

Brian Shiels

Service Line Manager, ArcWear
ABL1 Organization Brian Shiels 002

Brian Shiels

Service Line Manager, ArcWear

Brian Shiels is the Service Line Manager for the ArcWear division of Kinectrics and is a leading expert in the testing and development of arc rated clothing. His professional experience also includes the development and testing of various other flame and thermal protective clothing and equipment, as well as quality management. He holds several patents for FR fabrics and PPE. Brian is a long-standing member of a variety of Standards Development Organizations, including ASTM, NFPA, AATCC, and ISO. He is a principal member of NFPA Technical Committees responsible for NFPA 2112 and NFPA 1971.

Brian currently serves as Vice-Chair of ASTM Committees F23, and is a member of Committees F18, D13, E54, F13, and F48, as well as a Director on the ASTM International Board of Directors. He has previously served on the AATCC Executive Committee on Research. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University, with a special focus on protective clothing.