For workers who work in the industries where an arc flash or flash fire risk is present, they shall wear flame-resistant garments. NFPA 2112 and CAT 2 are the standards that protect workers from flash fire exposure. But how to know what you wear is able to supply minimum safety and flame-resistant? You must understand the right protective equipment and standards.
NFPA 2112
The NFPA 2112 is a standard for PPE, and the NFPA stands for the National Fire Protection Association. This standard place for protecting workers from flash fire exposures included the design, construction, evaluation, and safety of FR garments. This standard purpose is to provide basic protection and reduce burn injury to the wearer when thermal exposures or accidental exposure to flash fires.
There are main four testings:
- Flame resistance(vertical)
- Thermal shrinkage resistance
- Heat resistance
- Manikin testing
CAT 2
The NFPA 70E/ASTM F1506 is standard for electrical safety in the workplace, and it’s developed for companies that operate in the electrical utility industry for protection to workers.
The standard establishes CAT categories and defines the arc rating needed by clothing.
CAT 1 4.0 cal/cm²
CAT 2 8.0 cal/cm²
CAT 3 25 cal/cm²
CAT 4 40 cal/cm²
In summary, ensuring the safety of workers in industries with arc flash or flash fire risks is paramount. Wearing flame-resistant garments is crucial, and understanding standards like NFPA 2112 and CAT 2 is key to meeting safety requirements. These standards, established by the National Fire Protection Association, provide guidelines for garment design and electrical safety, helping reduce the risk of injuries in hazardous workplaces.It’s worth noting that products like NOMEX® IIIA SEWING THREAD have also received NFPA 2112 certification, further enhancing safety measures.
Read more:
Flame Resistant vs Flame Retardant: Differences Need To Know
NFPA 2112 Clothing: Providing Protection to the Wearer