AR, FR, ATPV, OSHA, etc., this list of terms has been increasing. There are many terms to remember about FR security. Keeping words and acronyms is not always easy, but understanding FR vocabulary is important when building and implementing effective security procedures. Here, our FR experts write the most important terms in these terms in a convenient alphabetical vocabulary so you can easily remember and use them.
Arc flash
Arc flash is an electrical explosion that can reach or exceed 35,000 °F. The arc flash hazard affects all personnel working inside and around live electrical equipment. This may include general industrial electricians, maintenance workers and operators, as well as our electrical facilities, including transmission, distribution, generation and metering.Arc protection (AR) protective clothing
Arc protection suits prevent arc flash and arc hazards. AR clothing is in cal / cm2. The entire AR garment system must meet or exceed the required level of arc protection. Remember that all ARs are FRs, but not all FRs are AR.Breakopen
Breakopen is the formation of holes in the fabric during the arc rating test. This is the failure point of FR protective clothing.
E BT
The energy breakthrough threshold is an alternative to ATPV when the measure is not available due to breakopen.Flash fire
A fast-moving flame front that can be caused by a diffuse fuel (such as dust, gas, or a vapor of a flammable liquid) without damaging pressure. Flash fire is a major hazard in the oil and gas industry, including exploration, drilling, field service and refining.Hazard risk assessment
The first step in creating any PPE plan is a hazard assessment. Federal regulations require employers to evaluate the workplace to determine if there is or may be a risk of using personal protective equipment. These include impact, combustible dust, fire/heat and chemical hazards.HRC (hazard risk category)
The disaster risk category is defined by NFPA 70E and is based on risk distribution associated with electrical safety and arc flash. The HRC level determines the appropriate ATPV for a flame retardant garment for a given task.PPE category
The HRC was replaced in the 2015 version of NFPA 70E, and the "0" category was eliminated in NFPA 70E 2015. The minimum ATPV for PPE categories 1 through 4 is the same as HRC, and the new PPE table only specifies that the PPE operates within the arc flash boundary.CAT 2
HRC Class 2 garments have arc ratings between 8 cal / cm 2 and 25 cal / cm 2 and are often referred to as " everyday wear".
CAT 3
The arc rating of HRC Class 3 garments is between 25 cal / cm 2 and 40 cal / cm
CAT 4
The arc rating of HRC Class 4 garments is equal to or greater than 40 cal / cm2. These high ratings are achieved by a layered FR system.Inherent flame retardant
The inherent flame retardant fabric is designed to be flame retardant at the fiber level without any additional finishing.NFPA ®
The National Fire Protection Association is an agency whose mission is to promote and improve fire protection and prevention. They issued national fire regulations.
NFPA ® 2112
It refers to NFPA's "standard in the flame retardant clothing industry to protect against flash fire." NFPA ® 2112 is the "go to" industry consensus standard, which solves the flash. It defines the test methods and performance requirements for flame retardant fabrics for this hazard.
NFPA ® 70E
“Standard Electrical Safety Workplace,” NFPA® 70E is designed to protect those who have potential flash arc hazards. It should be noted that NFPA ® 70E is only suitable for general industrial electricity safety, not for power company workers.OSHA
Established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s mission is "to ensure the safe and healthy working conditions of men and women workers through the development and implementation of standards, training, outreach, education and training. “Their general liability clauses ensure a safe workplace for all employees and are the basis for all industry consensus standards. OSHA determines the regulations and standards associated with personal protective equipment.OSHA 1910.269
The regulation stipulates that electric utility companies make reasonable estimates of the accidental thermal energy exposed to their employees, and that employees exposed to arc hazards wear AR clothing and other protective equipment with an arc rating greater than or equal to the estimated thermal energy.PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Personal protective equipment is a special safety device worn by employees to prevent danger. Flame retardant/arc clothing is a personal protective suit that protects against heat hazards.
Moisture absorption
The wicking moisture wicking fabric pulls moisture (sweat) away from the body and dries quickly, keeping the wearer cool, dry and comfortable. The xinke protective series® FR comfort knits and fabrics are the best moisture wicking FR garments.
Breathability
Breathability refers to the extent to which the fabric allows air to pass through the material. The more air that passes through, the wearer remains cool. The xinke protective endurance series is the first of its kind to offer a high level of FR protection with extremely breathable and durable materials.
