NFPA 70E PPE Requirements dictate that an arc flash assessment be performed to accurately determine an arc flash protection boundary. Following this, the next step is to identify the level of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that is required to be worn by electrical workers, as mandated by NFPA 70E.
Below is the NFPA 70e PPE requirements that are based on the expected Arc Flash explosive energy level of the equipment being inspected.
Arc flash ppe is very important, if not essential. Electrical workers must be properly trained in the safe use and application of appropriate personal protective equipment for the possible electrical hazard with which they may face and must wear this equipment if they want to be properly protected. Examples of such equipment could include a hard hat, face shield, flame resistant neck protection, ear protectors, flame retartdant suit, insulated rubber gloves with leather protectors, and insulated leather footwear. All clothing must meet the requirements as shown in the latest 2004 edition of NFPA 70E. PPE, sufficient for protection against the potential electrical flash, is required for every part of the body. The selection of the required thermal rated PPE depends on the incident energy level at the point of work. check the following chart.
PPE Category 1: Minimum Arc Rating 4 cal/cm2
PPE CAT 1 represents the lowest level in which Arc Rated PPE s required. Requiring a single layer of arc-rated PPE, workers need the following clothing:
In addition to AR clothing, the following products are required or to be used as needed:
PPE Category 2: Minimum Arc Rating 8 cal/cm2
PPE CAT 2 can likely be met with a single layer of Arc Rated PPE. In fact, the majority of companies with exposures requiring CAT 1 typically opt for CAT 2 clothing to cover both categories. Today, the comfort of PPE CAT 1 and 2 is comparable so it makes more sense to choose CAT 2 clothing.
In PPE CAT 2, workers need the following clothing:
In addition to AR clothing, the following products are required or to be used as needed:
Enespro PPE 8 CAL, 12 CAL, and 20 CAL Arc Flash Kits meet NFPA 70E-2018 PPE Cat 1 & 2 and they also offer breathable comfort, flexibility and durability.
PPE Category 3: Minimum Arc Rating 25 cal/cm2
PPE Category 3 and 4 require additional layers of PPE. Arc flash suit hoods are required and rubber insulating gloves & leather protectors or arc rated gloves are required. For PPE Category 3; workers need the following clothing:
In addition to AR clothing, the following PPE is required:
PPE Category 4: Minimum Arc Rating 40 cal/cm2
The final PPE Category requires AR clothing with a minimum rating of 40 cal/cm2.
In addition to AR clothing, the following PPE is required:
Additional NFPA 70E PPE Requirements: Hard Hat, Eye Protection (Glasses, Goggles), Hearing Protection (inserts), Leather Footwear.
