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PPE selection Tables
The Incident Energy Analysis Method for selecting appropriate PPE requires a detailed electrical analysis of the equipment. A series of calculations determines the incident energy at the prescribed working distance that a worker would be exposed to in the event of an arc flash. Employers are required to perform these analyses if an arc hazard is likely to exist and if the PPE Category Method (Tables Method) cannot be used.
The selected PPE ensemble must have an Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV) that is rated equal to or greater than the incident energy (calculated in cal/cm2).
TABLE 130.5(G) Selection of Arc-Rated Clothing and Other PPE When the Incident Energy Analysis Method Is Used
Incident energy exposures equal to 1.2cal/cm2 up to 12cal/cm2
Arc-rated clothing with an arc rating equal to or greater than the estimated incident energyA
Long-sleeve shirt and pants OR coverall OR arc flash suit (SR)
Arc-rated face shield and arc-rated balaclava OR arc flash suit hood (SR)B
Arc-rated outerwear (e.g., jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner) (AN)
Heavy-duty leather gloves, arc-rated gloves, OR rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors (SR)C
Hard hat
Safety glasses OR safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection
Leather footwear
Long-sleeve shirt and pants OR coverall OR arc flash suit (SR)
Arc-rated face shield and arc-rated balaclava OR arc flash suit hood (SR)B
Arc-rated outerwear (e.g., jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner) (AN)
Heavy-duty leather gloves, arc-rated gloves, OR rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors (SR)C
Hard hat
Safety glasses OR safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection
Leather footwear
Incident energy exposures greater than 12cal/cm2
Arc-rated clothing with an arc rating equal to or greater than the estimated incident energyA
Long-sleeve shirt and pants OR coverall OR arc flash suit (SR)
Arc-rated arc flash suit hood
Arc-rated outerwear (e.g., jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner) (AN)
Arc-rated gloves OR rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors (SR)C
Hard hat
Safety glasses OR safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection
Leather footwear
Long-sleeve shirt and pants OR coverall OR arc flash suit (SR)
Arc-rated arc flash suit hood
Arc-rated outerwear (e.g., jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner) (AN)
Arc-rated gloves OR rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors (SR)C
Hard hat
Safety glasses OR safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection
Leather footwear
(SR) Selection of one in group is required.
(AN) As needed.
A Arc ratings can be for a single layer, such as an arc-rated shirt and pants or a coverall, or for an arc flash suit or a multi-layer system if tested as a combination consisting of an arc-rated shirt and pants, coverall, and arc flash suit.
B Face shields with a wrap-around guarding to protect the face, chin, forehead, ears, and neck area are required by NFPA 70E 130.7(C)(10)(c). Where the back of the head is inside the arc flash boundary, a balaclava or an arc flash hood shall be required for full head and neck protection.
C Rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors provide arc flash protection in addition to shock protection. Higher class rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors, due to their increased material thickness, provide increased arc flash protection.
