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PPE SPECS
Example of a layering system. Image courtesy of Bulwark.
A typical layering system might include cotton underwear, a cotton shirt and pants, and an arc-rated coverall.
When layering, remember that loose-fitting clothing provides extra thermal insulation (because of air spaces), but it should not be so loose as to interfere with the work. Tight-fitting clothing should be avoided. Non-melting, flammable fiber garments may be used as underlayers in a layered system. Garments worn as outer layers over arc-rated clothing, such as jackets or rainwear, must be made from arc-rated material. Meltable fibers such as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and spandex shall not be permitted in fabric underlayers.
- Arc-rated clothing must cover any flammable clothing worn.
- Arc-rated underwear or garments used as under layers generally provide a higher system arc-rating than non-melting, flammable fiber underwear or garments used as under layers. Garments that are not arc-rated cannot be used to increase the arc-rating of a garment or a clothing system.
- To prevent ignition of flammable underlayers, the system’s arc-rating must be sufficient to prevent breakopen of the innermost arc-rated layer.
NFPA 70E 130.7(C)(11). Clothing Material Characteristics
NFPA 70E 130.7(C)(12). Clothing and Other Apparel Not Permitted
