in active use at Arnold AG (Switzerland)
The problem is that conventional electric arc protective clothing is often heavy and bulky. In pouring rain, it soaks up water and becomes even heavier. In warmer weather, wearers sweat easily. This means that workers sometimes choose not to wear their protective garments. The consequences can be fatal. According to the Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI), 14 percent of severe arc flash injuries result from people not wearing their protective clothing.
Lashing rain, cold temperatures, wind: working outdoors can be incredibly strenuous. Added to this, electrical utility workers installing or doing maintenance work on electrical equipment are always at risk of an arc incident. This term describes an arc flash, or flashover, that sometimes spontaneously develops when workers operate close to high-tension powerlines or overhead line equipment. For this to happen, there is no need for physical contact. Technically, electric arc incidents cannot be completely prevented. It is therefore all the more important that workers who are exposed to the hazards of an electric arc are well protected.
A solution has now been found in the innovative GORE® PYRAD® fabric technology. Not only does GORE-TEX foul-weather gear equipped with this technology reliably protect wearers from the hazards of an electric arc, it is also breathable, windproof and durably waterproof. Even when it is wet, this fabric remains light and comfortable.
“THE LIGHT WEIGHT OF THE JACKET MADE MY EVERYDAY WORK MUCH EASIER. AFTER ALL, THE REST OF MY EQUIPMENT IS HEAVY ENOUGH.”
LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY BREATHABLE
Protective clothing equipped with GORE® PYRAD® technology provides reliable protection against the thermal hazards of an electric arc and is standard compliant. In addition, it is highly breathable, windproof and durably waterproof.
TECHNOLOGY FOR SAFETY AT WORK
The GORE® PYRAD® fabric technology blocks convective heat flow during arc exposure, stopping flame propagation by forming a carbonaceous char.
MULTI-NORM COMPLIANCE
- Protective clothing against the thermal effect of an electric arc:
- EN 61482-1-2, Klasse 2 (7kA).
- EN 61482-1-1, 49,1 cal/cm² corresponding to Hazard Risk Category 4 in accordance with NFPA 70E. - Clothing to protect against heat and flame, EN ISO 11612 A1,
A2, B2, C1, D2, E1, F1, Clauses 7.2–7.6 (Code Letters B, C, D, E, F) tested with a 120 g/m² lining made of aramid/viscose (50:50). - Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes, EN ISO 11611, Class 2, A1, Clauses 6.8-6.10 tested with a 120 g/m² lining made of aramid/viscose (50:50).
- High visibility clothing, EN ISO 20471 HI-VIS yellow, HI-VIS orange, HI-VIS red.
- Protection against rain, DIN EN 343, Class 3/3.
- Electrostatic properties, DIN EN 1149-3/-5.
- Protective clothing against liquid chemicals, DIN EN 13034, Type 6.
- Rain tower test, DIN EN 14360.
wearers
Arnold AG
Workers at Arnold AG in Wangen, Switzerland, wear the new GORE-TEX rain jackets equipped with GORE® PYRAD® fabric technology and electric arc protection
PARtner
workfashion.
Workfashion.com is a high-performing Swiss provider of full service workwear and clothing management solutions
