Comfort is key to ensure optimum protection against arc flash

  Posted by: electime      26th October 2017

Protective clothing specialist, ProGARM urges that comfort is paramount to achieving optimum wearer protection against potentially fatal hazards in the workplace, such as arc flash; with the majority of employees having to self-educate and take responsibility for their own safety against such hazards.

A recent study commissioned by ProGARM amongst 200 UK industry professionals, from across a range of industries, revealed that 50% consider the responsibility to fall with the employee to self-educate themselves about arc flash, including how to correctly wear protective clothing. While 25% of employers believe it is the sole responsibility of the individual employee, rather than the employer, to protect themselves against arc flash.

Tony Arnett, managing director, at ProGARM said: “The study highlights just how much responsibility is placed on individuals to ensure their safety in the workplace. A major factor in this and something that quite often gets over looked is not only the importance of protective clothing but that the protective clothing is worn correctly.

“We frequently see PPE clothing being worn incorrectly because an item is too bulky or rigid – it’s all too easy to roll sleeves up or undo a jacket, which seriously compromises the safety of an individual against arc flash. To overcome these issues it’s important that comfort is at the forefront on any arc flash protection innovation, to ensure the garment’s protection level isn’t compromised through incorrect use, offering the wearer the ultimate level of protection without obstructing day to day tasks.”