Protective Apparel and Safety Accessories for NFPA 70E

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If meeting the standard of providing protective equipment and safety accessories that satisfy NFPA 70E sounds a bit complicated, imagine the complexity facing Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) professionals as they analyze all available personal protective equipment (PPE) options for their companies’ workers.

Selecting the right type of garment is no longer a simple choice of style and price. There are choices of fabrics, weights and more importantly, a clear understanding of the hazard exposures requiring designed garments and safety accessories for specialized use. Decisions must be made whether to use protective garments that are treated with flame retardant (FR) chemicals, which may themselves pose certain risks if not processed correctly, or inherently flame resistant fabrics that are molecularly resistant to ignition.

New emphasis by OSHA on protection against electric arc is creating additional challenges. As the results of new studies and research become available, even more products will be introduced and new requirements for protecting workers will be established.

Safety, comfort and cost seem to go hand in hand where PPE is required. Protection of employees in the workplace is of utmost importance, which starts from the choice of protective garments and safety accessories, to the cleaning and processing of these garments to its mending, patching and repair. Is it not ironic that employers go through the expense of purchasing the required PPE, only to be processed and repaired incorrectly at home? Unfortunately, accidents in molten metal, radiant heat and electric arc flash do not happen at home!

“It became obvious that as industry gained a better understanding of workplace hazard exposures, metal splash, extreme heat exposure and arc flash explosions, that worker protection involved more than simple FR outer garments,” said Merci Magari, special projects director for Protective Apparel Team. “What was being called for was a complete system of protection that included under garments, secondary and primary outer garments, rainwear and accessories including proper boots, harnesses, sleeves and other items that would not ignite or melt. Among other exposures, it is the melting that causes some of the more devastating injuries.”

The emphasis on worker safety is certain to grow as OSHA increases pressure on companies to comply with the latest standards and as more information becomes available about the effectiveness of the latest in PPE.

To learn more about the services offered by Protective Apparel Team or visit www.protectiveapparelteam.com.