ASTM ARCS-97

ASTM Committee F-18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers has developed the following standards to determine the acceptability of wearing apparel for workers exposed to momentary electric arc and related thermal hazards:

PS 57 Provisional Standard Test Method for Determining Ignitability of Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using a Mannequin--PS57 allows you to determine the ignition characteristics of fabrics commonly used in work clothing.

PS 58 Provisional Standard Test Method for Determining Arc Thermal Performance (Value) of Textile Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using Instrumented Sensor Panels--PS58 allows you to calculate the arc thermal performance value and the attenuation factor of flame resistant fabrics used in protective clothing.

F 1506 Performance Specification for Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards--Clothing manufactured to the requirements of F 1506 would allow users to be in compliance with OSHA's Section (1)(6)(iii), which pertains directly to worker safety concerning momentary exposure to an electric arc discharge.

These 3 standards, now available in one easy-to-use publication,were developed in cooperation with the electrical and utility industries, fiber manufacturers, fabric mills, and clothing manufacturers.