ASTM F1506 Specification / NFPA 70E

ASTM F1506 is the Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and Electric Arc Rated Protective Clothing Worn by Workers Exposed to Flames and Electric Arcs. The specification is cited in: OSHA 1910.269, NFPA 70E, and CSA Z462. Testing to ASTM F1959 for an arc rating is one piece of the ASTM F1506 specification.  ArcWear’s in-house laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 as competent to help clients perform small-scale testing initially or on an ongoing basis for quality control and to meet retesting requirements outlined by the specification. ASTM F1506 includes requirements for material testing and additional information for garments constructed from compliant materials. Compliance with ASTM F1506 is required for any hazard greater than 2 cal/cm² per OSHA 1910.269.

NFPA 70E-2021 requires some level of conformity assessment; ANSI 125 is referenced as an example framework. ArcWear is accredited to ISO 17025 and can assist with conformity assessment programs through our FlashCert consortium.

ArcWear participates in UL’s Third Party Data Acceptance Program for arc testing and all small scale testing for those certifying with UL and our data is accepted by EU Notified Bodies and ASTM International’s Certification Body SEI (Safety Equipment Institute).

Depending on the fabric or garment being tested, ASTM F1506 requires the following to comply with NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910.269:

Masks, face coverings and respirators certified to the ASTM F3502-21 Specification for Barrier Face Coverings must meet ASTM F1506 if used in arc flash exposures.  Ask about our on-stop-shop for ASTM F3502 face coverings. 

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