The ASTM Committee F18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers has published changes to ASTM F1506-22 Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and Electric Arc Rated Protective Clothing Worn by Workers Exposed to Flames and Electric Arcs.
A summary of changes:
- Bibs and straps were added to the standard definitions
- Fabric requirements were updated to reflect new testing frequencies: flammability (ASTM D6413) as-received is to be tested on every lot, and other small-scale tests should be repeated every 50,000 yards of manufacture or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Alternately, manufacturers may create a statistical sampling plan through their quality management system. Arc testing is still considered a design test and, at this time by ASTM F1506, is only required to be repeated if there is a change to the material
- When garments are made from different fabrics or different composites, the lowest arc rating must be used to label the garment. If garments are constructed of multiple layers of fabrics, the composite must be tested or the outermost layer can be assigned to the layered system. Pockets, reinforcement patches, cuffs, trims/findings, bibs and straps, suspenders, labels, heraldry, etc. are not considered extra labels when they are not intended to increase the arc rating of the product.
- A revision history table of ASTM F1506 was added into Appendix X2 and edited to show a history of changes. Be prepared for additional, and potentially frequent, revisions to the ASTM F1506 standard as the technical committee is working through numerous updates for the balloting process
Arcwear a Division of Kinectrics is an ISO 17025 accredited third-party testing laboratory. If you have questions or for evaluations to the updated lot testing requirements, contact [email protected]. To purchase an updated copy of the standard, visit ASTM.
