Arc Flash Protection: Hardhat?

[big john]

Is a hardhat a PPE requirement for all arc-flash protection above Category 2?

I found a supplier selling an arc-flash face-shield that can be worn without a hardhat. The shield is rated for 12cal/cm2 which puts it above the minimum Category 2 protection rating. It also provides chin and forehead protection.
But from the looks of it NFPA 70E 130.7(C)(10) requires a hardhat for anything over Category 1... no exceptions? Is this correct? How is this face shield compliant?

(As an aside, I'd like to get it just because this stuff is so darn hot... the less of it that has to be worn, the easier it is to work in.)

-John

 

[zog]

Right, 70E PPE tables require a class E hard hat for HRC 1-4, could you post a link to that supplier?


Salisbury has a new cooling fan for your hard hat that is <$100 and work prety well.

 

[brian john]

What is really needed is a DECENT face shield head covering at this rating. More like the arc welder helmets. I find the hard hat shields to be a REAL CHEAP PAIN IN THE TUSHIE.

 

[zog]

What is really needed is a DECENT face shield head covering at this rating. More like the arc welder helmets. I find the hard hat shields to be a REAL CHEAP PAIN IN THE TUSHIE.

What kind you using Brian?

The facesheild must have an arc rating (Tested per ASTM, dang I cant remmember, I will get it later) have a wrap around design and chin protector. You cant just use any facesheild.

 

[brian john]

The one type is rated thought can't tell you off the top of my head the rating (full face sides and chin, I actually prefer the hood. I ain't much to look at but my face is pretty important to me, need those eyes and if I could not talk I would, well DIE.

 

[big john]

Zog,

I'm not sure how to link to the page because it's Javascript. It's on the McMaster Carr website.

You can find it at the bottom of the main page under "Protective Clothing and Equipment," "Safety Glasses and Face Shields."

Maybe this shield is designed for those who want a lot of extra protection at Category 0?

Thanks for the replies so far.

EDIT: Also, a lot of shields are offered without chin protectors with a reduced protection rating, does this violate the ASTM standard?

-John

 

[zog]

Zog,


EDIT: Also, a lot of shields are offered without chin protectors with a reduced protection rating, does this violate the ASTM standard?

-John

Dont think so, but the reduced rating needs to be adheared to .

 

[zog]

Zog,

I'm not sure how to link to the page because it's Javascript. It's on the McMaster Carr website.

You can find it at the bottom of the main page under "Protective Clothing and Equipment," "Safety Glasses and Face Shields."

-John

The only one I saw was just an ANSI Z87 facesheild, I didnt see any arc rated facesheilds.

 

[brian john]

I was thinking about an arc face shield something along the lines of a welder face shield could encompass complete head protection, complete sides, nice size clear glass that turns dark when flash is sensed.

 

[iwire]

I was thinking about an arc face shield something along the lines of a welder face shield could encompass complete head protection, complete sides, nice size clear glass that turns dark when flash is sensed.

As a guy that welds using that type of helmet I have always wondered why one was not used for PPE when working live.

Great vision and protection.

Besides you can express yourself

 

[brian john]

They have come a long way from the black face shields of the 60-70's I remember.

 

[zog]

As a guy that welds using that type of helmet I have always wondered why one was not used for PPE when working live.

Great vision and protection.

Besides you can express yourself

The 70E commitee looked at these and did some research, turns out that the lens sometimes wont darken, I dont remember what the failure reason was or the failure %, but it was high enough that the 70E ecided not to accept them. I used to have a report on thier findings, but that has been 6 years or so, I dont know where it is.

 

[iwire]

The 70E commitee looked at these and did some research, turns out that the lens sometimes wont darken, I dont remember what the failure reason was or the failure %, but it was high enough that the 70E ecided not to accept them. I used to have a report on thier findings, but that has been 6 years or so, I dont know where it is.

But they are OK to use for protection from welding flash.

Seems a bit odd don't you think?

 

[zog]

But they are OK to use for protection from welding flash.

Seems a bit odd don't you think?

Apples and Oranges, the lens on a welding helmet is designed to filter out the UV light emmitted, but is not designed to withstand the heat from an arc flash. A standard facesheild (Tinting or not) that meets the ANSI Z87 requirements will melt at around 8 cal/cm2.

 

[brian john]

How about the same design hat with an electrical style shield.

 

[iwire]

Apples and Oranges, the lens on a welding helmet is designed to filter out the UV light emmitted, but is not designed to withstand the heat from an arc flash.

That makes sense.

 

[brian john]

And it seems the protection afforded would be greater with this design, PLUS easier to protect from scratches IMO.

 

[zog]

How about the same design hat with an electrical style shield.

Dont see why it couldnt be done, I would buy one.

 

[big john]

I'm not sure if it's worth buying it just for the Class 0 protection, but here's the picture of the one on the McMaster Carr website for $53.75 (and it does look an awful lot like a welding helmet):

-John