Arc Flash Basics for Linemen, and What Your Skin Products Have to Do With It

Short answer: An arc flash is an explosive release of energy when current jumps through the air between conductors. In a fraction of a second it produces intense heat, light and pressure. Arc-rated FR clothing, de-energizing equipment where possible, and safe work practices are the protection. Whatever you put on your skin should never undermine that gear.

What causes an arc flash

Dropped tools, corrosion, dust or animals bridging conductors, equipment failure, and work on energized parts.

Flame resistant, fire retardant and arc rated

Flame-resistant (FR) fabric resists ignition and puts itself out. “Fire retardant” usually means a chemical treatment. Arc-rated (AR) clothing has a tested arc rating in cal/cm², and that rating tells you which tasks it’s suited for. Your employer’s program, under NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910.269, sets what you wear.

Keep FR gear working

Keep anything flammable off the fabric. Launder FR clothing per the maker’s instructions, with no fabric softener or bleach.

Sunscreen, Ivy Block and repellent around FR and rubber gloves

• Lineman’s gloves: I.C. Industrial Sunscreen, I.C. Ivy Block and I.C. Insect Repellent are glove-tested. Class 2 rubber insulating gloves passed the ASTM D120 proof test after contact with each product.
• Sunscreen and Ivy Block: FR-compatible when rubbed in. Tested on FR fabric (ASTM F2621). Rub them fully into your skin and keep them off your FR clothing.
• Insect repellent lotion: FR-compatible. Arc tested on FR fabric (ASTM F2621), and the fabric stayed at Arc Category 2.

Read the details in Will It Hurt My Gloves or FR?

This is general safety information. Follow your employer’s electrical safety program.