This performance specification covers the design characteristics and associated test methods that relate specifically to the flame resistance of textile materials used in the fabrication of basic protection level occupational apparel worn by electrical workers who are exposed to momentary electric arc and related thermal hazards such as exposure to open flame and radiant heat. When evaluated in accordance with the test procedures enlisted herein, knit fabrics and woven fabrics of different fabric weights shall conform to individually specified values of the following properties: colorfastness such as laundering shade change, dry-cleaning shade change, and dimensional change; initial flammability characteristics and flammability characteristics after 25 washes/dry-cleaning such as char length and afterflame time; and arc test rating. Knit fabrics shall additionally be tested and adhere accordingly to bursting strength characteristics. Conversely, woven fabrics shall also be tested and adhere accordingly to breaking load, tear resistance, and seam slippage characteristics.

1.1 This performance specification identifies minimum flame resistance, construction, durability, and labeling requirements of textiles and subassemblies used in the manufacture of protective clothing worn by electrical workers to protect against exposure to momentary electric arc flash and related thermal hazards.

1.1.1 This performance specification does not address coated or laminated fabrics commonly used for rainwear applications in an arc hazard environment.

1.2 This performance specification defines minimum garment manufacturing and labeling requirements to allow users to select garments with appropriate electric arc ratings for protection from their determined electric arc flash hazard environment.

1.2.1 A prior determination of the electric arc flash hazard environment is required in order to select appropriate protective garments. This prior determination is outside the scope of this specification.

1.2.2 The care and maintenance requirements for electric arc flash protective garments are outside the scope of this standard.

1.3 This standard should be used to evaluate and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions. It should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.3.1 The results of this evaluation may be used as elements of a fire-risk assessment that takes into account all of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, of this performance specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.