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 performance requirements to determine the (a) arc rating of fabrics, (b) flame resistance of fabrics and subassemblies, (c) mechanical durability of the fabrics and subassemblies, (d) the minimum garment construction and performance requirements, and (e) the garment labeling requirements for the completed protective clothing worn by workers exposed to flames and electric arcs.

1.1.1 The minimum requirements for garment labeling are intended to provide end users with adequate information to select garments with the appropriate arc rating.

1.1.2 End users are required to perform an assessment to determine the level of hazard and the required arc rating of the protective clothing for their individual hazards.

1.1.2.1 The end user risk assessments are outside the scope of this standard.

1.2 This performance specification does not address coated or laminated protective clothing commonly used for rainwear applications in an arc hazard environment. Performance requirements related to this category of protective clothing are detailed in Specification F1891.

1.3 This performance specification does not address hand protection. Performance and test requirements related to hand protection are detailed in OSHA 1910.138, Specification D120, and Test Method F2675/F2675M.

1.4 The care and maintenance requirements for laundering electric arc flash protective clothing are outside the scope of this standard. Refer to Guides F1449 or F2757 related to industrial or home laundering.

1.5 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.

1.5.1 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.

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

1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.