Lineworker Safety Tips

Here's an older yet still relevant TD World article that gives some great safety tips for lineworkers. Worth a read/share if you've got a few minutes today!

ArcGuard 25 kA Suppression Blanket

Introducing the brand new ArcGuard™ Suppression Blanket!  Our research and design team worked tirelessly to come up with the perfect layout for our newest item, and it is finally here. The suppression blanket serves as an additional barrier between the worker and an arc blast hazard.  It is an excellent PPE supplement for jobs in confined and enclosed spaces, such as:

• Underground vaults
• Switchyards
• Confined/underground spaces
• Cable splices & joints
• Transformer terminals 
• Operation of switchgear, circuit breakers, etc.

The blanket is available by itself, or in a convenient kit including straps and gear bags. Be sure to check out the images, testing standards, and product flier for the ArcGuard Blanket™!

• Meets OSHA 1910.269(T)(7)
• Meets NFPA 70E-2012
• Tested to ASTM F2676
• Maximum Arc Current Imax = 25 kA 
• Breakopen Threshold Performance = 362 kA* cycles

 

FR Control 2.0 Giveaway!

We've got another great giveaway opportunity for you! We're going to be holding a drawing for an FR Control 2.0 prize pack, including:

A brand new FR Control 2.0 short sleeve T-shirt
An NSA aluminium water bottle
NSA pens

To enter, head over to www.facebook.com/NationalSafetyApparel. Check out the photo of the prize pack, like it, and share it, and you're entered!

The drawing will take place July 13th. Only one entry per person. Thanks for your support!

Coming Soon: The ArcGuard Blanket

National Safety Apparel's research and design team has been working hard for several months on our latest project, an arc-rated protective blanket, and we're happy to say that we will be presenting it to you by the end of June!

The ArcGuard Blanket is the perfect solution for any job where arc flash is present in a confined space.  It works with your arc flash suit to provide an extra barrier of protection from flash fires and burn hazards.

Here is a video demonstrating just how an arc flash blanket works:

More info to come next week! To receive information on the ArcGuard Blanket and all of our new product updates, sign up for our e-mail newsletter list here.

FR Control 2.0: Making Waves!

Our new FR Control 2.0 garments have made quite the splash the past two weeks! Check out a few of the places we were featured:

Textile World:
http://www.nsamfg.com/News/Textile_World_highlights_FR_Control_20

ISHN:
http://www.nsamfg.com/News/ISHN_feature_FR_Control_20

ThomasNet:

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/615290/nct

And, you can check out the all-new and enhanced FR Control website, featuring both the original and the 2.0 garments! 

http://www.frcontrol.com  

Thanks for checking us out and helping the launch be a success!

FR Control 2.0: The Next Generation of Arc Flash Protection

National Safety Apparel’s ultra-unique, lightweight shirts have received an upgrade. The all-new FR Control 2.0 garments are here.

The first version of the FR Control shirts feature body temperature regulating Outlast® technology – a woven-in fabric that absorbs and stores excess body heat, then releases it when outside temperatures decrease. The result is an article of clothing that actively keeps its wearer at the ideal comfort zone – all while protecting from arc flash up to 3.6 cal/cm².

In May, the FR Control 2.0 made its debut.  The newest version features a beefed up 4.0 cal/cm² rating – high enough to reach Hazard Risk Category 1. It’s also infused with Spandex®, providing a stretchier and customized fit.  The color has changed from khaki to a stylish navy blue. 

The shirt is available in long and short sleeve styles, and a brand new balaclava is available for head and neck protection.  Whereas most balaclavas are stiff and hot, this revolutionary head protection will be perfect for wearing under an arc flash helmet and face shield to keep the head cool.

A product information sheet can be found here.

20 cal PPE and The Future of Arc Flash Protection

Have you heard the buzz on the new 20 cal/cm² standard in the PPE world?  Well, if not, this brief post will attempt to explain what has been going on in the past 6-7 months, and what exactly is changing.

Perhaps the best place to start is with Hugh Hoagland’s article from last October.  As he explains, both the NESC and NFPA 70E have changed for 2012.  Thanks to some new, more advanced testing methods and understandings of arc flash itself, the recommendation for low voltage is shifting from an HRC based system to a more specific 20 cal/cm² protection.

He goes on to talk about evaluating the PPE needs of a particular task, and some of the challenges the company performing the task may face.  For that reason, National Safety Apparel is adapting to create familiar, comfortable, and varying garments with increased protection.  As we say, we’re “Innovating for You,” and this is going to be a big part of 2012’s advancements.

For some of our new 20 cal/cm² product information, check out the PDF document linked below.