A blinding flash, a concussive shockwave—a worker is engulfed in flames. A screwdriver was inadvertently dropped, contacting a phase and ground conductor resulting in an arc flash. The singular condition deciding whether the worker lives or dies may be his or her PPE.
 
If the employee is wearing cotton or polyester, these fabrics may ignite. Polyester will likely melt and fuse into the employee’s skin. Cotton will burn hot and intensely if ignited. Arc rated PPE will self-extinguish and limit employees’ exposure to significant burn injuries. These flame-retardant fabrics, if properly applied and maintained, can reduce an ...