What Does ASTM 1506 Compliant Really Mean?
ASTM 1506, Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and Electric Arc Rated Protective Clothing Worn by Workers Exposed to Flames and Electric Arcs, is the governing ASTM standard for flame resistant clothing for protection from arc flash. But what does 1506 compliance actually mean?
Fabrics must pass two main requirements to comply with the standard:
- A fabric sample must self-extinguish within less than 2 second after flame and show less than 6″ char length according to ASTM Test Method D6413. This flammability test applies to an initial sample and after 25 wash cycles.
- The fabric must be tested for Arc Thermal Performance according to ASTM F1959, a test method used to calculate the thermal protection provided by the fabric in an arc flash. The results of the Arc Thermal Performance testing must be reported to the end-user as an Arc Rating on a garment label.
Once a garment passes these requirements, it must be labeled with a tracking code, a statement that the garment meets the requirements of ASTM F1506, the manufacturer’s name, size information, care instructions, fiber content, and the arc rating.
It’s also important to note that garments that meet ASTM F1506 comply with OSHA 1910.269, NESC, and NFPA 70E.
To purchase and download a copy of ASTM 1506 visit the ASTM website at http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1506.htm.
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