The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has forecasted another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season in 2021, after increasing the number of storms considered “average” in the Atlantic basin, with a possible return of La Nina later in the 2021 season. COVID-19 continues to play a role in the global supply chain this year, making preparation particularly key to keeping workers safe.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service – is forecasting a significant hurricane season for 2020, with above-normal hurricane activity particularly likely in the Atlantic Ocean.
Accordingly, the 2020 hurricane season may pose a threat to utilities, municipalities, chemical manufacturing plants, and refineries – and the safety of their workers who face arc flash and/or flash fire hazards on the job. Early preparation is especially important this year to manage complications caused by COVID-19:
Ask yourself how can I protect my workers? For more information on how to get ahead of hurricane season check out our blog.
The NOAA has projected a 60% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season — creating increased demand for arc-rated and flame resistant (AR / FR) rainwear that will keep essential workers safe during the anticipated major storm season. And, unfortunately, this increased demand is coming at a time when COVID-19 may very likely impact the manufacturer’s ability to quickly replace and restock product once inventory levels are depleted. As a result, it’s critical to take action to identify and order AR / FR rainwear today – before the season gets further underway.
If you have never seen what happens to rainwear which doesn’t meet the standards for arc flash and flash fire watch this informative video narrated by Tyndale’s VP of Technical Scott Margolin.
There are standards that specifically focus on AR / FR rainwear – ASTM F1891 for electric arc protective rainwear and ASTM F2733 for rainwear intended to protect against flash fire. These rainwear-specific standards include both the D6413 vertical flame test AND either the arc rating test for arc flash rainwear, or the “manikin test” for flash fire rainwear.
To avoid injury if exposed to an arc-flash or flash fire, Tyndale supplies the most trusted rainwear brands in the industry:
For more information about rainwear you can trust read our blog post.
With so many good options on the market, how do I choose the right product? In this brief video, Scott Margolin, Vice President of Technical, shares three important tips for selecting rainwear:
When selecting rainwear for your workers, be sure to consider your hazard (don’t miss the helpful hints below!), climate, and budget.
Knowing what to look for when you are choosing AR/FR Rainwear can save your life or the life of one of your employees. Knowing the standards is key! Keep in mind:
That’s why ASTM D6413 has been superseded by standards designed specifically for rainwear:
Look instead for products that comply with these rainwear-specific standards, which include both the D6413 vertical flame test AND either the arc rating test for arc flash rainwear, or the “manikin test” for flash fire rainwear.
For more information on what to look for in AR/FR Rainwear click on this link to read our blog.
COVID-19 has impacted inventory levels of AR / FR rainwear available in the market – limiting suppliers’ ability to restock once existing inventory is purchased. Contact your National Account Executive today to browse product options that provide sufficient protection, discuss inventory levels, and explore managed rainwear program options.