How Do I Know What AR/FR Rainwear Is Right For Me?

August 21, 2020

Though the official projections for 2021’s hurricane season haven’t yet been issued by the NOAA, it’s expected to be another active year. In fact, the NOAA has adjusted – that is, increased – the number of storms considered “average” for Atlantic hurricane seasons going forward, and COVID-19 is still playing a role in the global supply chain this year. Preparation is 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.

How to Get Ahead of Hurricane Season

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:

Preparedness plans require adjustment based on the latest COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and local officials.
COVID-19 has impacted inventory levels of arc-rated and flame resistant (AR / FR) rainwear available in the market – limiting suppliers’ ability to restock once existing inventory is purchased.

Ask yourself how can I protect my workers? For more information on how to get ahead of hurricane season check out our blog.

Explore Quality Products and Trusted Solutions

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:

National Safety Apparel’s HYDROlite
Rampart FR by NASCO
PRO ARC by Neilsen

For more information about rainwear you can trust read our blog post.

How to Select AR / FR Rainwear

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.

Learn What Standards Your AR / FR Rainwear Should Meet

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:

Compliance solely with ASTM D6413, Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (the “vertical flame test”), is not a true indicator of sufficient protection from an arc flash or flash fire.
ASTM D6413 is an excellent test method when used as intended – to determine flame resistance of traditional However, it’s not appropriate for specialized rubber/plastic-type fabrics used for rainwear, which tend to shrink away from the vertical flame central to the D6413 test – reducing exposure to the flame in the manner the D6413 test method intended. This, in turn, allows some potentially-dangerous products – which do not perform in an arc or flash fire – to pass the test.

That’s why ASTM D6413 has been superseded by standards designed specifically for rainwear:

ASTM F1891 for electric arc protective rainwear and
ASTM F2733 for rainwear intended to protect against flash fire

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.