Standards Update – What’s New in 2020?

September 11, 2020

From “breaking news” to “coming soon,” Tyndale shares the latest updates (and expected updates) to main industry standards related to arc rated flame resistant (AR / FR) apparel. Watch our video below, featuring Tyndale’s Vice President of Technical, Scott Margolin, or read on to learn more.

Updates to NFPA 2112, Standard on Flame-Resistant Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire

Breaking news in NFPA 2112 – flame resistant (FR) face masks are now allowed to carry an NFPA 2112 compliance claim if the fabric from which they’re made complies with 2112. This comes as a result of a temporary interim amendment issued August 31, 2020, stating that while component compliant is not allowed, it is for now allowed for face masks.
Additionally, NFPA 2112 is currently in the revision cycle. The public comment period closed in June 2020, meaning the public is no longer able to submit proposals for change. Proposals submitted prior to the deadline are currently under review. A new edition of NFPA 2112 will be issued after review of the proposals, which will take at least a year.

Updates to ASTM F1506, Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and Electric Arc Rated Protective Clothing Worn by Workers Exposed to Flames and Electric Arcs

There is additional breaking news on the arc flash side regarding ASTM F1506. There is currently a proposal to allow arc rated face masks to carry 1506 compliance claims. This is fully expected to become official in late September or early October.

There are two additional updates which are not yet public or final, but are likely to become official in the near future:

Arc rating range: Fabric arc ratings have to be done every five years. If the fabric is 10 calories, five years later it has to test within some reasonable range of 10. The range is currently under negotiation and will likely be specified in the next edition of the standard.
More testing on vented shirts: vents are allowed, but a test will be required, exposing the vented side of the garment to an arc with indicator fabric behind the vent to provide insight on what occurs through the vent.

Updates to NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

As you may know, the new 2021 edition is out. There are very few changes that are relevant to arc rated and flame resistant apparel. One key change closes a loophole between balaclavas and hoods. There was an interpretation loophole, that is now closed. Most of the other changes are simply moving existing language from one section of the standard to another.

If you have any questions about how these changes may impact you or your workers, please feel free to reach out to Scott Margolin for a one-on-one technical consultation.