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Useful terms and definitions

For more visit the fairly comprehensive CoTradeCo glossary of critical industrial safety terms
and other important words, abbreviations, and acronyms

Arc Flash

An explosive release of energy caused by an electrical arc.

An arc flash (or arc blast) event is a type of electrical explosion that results from a low
impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase also called a “short” in an electrical
system. A short circuit can occur anywhere in an electrical system, usually during maintenance
work when the unexpected occurs. For instance a tool dropping, a wire slipping out of your hand
a mechanical accessory falling loose and so on. A dangerous arc flash can only occur if the fault
current is very high – in the range 1000 amps or more. The massive energy released in the fault
instantly vaporizes the metal conductors involved, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma
outward with extreme force. A typical arc flash incident can be inconsequential but could
conceivably easily produce a more severe explosion. The result of the violent event can cause
destruction of equipment involved, fire, and injury not only to the worker but also to nearby
people. [thermal,fire] – [wikipedia ]

Arc Rating

A value of the energy necessary to pass through any given fabric to cause with 50% probability a
second or third degree burn. This value is measured in calories/cm 2. The necessary Arc Rating
for an article of clothing is determined by a Hazard/Risk Assessment and the resulting HRC.
Usually measured in terms of ATPV or EBT. [standards]

ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value)

A reported value from electric arc testing. Basically, it is the measure of how much heat can be
exposed to a flame resistant garment before a second degree burn injury is expected to occur.
[abbreviation,thermal,fire]

Calorie

The energy required to raise one gram of water one degree Celsius at one atmosphere pressure.
Second-degree burns occur at 1.2 calories per centimeter squared per second (cal/cm 2).
[energy]

A Cigarette lighter placed under your finger for 1 second equals roughly a 1 calorie burn.

A 100 cal/cm2 blast can reach temperatures of up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit in the center,
and 11,000 degrees on the perimeter

Electric Arc
The passage of substantial electric current through ionized air. [thermal,fire] (see ARC FLASH)

Electricity

the flow of an atoms electrons through a conductor. [energy,electrical]

Electronically Safe Work Condition

When the conductor or circuit part to be worked on has been disconnected from energized
parts, locked/tagged in accordance with established standards, tested to ensure the absence of
voltage, and grounded if determined necessary. [energy,electrical]

Flame resistant

The characteristic of a fabric to resist ignition and to self extinguish if ignited. [thermal,fire]

Abbreviated as FR.

Flame retardant

A chemical substance used to impart flame resistance – not part of the basic fibers chemistry.
Flame retardant treatments can diminish overtime or with use. [thermal,fire]

Flammability (Vertical Flame Test)

Measures char damage length, afterflame and afterglow time on a 3” x 12” fabric sample
exposed to flame at its lower edge for 12 seconds. (Contact us to get a free burn-swatch of
Benchmark FR ring-spun cotton to perform your own test!). [thermal,fire]

Flash-fire

A sudden, unexpected and intense fire caused by ignition of flammable solids, liquids, gases or
dusts. [thermal,fire]

Flash Hazard
A dangerous condition caused by the release of energy from an electric arc.
[electrical,fire,thermal]

Flash Hazard Analysis

A study investigating the potential exposure to arc-flash energy that a worker faces while
performing a specific job task. The data collected in a Flash Hazard Analysis is used for the
purpose of injury prevention and the determination of safe work practices and the appropriated
levels of FR clothing and PPE.. [fire,standards]

Flash Protection Boundary

The distance from an exposed live part within which a person could receive a second-degree
burn if an electrical arc were to occur. [fire,standards]

FR

See flame resistant. [abbreviation]

HRC (Hazard Risk Category)

The classification of the listed task according to the type of hazard present when performing the
task. Zero represents minimal risk, four represents the greatest risk. [abbreviation,standards]

The five Hazard/Risk categories are specified by the chart listed in NFPA 70E. The chart, based
on specific job tasks, ranges from HRC 0 (which is low risk and allows for 100% untreated
cotton), up to HRC 4 (which is high risk and requires FR clothing with a minimum arc rating of
40). The HRC is used to determine the necessary arc rating of a garment worn during a given job
task. [standards]

* Level 0: Little to no risk * Level 4: extreme risk

* Download NFPA hazard classification pdf v2004 uploaded 2007-12-01 * Also see our article
about common HRC 2 misconceptions

LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)

The standard contains definitive criteria for establishing an effective program for locking out or
tagging out energy isolating devices and requires training for authorized and affected
employees. [abbreviation,electricity,standards]

See OSHA official LOTO page

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)


NFPA writes voluntary compliance standards related to the Fire Service and other industries.
Also works directly with OSHA for establishing legal regulations for electrical safety (see NFPA
70E). [abbreviation,standards]

NFPA.org

NFPA 70E

OSHA bases its electrical safety mandates on NFPA 70E(r): Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace®. OSHA evaluates compliance with its electrical safety regulations, OSHA 1910
Subpart S and OSHA 1926 Subpart K, using the comprehensive information in NFPA 70E. While
OSHA tells you what to do to avoid electrical dangers, this vital Standard tells you how.
[standards]

See also Ratings, standards, and regulations: NFPA 70E in our resource library.

Thermal Conductivity

Rate at which heat will flow through a material. [thermal,fire]

Thermal Protection

The resistance to flame and associated thermal transfer through the garment. [thermal,fire]

TPP (Thermal Protective Performance)

A fabric specimen is exposed with a combination of radiant and convective energy. The total
energy required to cause second-degree burn injury to human tissue is determined based on
heat transfer through the fabric specimen and the Stoll second-degree burn criteria. Single and
multiple layer fabric specimens can be tested. [thermal,fire]

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