NFPA 70e – Work Wear like Shirts, Jackets, Pants Adhere to Guidelines for Safety, Protection

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Safety wear, hazard wear, FR wear, fire retardant clothing, flame retardant clothing, electrical switching clothing - there are many names for this type of protective clothing, but the one similarity is safety and protection.

The National Electric Code, or NFPA 70, is part of the National Fire Code published by the National Fire Protection Association and sets the safety standard for working with electricity (electrical wiring, utilities, installations, working conditions, equipment management, etc.) in the US. Built into the code (NFPA 70e) are detailed guidelines that consider safe work conditions and include the type of clothing which is to be worn by those individuals involved in this type of work. The fact is, utility personnel or anyone working with electricity, are in constant threat of injury. Their uniforms must protect against the elements and hazards of their jobs while also being comfortable, weather appropriate and functional.

Employers within the industry must know their hazard risk category as well as the minimum arc-related garment needs for each employee involved in high-risk work based on their job description and the function of their work. The code requires that employers ensure each employee working with electric power generation, transmission and other facilities who are exposed to hazards of flames, electric arcs, etc., do not wear clothing that would increase the extent of injury when exposed to the hazard. The code further requires that they shall use electrical protective equipment appropriate for the specific parts of the body for the work being performed. These flame retardant clothing guidelines are in place to prevent irreversible tissue damage from burns and to minimize injury. In addition, NFPA 70e provides a comprehensive set of instructions for the laundering of flame retardant clothing, thermally and arc-resistant clothing.

Managing uniforms with such a large set of rules for use and care for hundreds of employees is a serious time and financial commitment for employers. Employers are responsible for worker safety and must consider all options in the complex maze of regulations and compliance issues. It is not a task they should consider handling on their own and in fact, employers often call in uniform rental experts to manage their uniform programs.

CleanRental.com partners with clients as their uniform services provider to address workplace safety issues, employee comfort and protection, and compliancy, especially NFPA 70 and OSHA. Our service directors help clients find their hazard risk category and minimum arc-related garment needs for each employee and build a comprehensive uniform services program from the findings. A uniform partner must be committed to employee safety. Learn more by contacting CleanRental.com at 1-800-825-3266