Posted By Paul Mahoney Antony, I've got some photographs of what was left of a pair of Nomex overalls following a HV switching incident. If the individual concerned had not been wearing FR PPE he would be short of a few bits and bobs. The Dupont standard for high risk activities of this type is double or even triple layer Nomex. I'll try sending them to you via e mail Best regards, Paul

Posted By George Wedgwood Antony, I was involved for several years with a leading energy company and explored the case for FR PPE for workers exposed to risks from electric arc. As our other correspondent said, Dupont Nomex is the leader in the field but there are others, equally good. What makes the difference is the polyaramid fibre, which only melts or burns if the oxygen content rises above about 26%, making it very difficult to burn in normal circumstances. The company I worked for, changed many of its PPE requirements after a considerable management awareness campaign and even locations in India and Asia took up the new standards. So to sell the idea to managers (i.e. the budget holders, you need a convincing awareness campaign, backed with supporting film and experience from external sources - DuPont is very cooperative here and I can give you some contact names. If you email me, I will send you some Powerpoint slides, which will help sell the case. Just be sure that your risk assessment is convincing and has explored the exposure factors for each 'at risk' task. Looking at other FR materials, Proban is also good but it is not a polyaramid and is simply a heavy proofed (phosphate FR treated) cotton, which needs careful laundering, unlike Nomex. The higher cost of Nomex is offset against the harder wear characteristics and longer life of the garments. You can now get waterproof and high viz in Nomex and DuPont label each one to guarantee its authenticity. I hope this helps a bit, George (07836 718908)