• • • SAFETY IN ENGINEERING • • •


insulation, windproofness and waterproofness. So, choosing clothing which incorporates wicking to take sweat away from the body and also protect from the effects of cold is an essential consideration for comfort in relation to temperature.


Freedom of movement


from good fit A garment that fits well is more comfortable and should leave the worker unaware that they are being protected. In stressful and dangerous work situations, end users don’t want to be thinking about their PPE being too tight or too loose, nor should there be any opportunity for clothing to rub, chafe or for clothing parts to get


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caught in items such as loose cables within the work setting. Moreover, badly fitting or restrictive PPE tends


to lead to workers wearing it incorrectly or discarding it altogether, making the situation more dangerous. Technical developments in PPE for electrical arc incidents must of course initially focus on safety, by considering the protective qualities of the fabric, such as multi-layering. Recent innovations have improved comfort


through a more comprehensive range of sizes and greater suppleness and movement in the fabrics used. This means better ergonomics that allow for smoother, easier freedom of movement. A more mobile worker is better protected and a safe worker is more productive.


Seven top tips on Arc-rated PPE comfort and protection


• Know your risk factors so that you can choose the correct PPE – Class 1 or Class 2 acc. to IEC 61482-1-2;


• Know your comfort science – think about what comfort means in the context of your workers;


• Consider breathability – unless PPE can let out moisture and insulate against cold, it won’t be comfortable;


• Talk to wearers. Involve them in choice, train them in correct use and ask for feedback on any new designs;


• A lighter touch. Is PPE heavy and bulky or light enough to be comfortable?;


• Does it fit? End users will discard items that are not comfortable due to poor fitting; and


• Does it allow freedom of movement? Wearers must have freedom of movement with nothing to rub, pull or catch.


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk ”


Reducing weight and its


impact on comfort As well as fit and mobility, a very significant aspect of comfortable PPE is weight. Huge strides have been made recently in reducing the weight of garments designed for protection. Textiles which are functional for Class2 arc fault protection can be extremely heavy weighing up to 650g/m2, resulting in a final weight of a jacket of more than two kilograms. Here again, feedback from wearers who have in


the past found this kind of weight impedes comfort and therefore efficiency, has led to research into how lighter fabrics can deliver high- quality protection. GORE PYRAD technology is now able to make garments that are 50% lighter than those previously available. As an added benefit, these garments are easier to look after, being machine washable and durable.


Getting comfort right Workers in hazardous situations should not be impeded by the clothes they are wearing. Wise employers will buy the best PPE and ensure 7they are worn properly by consulting with and listening to wearers at all stages of the process. Safety should never be compromised, but the fine balancing act of protection versus comfort no longer needs to be in tension. As well as complying with stringent safety


standards, employers can now offer workers lighter, less restrictive and breathable clothing. The implications and benefits are manifold. A comfortable worker is one who makes better decisions, works longer and more productively. They are less likely to lose concentration or to make mistakes that could lead to danger or to jobs being interrupted.


ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 19


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