Arc Flash Helmet For Utility Cable Jointers & Electrical Workers Protection - ProGARM 2680

By Chris Dodds on 28th May, 2015

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T&D are Approved Distributors for ProGARM's flame resistant, anti-static and arc flash safety clothing including their new ProGARM 2680 Class 2 Arc Flash Helmet.

In today's Guest Blog, ProGARM discuss the importance of using arc flash certified equipment and how their 2680 Arc Flash Helmet can ensure the safety of contractors.

Firstly, it is vital to assess the risks of arc flash in order to achieve personal safety for electrical workers and cable jointers when working on or near high energy electrical sources when the consequences of wrong actions might lead to electric shock, explosion or presonal injury.

In high energy situationS an electrical arc can result when operating or testing circuit breakers and switchgear, or personnel come in close proximity to live uninsulated conductors or exposed connections.

Arc flash dangers exist at any voltage, whether LV, MV or HV. 

The potentially fatal thermal and physical effects of an arcing circuit include :

• extreme heating with shrapnel
• rapid expansion of hot air
• superheated toxic gases and metal vapour
• pressure and sound waves
• intense light

Arc flash risks in electrical equipment can be caused by :

• short circuit fault
• cable faults
• LV live jointing work
• faults occuring during routine opening or closing of LV and HV switchgear
• protection failure causing equipment failure during work
• human error during testing or commissioning
• cable strikes durring digging or underground cable excavation 

The most common cause of electrical arc flash injury to workers is a failure to definitely confirm, without doubt or error, that an electrical circuit is "live or dead". In an ideal world, all arc flash could be avoided by de-energising, grounding and locking out all electrical equipment during working. Where this type of intervention is not possible then introducing worker safety through careful risk assessment and employing the appropriate level of arc flash protection and PPE is vital. 

Whether cable jointing, switching, fusing or carrying out general electrical maintenance and inspection work arc flash protection is increasingly an electrical safety issue.

ProGARM 2680 Class 2 Arc Flash Helmet - Best in Class

Utility contractors who are committed to ensuring their staff are protected with the best personal protection equipment available are specifying the use of an arc flash certified safety helmet from ProGARM for any of their employees working with live electrical connections.

Many helmets that have traditionally been worn have been no more than a standard safety helmet offering little more than impact protection when the hazards that utility contractors in their job roles face far exceed this.

During 2014 ProGARM launched the 2680 Class 2 Arc Flash Helmet to its product range and as an alternative to the already successful 2660 Class 1 version that has established itself in the market place. This article is to raise awareness of this latest product addition that is set to become an established arc flash protection measure.

The Class 2 helmet is almost identical to the Class 1 version but features several new features in particular the tinted visor which offers the increased level of arc flash protection.

Manufactured using modified high impact polyamide with a lifetime of 4-5 years, the ProGARM Safety Helmet shells protect the head against injuries caused by falling objects, electric shock (by preventing shock current flow through the head) and also against electric arc and molten metal splashes.

The visor - which is the key component for protection against the thermal hazards of an electric arc - has been certified to the European Box Test method and also has an indicative rating for the ATPV Open Arc Test method. ProGARM 2680 helmet is manufactured using polycarbonate with an anti-fog and anti-scratch coating for maximum durability and optical performance. The visor retracts into the helmet when not in use to protect it from damage and to allow the helmet to function as a standard impact protection helmet.

Other features of the visor include protection against ultraviolet, molten metal and hot substances and resistance to misting by the use of a special anti-fog coating.

An important feature of the ProGARM arc flash helmet is the unique chin piece at the lower part of the visor that protects the chin area in the effect of an arc flash incident. This area of the body is often not protected with many arc flash protective garment systems as it can be exposed between a traditional visor and the garment that is being worn.

The arc flash helmet also offers a comprehensive range of accessories including 4 point webbing harness, ear defenders, ratchet wheel adjustment for a perfect fit and a short peak.

Video : Arc Flash Helmet For Utility Cable Jointers & Electrical Workers Protection - ProGARM 2680 

 

ProGARM Garments - Key Benefits

• Safety - Inherent, instant extinguishing properties which means increased safety.
• Comfort - Soft as pyjamas and highly breathable ensuring your staff are comfortable.
• Quality - Lifetime seam guarantee which means cost savings, these are noted to up to 70% longer than comparable garments.
• Durable - Colour fast with less than 3% shrinkage and increasing longevity.
• Design - Superb wearer acceptance which means your staff want to wear them ensuring they are complying.
• Protection - ProGARM garments have been tested to IEC61482 which ensure you staff are covered in the event of an arc flash.

ProGARM 2680 Class 2 Arc Flash Helmet

Category:  Electrical Safety & Arc Flash

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