For more than 50 years, DuPont has been at the forefront of FR fabric technology and has continued to develop innovative lightweight fabrics which exceed the needs of end-users in industry.
“Electrical workers require their garments to meet the arc rating which safety engineers have outlined for a particular risk area. However, the emerging trend in our region is to provide higher arc-rating with heavier fabrics, resulting in arc garments becoming stiffer and more uncomfortable, and that’s not necessarily what the end users want” comments Dharmesh Lakmidas, Sales Manager for DuPont™ Nomex®.
So how does DuPont using Arcman™ technology meet the needs of the Sub-Saharan Africa market?
“DuPont is focusing on what makes the difference to the electrical worker in executing his tasks in a safe and effective manner. Our goal is to develop fabric solutions which are lighter and more comfortable, yet deliver the highest level of arc protection and this is what we are bringing to the Sub-Sahara Africa region” explains Dharmesh.
What is the DuPont™ Arc-Man® test?
The DuPont™ Arc-Man® test helps manufacturers assess and compare the protection that various materials provide against the thermal effects of an electrical arc.
Understanding the end user requirements plays a vital role in the design of arc garments in the harsh working environment and the high temperatures experienced in the Sub-Sahara Africa region. That’s why comfort and durability play an integral part when designing garments for end users.
Durable fabrics like Nomex® help organisations reduce costs, ensuring less garment replacements.
DuPont™ Arcman® facilitates the design of such garments to test how these designs can withstand such conditions.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a typical example of how end user information can assist with designing arc garments for specific requirements.
Providing workers with the protection they require for the hazards they face is a major responsibility for both the manufacturer and employer.
To help one in their decision-making process from risk assessment through implementation we recommend using the 4P methodology below:
Why choose DuPont Arc-Man®?
DuPont Personal Protection has the in-depth knowledge, unparalleled expertise and broad portfolio of PPE solutions to help keep your workers safe.
• ArcMan® Test Facility is located in Switzerland
• Determines ATPV of fabrics and garments
• Our products are certified to IEC & ASTM standards
• In addition to ArcMan™ we do third party testing for certifying our fabrics.
For further information contact
Dharmesh Lakmidas / Patricia Ntsekhe
Cell: +27 (0)72 098 0791 / Cell: +27 ( 0) 82 305 6279
Email: dharmesh.lakmidas@dupont.com / patricia.ntsekhe@dupont.com
https://www.dupont.com l Tel: +27 11 218-8600