Arc flash clothing is a special kind of safety workwear that protects the user from the threat of flash fires, including spontaneous combustions, which can occur when hazardous gasses are present. Employers need to ensure that their workers are equipped with arc flash clothing that is properly rated for the situation at hand. Individuals that work in areas where a flash fire could likely occur should understand how arc flash clothing is tested, rated, and classified when shopping for the right personal protective equipment (PPE).
Arc flash clothing, or arc-rated (AR) clothing — not to be confused with fire resistant (FR) clothing — is designed and tested to protect the wearer when working near electrical equipment or anywhere prone to flash fires and arc flash hazards. All arc flash workwear is flame resistant, but not all FR clothing is qualified to protect you from arc flash hazards.