BS EN 61482-2:2020 - Live Working: Protective Clothing Against Thermal Hazards of an Electric Arc

In the world of electrical safety, ensuring the protection of workers is paramount. The BS EN 61482-2:2020 standard is a critical document that outlines the requirements for protective clothing designed to shield workers from the thermal hazards associated with electric arcs. Released on May 15, 2020, this standard is an essential resource for manufacturers, safety officers, and anyone involved in the design and implementation of safety protocols in environments where electrical hazards are present.

Comprehensive Protection for Electrical Workers

The BS EN 61482-2:2020 standard provides detailed guidelines on the design, testing, and performance of protective clothing intended for use in live working conditions. This standard is crucial for ensuring that clothing not only meets but exceeds the safety requirements necessary to protect workers from the intense heat and energy released during an electric arc event.

Key Features of the Standard

• Standard Number: BS EN 61482-2:2020
• Pages: 34
• Release Date: May 15, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 580 87300 3
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard Matters

Electric arcs can occur unexpectedly and pose significant risks, including severe burns and other injuries. The BS EN 61482-2:2020 standard is designed to mitigate these risks by ensuring that protective clothing is capable of withstanding the extreme conditions generated by an electric arc. This standard is not just a guideline; it is a commitment to safety and a testament to the importance of protecting those who work in high-risk environments.

Detailed Requirements

The standard covers a range of requirements, including:

• Material Performance: Specifications for the materials used in protective clothing to ensure they provide adequate thermal protection.
• Design Criteria: Guidelines for the design of clothing to maximize protection while maintaining comfort and mobility.
• Testing Methods: Standardized testing procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of protective clothing against electric arc hazards.
• Labeling and Documentation: Requirements for labeling and documentation to ensure that users are fully informed about the protective capabilities of the clothing.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 61482-2:2020 standard is indispensable for a variety of professionals, including:

• Manufacturers: Companies that produce protective clothing must adhere to this standard to ensure their products provide the necessary level of protection.
• Safety Officers: Individuals responsible for workplace safety can use this standard to develop and implement effective safety protocols.
• Procurement Specialists: Those involved in purchasing protective clothing can use this standard to make informed decisions about the products they select.
• Regulatory Bodies: Organizations that oversee workplace safety can reference this standard to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Commitment to Safety and Innovation

The BS EN 61482-2:2020 standard represents a commitment to advancing safety in the workplace. By setting rigorous requirements for protective clothing, this standard not only enhances the safety of workers but also encourages innovation in the development of new materials and designs. As technology and materials science continue to evolve, this standard will play a crucial role in guiding the creation of even more effective protective solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BS EN 61482-2:2020 standard is an essential tool for anyone involved in the field of electrical safety. By providing comprehensive guidelines for the design, testing, and performance of protective clothing, this standard helps ensure that workers are adequately protected from the thermal hazards of electric arcs. Whether you are a manufacturer, safety officer, or regulatory body, this standard is a vital resource for promoting safety and innovation in the workplace.

BS EN 61482-2:2020

This standard BS EN 61482-2:2020 Live working. Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.220.40 Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• 29.260.99 Other electrical equipment for working in special conditions

NEW! IEC 61482-2:2018 is available as IEC 61482-2:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.   IEC 61482-2:2018 is applicable to protective clothing used in work where there is the risk of exposure to an electric arc hazard. This document specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing for electrical workers against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. Electric shock hazard is not covered by this document, which is applicable in combination with standards covering such hazards. Other effects than the thermal effects of an electric arc like noise, light emissions, pressure rise, hot oil, electric shock, the consequences of physical and mental shock or toxic influences are not covered by this document. Protection of eyes, face, head, hands and feet against electric arc hazard is not covered by this document. Requirements and tests to cover electric arc hazards to these parts of the body are under development. Protective clothing for work intentionally using an electric arc, e.g. arc welding, plasma torch, is not covered by this document. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: new definition for ELIM, ATPV and EBT as used in accordance with IEC 61482-1-1:–; new requirements for the thermal stability of the intermediate layers; additional material requirement for volume resistance; new test procedure for the thermal resistance of sewing threads and a new symbol for marking. Key words: Electric Arc, Protective Clothing, Arc Thermal Protection