Scott Margolin, International Technical Director, joined Westex by Milliken in 2000. He has conducted over 3,800 flash fires and 1,600 arc flashes in labs in the United States, Canada and Europe. He is a member of several committees, including: NFPA 2112 and ASTM F-18 and F-23. Learn more at www.westex.com or contact by email: scott.margolin@milliken.com
The primary decision when implementing a flame-resistant clothing program, and consequently the first thing specified by the majority of people, is the flame-resistant (FR) fabric brand(s).
When selecting FR fabrics, safety pros can enlist the help of industry performance standards, such as ASTM F-1506 for arc flash and NFPA 2112 for flash fire. However, these standards are designed to represent a minimum performance criteria; they are intended to be used as the starting point, not the finish line, when evaluating FR clothing.
Many people believe that switching from poly/cotton blend work garments to non-flame resistant 100% cotton is an “upgrade†in safety when it comes to electric arc flash. Safety experts across the country today are busy trying to dispel this very dangerous myth.
