Safety is in the detail
BMG – which celebrates over 50 years of business this year – is a complete process solutions provider to all sectors of industry, which means customers can access all essential quality branded engineering components, technical services and support from one reliable supplier. This integrated approach guarantees lower production costs and higher efficiencies.
BMG’s Tools & Equipment division offers a comprehensive range of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to assist industry in creating a healthy and safe work environment. An important part of this range is Dromex arc workwear, that is critical for use near industrial electrical panels, switch rooms, substations and utilities power generators.
“We advise our customers to ensure their chosen workwear and PPE offers adequate protection for the specific application and because every environment poses different safety challenges, correct product selection is very important in all sectors,” states Andrew Johns, Business Unit Manager, BMG’s Tools & Equipment division. “Before selecting arc workwear and PPE for use in hazardous industries, where second and third degree burns can occur, it is important that an arc assessment is conducted. Once the arc hazard has been determined, the correct level of protection can be selected.
“An arc flash – which can reach temperatures up to 20 000°C – is a potentially fatal explosion of extreme light and radiant heat, as a result of a short circuit on an electrical panel. An arc flash can be caused by dust, dropping tools, accidental touching, condensation, corrosion or a faulty installation. Possible injuries include second and third degree burns from the extreme heat of the blast, burns from airborne molten metal, metal oxides and vaporised copper, concussion and head injuries, hearing impairment, damaged eyesight and even death. An arc flash can also cause fire in the surrounding work areas.
“Because injuries in these dangerous working conditions can be fatal, we believe it is essential that all selected workwear and PPE have undergone relevant testing. Tests should include fabric and garment analysis and be supported by official certification, giving the assurance that adequate protection will be provided.
“Included in BMG’s range of Dromex workwear and PPE are dependable arc protection products that have been developed through consultation with experts, testing fabric combinations and working with world-leading testing facilities. The range includes a head-to-toe PPE solution that is lightweight, comfortable and provides the highest level of protection against an arc flash.”
Dromex arc workwear is manufactured locally, using Dromex A.P.T.TM (Arc Protection Technologies) fabric. These products – which include 55 cal and 15 cal garments, as well as arc gloves, footwear and visors – are certified to stringent local and international standards. This certification gives the assurance of optimum protection in dangerous working environments where arc burns are a risk.
BMG’s Dromex range – designed for comfort and safety – has many important features, including an inherent flame-retardant thread, triple needle stitched seams, transfer print and embroidery logos, flame-retardant Velcro and double needle-stitched FR reflective tape.
Dromex workwear, which embraces advanced technologies, has flame retardants (FR) engineered into the fabric to ensure flame resistance and to prevent ignition for the life of the garment. Dromex A.P.T.TM FR cotton fabric has passed “Red Metal” testing, which offers additional bodily protection from molten metal, vaporised copper and metal oxides up to 1400°C. Molten metal is a deadly hazard that can easily penetrate synthetic lightweight fabrics during an arc flash incident.
In conventional testing, garments being tested for flammability against the NFPA 2112 standard, have a been washed 100 times. Dromex A.P.T.TM fabrics have been tested against the NFPA 2112 standard and excelled after 200 washes.
The service life of an arc garment is dependent on many factors, including careful wash care, storage between use and wear and tear during use. Specialists recommend that if a worker is exposed to an arc flash incident, the workwear and PPE needs to be removed from service immediately and replaced. Arc protective garments and equipment should always be inspected before and after use to ensure that it isn’t damaged or torn.
BMG’s range of PPE items also includes general protective clothing, safety spectacles, goggles, face masks, gloves, vests, rain suits and footwear.
Specially designed arc flash PPE – which includes Dromex Arc15 cal/cm2 jackets and pants – are available from BMG to offers protection against unseen threats. The range includes a head-to-toe PPE solution that is lightweight, comfortable and provides the highest level of protection against an arc flash.
For further information Andrew Johns, Business Unit Manager- Tools & Equipment, BMG
Cell: +27 82 460 1929
Tel: +27 11 620 1844
Email: andrewj@bmgworld.net
Web: www.bmgworld.net
