Microsoft Word - Arc Flash Catalogue 2013 Rev 03.docx(Pty) Ltd
Now available in Southern Africa. Comfortable arc flash resistance daily wear for people working in high-risk areas.
Staying Alive is NO Accident!
Why is arc flash a concern? An electrical arc flash produces one of the highest
temperatures on earth: over 20,000 degrees Celsius. The intense heat from an arc flash causes the sudden expansion of air, which results in a pressure blast. In addition it vaporizes all known material which can rapidly expand. Match Your PPE to the Threat PRIMARY PPE is your main protection from the threat i.e. electrical arc flash suit. Primary PPE is commonly worn by people who are intentionally entering into a high-risk situation.
SECONDARY PPE is a last line of defense. By definition it
is “secondary” because, like a hardhat or steel toe boots, you wear it continuously. Flame resistant clothings’ purpose is to provide escape time and/or minimize the extent of an injury sustained during an incident. Please remember it’s not just a good idea, it’s
a requirement by OHSA.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Categories of PPE as described in NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces) are:
Hazard
shirt and FR pants
HRC3 25
HRC4 40
double layer switching
coat and pants.
Cal/cm2 are the units of incident energy that PPE can withstand.
Our Product
Our range is imported from Benchmark in California.
Our focus is to supply a comfortable range of arc flash resistance daily wear for people working in high risk areas. Benchmark’s range has been developed over
many years and their Modified Weave makes the
softest HRC 2 shirt on the market today. The Benchmark product is tested in a third-party laboratory for durability and still passes the stringent industry requirements after 200 washes. This is double the most stringent industry testing requirements for flame resistant garments.
Message from Benchmark:
“Benchmark is proud to be different than other flame resistant apparel manufacturers. The backbone of our product line is a unique chemistry and process which allows us to manufacture flame resistant fabric from
natural materials as well as Modacrylic and Aramid fibers. The end result is FR clothing that is skin safe, chemically stable and has flame resistant properties that will remain effective for the life of a garment, regardless of the number of wash and wear cycles.
Our specialty is making FR clothing that you actually want to wear. Wearing flame resistant PPE is a job requirement for men and women across the country in numerous industries. Most people who wear FR apparel spend more time in their FR garments than any other clothing they own. Our approach to flame resistant protective apparel is simple…be innovative, don’t be afraid to be different and never compromise on safety or comfort. We are the FR you want to wear.”
Who is Arc Flash PPC?
Arc Flash PPC was founded by Warren McLeod, an electrical Engineer, who has twenty years experience in both heavy current and mining industries.
Following a recent lecture on the hazards and precautions of arc flashes Warren McLeod attempted to source day to day arc flash protective clothing. He was unable to locate what he was looking for in South Africa.
Warren then sourced Benchmark Clothing in the US and started Arc Flash PPC to supply this essential product into the South African market.
Our goal is not only to supply this product to people at risk, but also to educate the industry of the risks involved and the precautions that can be taken.
Should you wish to find out more about arc flash risks and our products, or want to place an order please
contact us on:
Soft Breathable Fabric
Comfortable Generous Fit
Flame Resistant for Life!
Large Arm Openings
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery. Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light industrial laundering.
Screen Print: Full color, high resolution logo’s can be applied using screen prints. Screen printed logo’s can be applied to the back of a garment and/or above the front pockets. Screen prints will remain vibrant if home laundered or dry cleaned. It is not advisable that screen printed garments are industrial laundered.
PRODUCTS
Really Nice Shirt (HRC2) 9.5 cal/cm2
Overview The Really Nice Shirt is made from 192 gram Benchmark FR Modified Weave material and has taken Benchmark two years to develop. The result is a one of the softest FR
fabrics available that is also lightweight with high thermal performance value (9.5 cal/cm2). The combination of cable-like ring spun yarns and a proprietary modified weave makes it the softest HRC2 shirt on the market today. A key feature of the Modified Weave is that it allows body heat and vapor to easily escape through passages created by floating yarns. All shirt details are tailor constructed to give the
Really Nice Shirt its "really nice" appearance. It is designed for electrical and utility workers who need a single layer shirt, with a greater than 8 cal rating.
During an incident the yarns compact and protect the wearer from arc flash and flash fire. Flame resistant properties do not diminish with washing when proper care instructions are followed.
Features
Closures
M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Colours:
Ideal for Layering
Raglan Sport Sleeve
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery. Screen Print: Full color, high resolution logo’s can be applied using screen prints. Screen printed logo’s can be applied to the back of a garment and/or above the front pockets. Screen prints will remain vibrant if home laundered or dry cleaned. It is not advisable that screen printed garments are industrial laundered. Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering: Flame Resistant reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost all benchmark
styles. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using stock letters is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are approximately eight and ten cm in height. Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering.
Henley Shirt (HRC2) – Unisex 9 cal/cm2 – Unisex
Overview Since being released in January of 2008, the Henley Shirt has become one of Benchmarks best selling products. The raglan sleeve construction gives this shirt an
athletic look and maximizes comfort by removing conventional seaming from around the arms and underarms. The extra wide rib collar sits close to the neck for a classic fit and looks more professional than typical long sleeve undershirts. The Benchmark FR jersey knit ring spun fabric makes this shirt ideal for year round use and great for layering under other FR garments.
Features
Unisex
Colour: Beige
S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 34-38 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Sizes
American Denim (HRC2) 14 cal/cm2
Overview Benchmark’s flame resistant American Denim Jeans are just like your favorite pair of work jeans, but with more utility. Our double reinforced belt loops are sewn into the waistband and then bar tacked, which means they can’t pull out. Our pants are also pre-washed and ready to wear so there is no break-in required.
Features
Flame Resistant for Life
30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 76 80 88 92 96 100 104 108 112 116
Sizes
Flame Resistant for Life
Loose Fit
Custom Options Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light industrial laundering. Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering: Flame Resistant reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost all benchmark styles. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using stock letters
is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are three and four inches in height. Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering.
Classic Twill (HRC2) 13 cal/cm2
Overview The Classic Twill pants are constructed like denim jeans, but in Benchmark’s durable Classic Twill fabric. Our twill is constructed differently from typical twills and is woven so that interlacing yarns can slide under each other. This gives the added benefit of a smooth surface and an exceptionally soft feel. A high thread count adds strength to
the Classic Twill, yet it remains flexible and comfortable to wear because of the fabric's special construction. Our pants are also pre-washed and require no break-in.
Features
Heavy Duty Construction
Melamine, High Temperature Closures
30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 76 80 88 92 96 100 104 108 112 116
Sizes
Flame Resistant for Life
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery. Screen Print: Full color, high resolution logo’s can be applied using screen prints. Screen printed logo’s can be applied to the back of a garment and/or above the front pockets. Screen prints will remain vibrant if home laundered or dry cleaned. It is not advisable that screen printed garments are industrial laundered. Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering: Flame Resistant reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost all benchmark
styles. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using stock letters is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are three and four inches in height. Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering.
Women’s Long Sleeve Shirt (HRC1) 6 cal/cm2
Overview This shirt is designed so that women can look professional and work comfortably. This is not a men's shirt just made smaller; it has been designed specifically for the female
body. The body of the shirt has a slight contour which compliments the waist line, but also allows for movement. The curved bottom hem compliments the body and ensures a professional appearance at all times, and is long enough to be comfortably tucked into trousers.
Features
Melamine, High Temperature Closures
Double Top Stitch Construction
Colour: Beige
S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 34-38 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Sizes
Flame Resistant for Life
Loose Fit & Boot Cut
Custom Options Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers
both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light industrial laundering. Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering: Flame Resistant reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost all benchmark styles. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using stock letters is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are three and four inches in height.
Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering.
Women’s Denim Jeans (HRC2) 13 cal/cm2
Overview Our Women's Denim Jeans are designed specifically to fit a woman's body with a semi- low rise waist and extra ease built into the fit to ensure comfort while working. We also added a slight boot cut to create a flattering contour on the body.
Features
Heavy Duty Construction
Melamine, High Temperature Closures
28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Sizes
Rib Cuffs and Waist
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it
punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery. Screen Print: Full color, high-resolution logo’s can be applied using screen prints. Screen-printed logo’s can be applied to the back of a garment and/or above the front pockets. Screen prints will remain vibrant if home laundered or dry cleaned. It is not advisable that screen-printed garments are industrial laundered. Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering: Flame Resistant reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost all benchmark styles. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using stock letters
is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are approximately eight and ten cm in height. Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering. Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light industrial laundering.
Hooded Sweatshirt (HRC2) 16 cal/ cm2 - Unisex
Overview The Hooded Sweatshirt is an ideal outer layer garment, especially if you work indoors and outdoors throughout the day. It is constructed like your favorite ‘hoodie’ with a front zipper closure and three-piece drawstring hood that has generous coverage. The hood can be comfortably worn either under or over a hard hat. As practical and comfortable as our hooded sweatshirt is, it also offers 16 cals of protection. Benchmark has re-engineered the fleece fabric to have a minimal amount of shrinkage (less than
3%), excellent colourfastness and increased tensile strength. The weight was reduced to feel more like a “store bought” garment. Industrial laundering is not recommended for this product.
Features
Colour: Navy
S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 34-38 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Sizes
Inside Security Pocket
Large Arm Openings
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it
punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery. Screen Print: Full color, high resolution logo’s can be applied using screen prints. Screen printed logo’s can be applied to the back of a garment and/or above the front pockets. Screen prints will remain vibrant if home laundered or dry cleaned. It is not advisable that screen printed garments are industrial laundered. Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering: Flame Resistant reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost all benchmark styles. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using stock letters
is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are three and four inches in height. Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering. Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light industrial laundering.
Bomber Jacket (HRC3) 30 cal/ cm2 Unisex
Overview The Bomber Jacket is our year-round jacket, ideal for cold (above freezing) to moderate climates. The outer shell is made from Benchmark’s durable satin weave twill
and has a light weight Benchmark twill lining. We constructed the Bomber Jacket with two back gussets to allow for a full range of motion, and the overall fit is generous enough for layering garments. The Bomber Jacket also has a lot of subtle built in utility including two concealed front pockets, a pen pocket on the left arm and an inner security pocket.
Features
Helps Regulate Body Temperature
Colour: Navy
S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 34-38 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Sizes
Storm Cuffs & Wrist Closures
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery.
Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light industrial laundering.
Insulated Parka (HRC3) 39 cal/cm2
Overview We took the standard and made it high performance. This parka style jacket is constructed of a break through flame resistant fabric system which uses pre-oxidized meta-aramid insulation, soil release coatings, wind proof and water proof layers with Benchmark FR scrims. The fabric system uses technology that allows moisture vapor to escape even during zero degree weather. The feel of the jacket is soft and flexible and all seams are taped and sealed protecting the wearer from cold, wind and fire.
Features
Colour: Navy
S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 34-38 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Insulated Hood (Optional Extra) The Insulated, Wind Proof Hood is constructed of a break through flame resistant fabric system which uses pre-oxidized meta-aramid insulation, soil release coatings, wind proof and water proof layers with Benchmark
FR scrims. The fabric system uses technology that allows moisture vapor to escape even during zero degree weather. This item is compatible with the Insulated Parka.
Sizes
Back Gussets
Seven Pockets
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95%
less than direct embroidery. Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light industrial laundering. Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering: Flame Resistant reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost all benchmark styles. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific
design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using stock letters is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are three and four inches in height. Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering. Screen Print: Full color, high-resolution logo’s can be applied using screen prints.
Screen-printed logo’s can be applied to the back of a garment and/or above the front pockets. Screen prints will remain vibrant if home laundered or dry cleaned. It is not advisable that screen-printed garments are industrial laundered. Leg Zippers: Leg zippers can be added to the bottom leg opening on all coverall styles. We use 30cm flame resistant molded plastic or non-sparking brass zippers.
Standard Coverall (HRC2) 13 cal/cm2
Overview The Standard Coverall was developed primarily for arc-flash protection. It is a great solution for HRC 2, single garment compliance.
Snag Resistant Fabric
Excellent Thermal Protection
Flame Resistant for Life
S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 34-38 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Colours:
Sizes
Custom Options Patches: This is the most effective way to brand your workers. Patches are safer than direct embroidery because it punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery. Limited Reflective Striping (Silver or Yellow/Silver/Yellow): Our yellow/silver/yellow striping offers both daytime and nighttime visibility and is safe for both home and light
industrial laundering.
Overview The Insulated Coverall is constructed of a break through flame resistant fabric system which uses pre-oxidized meta-aramid insulation, soil release coatings, wind proof and
water proof layers with Benchmark FR scrims. The fabric system uses technology that allows moisture vapor to escape even during zero degree weather. All seams are taped and sealed protecting the wearer from cold, wind and fire.
M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 38-42 42-46 46-50 50-54 54-58 58-62 62-66
Colours:
Navy
Generous Fit
Sizes
Add-On Options
Patches This is the most cost effective way to brand your workers. We feel patches are safer than direct embroidery because it punctures the flame resistant membrane as much as 95% less than direct embroidery. We have the ability to create company patches and
name patches using either a sublimation or embroidery patch process.
Sublimation Patch The sublimation process allows us to
transfer virtually any unique color, color gradient or complex
logo onto the patch backing through a heat process. This option is highly recommended for complex logos
and small quantity runs. No minimum requirements.
Logo
Embroidered Patches Choose from a wide range of thread colors and colored backgrounds to make virtually
any multi-color logo. Create custom patches with unique shapes or special size requirements. Minimums will apply. Digitizing fees will apply.
Name
Embroidered Name Patch Choose a thread color and
background color and we can quickly and affordably add your name to
almost any Benchmark style. Standard fonts include
Block or Script writing on a standard 8.9cm x 3.8cm rectangular patch. No minimum requirements.
Name
Screen Print
Full color, high resolution logo’s can be applied to almost any Benchmark garment using screen prints. Screen printed logo’s can be applied to the back of a
garment and/or above the front pockets. Screen prints will remain vibrant if home laundered or dry
cleaned. It is not advisable that screen printed garments are industrial laundered. Minimums will apply requirement. Set-up fees will apply.
Direct Embroidery Name
Choose a thread color and we can quickly and affordably add your name to almost any Benchmark style. Standard fonts
include Block or Script writing. No minimum requirements. Digitising
Fees will apply.
Direct Embroidered Logos
Choose from a wide range of thread colors to make virtually any multi-color logo. Embroidered logos look professional and will remain
vibrant for the life of the garment. No minimum requirement. Digitizing
fees will apply.
Reflective Heat Transfers & Lettering Custom Heat Transfers
Reflective heat transfers can be applied to almost any Benchmark style. Logos can be custom die cut to your specific design and adhered to the back of your garment. Using
stock letters is another easy way to customize a garment. Stock letters are approximately eight and ten centimeters in height. Reflective heat transfers remain vibrant when home laundered and are not recommended for industrial laundering. No minimum requirements. Set-up fees will apply.
Reflective Striping Yellow/Silver/Yellow (5cm) Silver (5cm)
Available on:
Class II (Full Front, Waist, Biceps & Lower Leg)
Striping prices are doubled for insulated garments.
Fitting Guide What Size T-Shirt Fits You? In most cases the t-shirt size you are wearing will directly correspond to the size Benchmark coverall, shirt or outerwear you choose. Please contact us directly if you need assistance in determining your size.
How to measure your body
Height Standing straight against a wall (without footwear) mark the wall at the top of your head. Measure from that point down to the floor.
Chest From a standing position, measure the circumference of your upper body at the fullest part of your chest, typically just under the arm pit.
Sleeve Bend your elbow as shown. Start at the centre-back of your neck and measure aross the shoulder, around the elbow and to your wrist.
Waist The easiest way is to look at the tag in the pants you are wearing right now! Alternatively you can measure around your natural waist where your pants sit most comfortably.
Inseam Remove your shoes and measure from your crotch to your ankle.
Performance “…flame resistant properties will remain effective for
the life of the garment, regardless of the number of washing and wearing cycles.”
How it Works
When exposed to an ignition source such as flames, severe heat or an electric arc, Benchmark FR garments will react to protect the wearer by self-extinguishing within moments after the ignition source has been removed. It is this rapid reaction that can save the wearer’s life and limit the extent of an injury.
Benchmark FR fabrics are permanently impregnated with an organo-phosphorous flame retardant which reacts with the hydroxyl group in the cellulose of cotton. This flame retardant is not a coating, but rather, a chemical bond with natural cotton’s molecular structure. In the event that the fabric is exposed to an ignition source, a carbon scaffold is formed through a rapid dehydration of the cotton’s cellulose. This reaction not only counteracts heat penetration, but also controls the spread of fire by “removing the fuel” from the fabric.
Benchmark FR garments will not melt or drip and they will not shrink in the presence of heat. By maintaining a fabric- to-skin air cushion, Benchmark FR garments offer an increased level of thermal protection. If our simple care instructions are followed the flame resistant properties will remain effective for the life of the garment, regardless of the number of washing and wearing cycles.
Our Advantage When flame resistant fabrics were first introduced, there was no benchmark, or standard of measure, to gauge the performance level of each fabric. With the recent development and adaptation of codes and standards, we can now quantify the various levels of protection offered by a flame resistant material. “We are the safest” is no longer an empty catch phrase, and can actually be determined in an evaluation of the ratings, which are shown inside each piece of protective equipment.
At Benchmark, we oversee the entire manufacturing process from start to finish. We are a “vertical manufacturer.” This means that we weave the majority of our fabrics, impart them with flame resistant properties, and then carefully construct the finished garments for a comfortable, lasting fit. In fact, the only outsourcing we allocate is for testing performed by independent laboratories. All Benchmark FR materials are evaluated by third party laboratories to ensure unbiased and accurate test results.
We feel that being a vertical manufacturer shows a commitment to both the FR market and our products. Many of our competitors are known as “cut & sew” manufacturers because they simply purchase treated material from a mill
and convert the fabric into garments. As a result cut & sew manufacturers may be forced to minimize fabric usage which compromises fit and construction. Simply stated, cut & sew manufacturing does not lend itself to innovation or value for the customer.
At Benchmark our clothing’s fit is based entirely on what is comfortable to wear and not what is the most economical to construct. We take pride in the fact that our garments have style, fit generously, feel softer and wear more comfortably than other flame resistant garments on the market. Compare Benchmark to other brands; the difference will be obvious.
Permanently impregnated fiber
Coated fiber with limited durability
200 Wash Test ASTM 1506 requires that the test for determining the flame resistance of textiles be performed the following two ways; on new (unwashed) fabric and on fabric washed 25 times. Both methods require that the fabric has a char length of less than 6” and an after flame time of less than 5 seconds. In September of 2008, Benchmark voluntarily performed a test in which the goal was to measure the char length on Benchmark FR fabric after 200 washes. This wash test was not merely “simulated”, but actually performed by a third party laboratory. The Benchmark FR fabric was washed and dried 200 times using a permanent wash cycle, standard detergent, a wash temperature of 120 degrees and a permanent press dry cycle.
Conclusion After 200 washes, not only did the Benchmark FR fabric remain flame resistant, but the char length actually decreased or improved.
Skin Safe message from Benchmark
SWEAT SAFE, SALIVA SAFE, NO TOXINS, NO AMMONIA CURE, NO HALOGENS, NON ALLERGENIC, NO HEAVY METALS, NO FREE FORMALDEHYDE
“…protective garments not only provide the required protection, but are also safe to wear.”
At Benchmark, safety is our highest concern. We realize that companies and individuals today want to be sure that protective garments not only provide the required protection, but are also safe to wear. With this goal, we have voluntarily adopted the most stringent applicable international health codes, monitoring levels of toxicity and allergens in flame resistant garments.* Benchmark FR is unique because our treatment process yields a fabric that is safe to wear directly against the skin and also non-allergenic. In other brands, direct contact with the skin or bodily secretions can leach or dissolve textile finishing products. At Benchmark, our method chemically bonds a flame retardant to the cotton's cellulose fiber so that it becomes an integral part of the cotton's structure; it is not a simple surface "coating."
Benchmark’s FR process does not use ammonia to cure the retardant and our formulation does not contain any heavy metals or halogens. The end result is a superior flame resistant fiber which will not react with saliva or sweat**, nor pose any other secondary threat to human health. With regard to contact with the human body, there is virtually no difference between Benchmark FR cotton and untreated cotton.
*Benchmark's fabrics conform to the Oeko-Tex 100 and the Japanese Law 112, which are the most stringent international standards currently gauging toxicity and formaldehyde content in flame resistant garments. **In both indirect and direct contact dermatological tests for saliva and sweat interaction performed by the Food and Drug Research Laboratory, the University of California's San Francisco Medical Center and SGS Laboratories, no evidence of harmful or irritant reactions was shown. These tests conclude that there is no mutenegenic behavior, no immunotoxicity and no cytotoxicity.
Garment Care Simple Care Benchmark FR garments will remain flame resistant for the life of the garment provided they are cared for properly. Our wash instructions are simple and mostly require that you leave out extra chemicals during the laundering process.
Important:
Wash Benchmark garments once every six months, but no less than once a year, regardless of use.
o Frequent washing is recommended to avoid soiling and to maintain peak flame resistant properties. (ASTM F2757)
Remove and clean clothing if soiled with contaminants or flammable material.
o All materials influencing flammability must be completely washed off the garment.
Simple Care Options
Home Wash This is the preferred method for cleaning your flame resistant garments because even the most basic home washer will keep your garments looking better than an industrial wash service. This is because there are less garments being washed at once, hence less abrasion.
Set washing machine on cotton cycle. Warm water or normal temperature setting (140 degrees Fahrenheit) Home laundry detergent (e.g. Tide® or All®). Do not use bleach whether separate or contained within the detergent. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or oxygenating agents (e.g. OxyClean®). Do not use lye based, tallow or home-made soaps. Do not use fabric softeners. Tumble dry low or medium heat, do not over dry. Avoid pressing with open steam. Do not use starch. Do not use acid rinses. Do not use hard water
o Use softening agents (Stasoft) or water softening systems.
Dry Cleaning While all Benchmark products can be dry cleaned, it is the favored method for washing Benchmark insulated garments such as parka’s and bibs.
The dry cleaning solvents should be clean. Solvents systems are safe. Solvent systems charged with water and detergents are safe.
The Industrial or Commercial Wash You must notify your laundry service that they are washing a flame resistant product. Flame resistant garments are designed to react to heat and it is important the laundry service knows to follow the wash instructions which are embroidered/sewn inside the back of every Benchmark garment.
Wash soiled Benchmark flame resistant garments separately
o This avoids cross contamination. We recommend flush, break, carry over and rinse with water not exceeding 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
o Benchmark FR properties are normally not affected by high wash temperatures however, to avoid excessive shrinkage they should be avoided.
o Lower temperatures for lightly soiled garments are recommended for increased garment life and maximum color retention.
Adequately rinse garments to remove detergents and residues.
o Garments should have a pH of 7 or should be slightly alkaline.
Do not use sour or acid rinsing agents o Neutralizing alkaline materials with acid
can form salt deposits and should be avoided.
o Caustic based alkaline does not rinse well.
o Adequate rinsing to achieve dilution and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH should be used.
Do not use bleach whether separate or contained within the detergent. Do not use lye based, tallow or home-made soaps. Benchmark FR garments can be dried using typical methods for cotton however to avoid excess shrinkage over drying should be avoided. Typical cotton pressing techniques can be used, however avoid finishing and pressing with open steam. Do not use starch
Codes
NFPA 70e: National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace is a voluntary standard that is widely considered to be the best practice guide for protecting workers from arc flash. It addresses electrical safety requirements in workplaces during activities such as the installation, operation, maintenance, and demolition of electric conductors, electric equipment, communications equipment, and raceways. The essence of NFPA 70e, from a Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) perspective, is to identify the threat and accurately match your PPE to the threat. It is beyond the scope of this website to explain NFPA 70e, but we do recommend visiting www.NFPA.org for complete information.
HRC: HRC is an abbreviation for Hazard/Risk Category. This is a classification system published in NFPA 70e which is used to match protective clothing and equipment to tasks performed on energized equipment.
Note: There are five Hazard/Risk Categories (0, 1, 2, 2*, 3 and 4) with clothing system arc rating requirements ranging from 0 to 40 cal/cm2. See NFPA 70e, Table 130.7(C) (11) and Article 130 for complete information.
Arc Rating: An arc rating can be reported as ATPV or Ebt and it is used to match protective clothing and equipment to the threat. ATPV stands for Arc Thermal Performance Value and is expressed in cal/cm2. Some people in the industry may refer to this as “Cals”, and while this term is not recognized by code, it is short for calories-per-square-centimeter. This measure represents the amount of energy a material will block until there is a 50% probability that there would be a second degree burn. This number describes the protective clothing’s ability to resist heat. Incident Energy, which is the amount of energy from an electrical arc that is likely to be experienced at a certain distance, describes the threat. It too is expressed in cal/cm2.
ASTM 1506: This is “Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards.” It sets the minimum performance criteria for fabric that is used as a flame resistant garment. It includes requirements for flame travel, seam strength, tearing, bursting strength and more.
NESC 2007: The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) has been adopted by municipalities and states around the country. It
was designed for people working on electrical supply, utilities, communications and associated equipment. It compliments the NFPA 70e code because it provides practical work rules for electrical generation, distribution and communication, or people who must work on or near energized parts because it is not possible or practical to de-energize. There are three clothing system ratings in this code 4-cal, 8-cal and 12 cal systems which are based on voltage, fault current and maximum clearing times for voltages up to 800kV.
NFPA 2112: This is a flame resistant garment standard for protection of industrial personnel against a flash fire. This standard contains dozens of tests which the material, fabric, accessories and garment must pass. For example, the garment must achieve less than a 50% total body burn, as tested on a thermal mannequin. The fabric must maintain flame resistant properties after 100 commercial washes, a low thermal shrinkage, maintain colorfastness and a host of other design standards which are all part of NFPA 2112. For more information www.nfpa.org
Note: It is important to note you cannot certify a fabric, but only a garment to this standard. Many brands of flame resistant garments can not pass this test.
OSHA 1910.269: This Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard applies to electric utilities and generation plants when work is performed on existing facilities. It requires that employees who work around energized electrical parts not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arc, does not contribute to the extent of the burn injury. In common language, it requires that in the event of a hazardous incident, your clothing can not make the injury worse.
This means do not wear clothing that will support combustion, melt, or have high rates of thermal shrinkage. This rule prohibits polyester, nylon and other synthetic non-FR materials. Flame resistant clothing that meets the requirements of ASTM F 1506 “Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards” complies with OSHA 1910.269. www.OSHA.gov
OSHA 1910.32: This is a broad explanation of the employers’ responsibility to their employees. In general terms, it states that it is the employers’ duty to identify potential danger and protect the employee from those hazards. OSHA has used this “General Duty Clause” to cite employers who did not require the use of flame resistant clothing after their employees were burned.
Policies
email (info@arcflashppc.com)
Telephonically (Carrie McLeod +27 72 573 1375)
Or with Warren McLeod (+27 82 419 6910) or Iain MacKenzie
(+27 74 588 0700)
Please speak to our sales staff before placing your order to establish whether we have any special offers available.
Guarantee and Returns Policy Benchmark garments are guaranteed to be free from manufacturing
defects. Please check all garments on receipt for the unlikely event that a defective garment has been shipped. If this is the case please contact Laura MacKenzie (+27 83 822 9720) to make arrangements for the return and credit/replacement of the item.
Shipping and Delivery Shipping and delivery terms as per your quotation.
Payment Terms 5% discount for COD payments
50% Deposit on all imported items.
30 day accounts are strictly 30 days from invoice. Should you require a
30 day account please discuss this with your sales person or contact Carrie McLeod (carrie.mcleod@arcflashppc.com) for an account application form. Interest of prime +2% will be charged on overdue accounts.
Minimum Orders Orders of less than 50 items will be grouped with other smaller orders to minimize shipping costs. This may result in delays. Orders of 50 items or more will be imported immediately.
Don’t let an Arc Flash turn
you off!
Arc Flash PPC (Pty) Ltd) PO Box 1283 Edenvale 1610
www.arcflashppc.com +27 82 419 6910