All products of Santanense Fire Line comply with level 2 protection against electric arc with only one layer, according to NFPA 70E. Levels 3 and 4 can be reached with more layers.
Fire Cotton
APTV is one of the most efficient tissue comparison parameters. In this sense, the performance of Santanense's Fire Cotton line in relation to the competition is unsurpassed, as can be seen below:
Fire Comfort
We can also compare the Fire Comfort line with imported fabrics. It is observed, once again, that Santanense fabrics are highly effective in protecting against electric arc.
Fire Techno
The Fire Techno line also outperforms imported fabrics.
Even protection levels 3 and 4 can be obtained by using of more layers, showing the high degree of protection against electric arc of the Fire Santanense line.
In any industrial park or work environment, it is essential to carry out Risk Analysis. This procedure, widely used by the Occupational Health and Safety areas, defines the risks inherent in the activities and environment under study.
In the electricity area, the Incident Energy Calculation is part of the Risk Analysis. This procedure consists of technically analyzing the electrical equipment to define what energy would be released in the event of an electrical arc. The result of the risk calculation is obtained in cal / cm².
It is not by chance that the ATPV index of the tissue is also obtained in cal / cm². In this test, carried out in accordance with ASTM F 1959 or IEC 61482-1-1 Method A, the amount of heat that the fabric can withstand or the protective factor of the uniform is basically obtained. With this reasoning, we can define the Risk Classification as ATPV-based subdivisions of the fabric, according to the following:
The most used classification in the world is Risk 2. All fabrics used by Santanense guarantee protection against Risk 2 with one layer. Protection for Risk 3 and 4 can be developed by overlapping layers of fabric, with 2 layers normally protecting against Risk 3; and with 3 layers the Risk 4.
Every movement of electric charges generates an electric field. In energized circuit activities, this accumulation of electrical charges occurs involuntarily and unexpectedly. When the intensity of the electric field exceeds the dielectric strength of the air, it ceases to be an insulator and becomes a conductor, thus facilitating the passage of electric current through it.
At that moment, an electric arc is produced, which releases a very high amount of energy in a short time - 10,000 °C in less than 1 second - which can cause serious damage to workers.
Contrary to what many people think, protection against electric arc is not only necessary in power plants and distributors. All workers who carry out activities with or near energized equipment must wear flame-retardant uniforms.
The entire Fire Santanense Line complies with Level 2 protection.
As especificações e testes dos equipamentos de proteção contra os efeitos térmicos de fogo repentino também estão contemplados nas normas da ISO (InternationalOrganization for Standardization). Para a proteção contra arco elétrico, as normas são feitas em colaboração mútua com a ISO e IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
Flash Fire
ISO 11612
It establishes the minimum performance requirements for protective clothing against heat and flames, which can be used for a wide variety of end uses, and are intended to protect the worker's body, except his hands, from heat and flames. The test must be performed on an instrumented dummy according to ISO 13506, with a minimum exposure time of 3 and a maximum of 4 seconds, or up to 8 seconds for multilayers, although it does not establish a maximum limit for the percentage of burns, such as the NFPA 2112. The specifications are in accordance with the regulations in force in the country of origin.
ISO 13506
Test the full protective clothing against heat and flames using an instrumented dummy to assess the behavior and resistance to sudden fire. These evaluations are recorded graphically by means of sensors that, due to their precision, can measure all degrees of burning. After the flame is applied for the time determined in ISO 11612, the reading is made for a period of up to 60 seconds, for a layer, or 120 seconds, for multilayers, after the flame ceases, to evaluate the possibility of burns in this interval.
The conclusive report must record the time of exposure to the flames, the burning areas in percentage, the sample behavior (if there was smoke emission, shrinkage, intensity, and duration of the post-combustion), volume of smoke generated during and after the test, dimensional stability, among other factors.
ISO 15025
It establishes two test methods to limit the spread of the flame. The after-flame in both methods must be less than 2 seconds. Both textile samples and samples that contain all types of materials that make up the clothing externally (velcro, zippers, thread, etc.) can be evaluated. Electric Arc
IEC 61482-2
It establishes the minimum certification requirements, and is similar to ASTM F 1506. It allows the assessment of clothing by two methods: IEC 61482-1-1 or IEC 61482-1-2.
IEC 61482-1-1
Evaluates the performance of textile or clothing materials in the presence of an arc using two methods. The first, method A, determines the ATPV (similar to ASTM F 1959), HAF, and breaks in tissue samples; the second, method B (similar to ASTM F 2621), evaluates the performance of the constructive characteristics of the clothes on an instrumented dummy.
As a precondition for carrying out the test, it is necessary that the textile materials meet the requirements of ISO 15025 regarding the extent of carbonization, which must be less than 100 mm, and the after-flame, which must be less than 2 seconds. It differs from NFPA 70E in that it does not separate it into risky categories.
IEC 61482 1-2
Evaluates the performance of fabrics or clothing in the presence of an electrical arc using the box method (Box Test). It classifies the tested materials in two protection classes: • Classe 1 – Corrente de teste 4 kA – 3,2 cal/cm². • Class 1 - Test current 7 kA - 10.1 cal / cm². It uses ATPV information according to method A. IEC 61482-1-1.
This set of rules was developed based on the experiences of American society throughout their history, as a way of guaranteeing conditions of protection for workers at risk. The objective was to create and maintain standards and requirements for the prevention and supervision of activities, training, equipment specification, and also the development of safety standards and codes.
The regulatory requirements for protective equipment were established by the Electricity Safety Technical Committee of the National Fire Protection Association - NFPA, which refers to the test standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM. Therefore, the reference standards for clothing are the NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E standards, which refer to a series of ASTM test standards.
• NFPA 2112: Standard for flame resistant clothing for industrial protection against sudden fire - Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for personal fire protection. • NFPA 70E: Electrical safety at the workplace - Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
Flash Fire
NFPA 2112
North American certification program for clothing resistant to sudden fire - determines the minimum requirements for assessment, testing, and approval of ready-made clothing, according to pre-established model and measures. Establishes cut lines for tests performed on clothing and fabrics.
ASTM F 1930
Test of instrumented dummy with ready-to-wear according to model and measures pre-established in the standard. This dummy features more than 100 internal sensors that detect the percentage of burns and the place where they occurred. NFPA 2112 establishes that the test should be carried out on three samples, with a time of exposure to the flame of 3 seconds, in addition to other physical tests, and considers a percentage of fires of up to 50% as approved. The test result is given in a report with a graph showing the levels of burning and the burned region. It reports in detail all the conditions observed in the test.
ASTM D 6413
Test method that assesses the vertical flammability of textile samples received after 25 wash cycles. The test is carried out in the warp x weft direction. NFPA 2112 establishes a carbonization limit of 102 mm and a flame extinguishment time of two seconds. In this method, samples of fabrics containing trimmings that can compose garments externally, such as reflective strips, can be evaluated. The test will be recorded in a report containing detailed information.
Electric Arc
NFPA 70E
It specifies the protective equipment and classifies it in four risk categories based on the ATPV, according to the table below:
ASTM F 1506
Standard that establishes the construction and testing requirements for electricians' clothing. Determines the cut lines for the ASTM D 6413 and F 1959 standards, among others, which evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of the textile sample.
ASTM D 6413
Vertical flammability (evaluates the textile sample as received and after 25 wash cycles). ASTM F 1506 establishes 152 mm as a carbonization limit and maximum flame persistence of 2 seconds.
ASTM F 1959
Standard that determines the ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) through tests on at least 20 tissue samples. The report presents the results of sample behavior, flammability, ATPV, HAF (Heat Attenuation Factor), which is the percentage of incident energy that is blocked by the tested material when it is subjected to the electrical arc at a certain incident energy value.
ASTM F 2621
This standard provides for an observation test of the behavior of materials, products or assemblies in the form of finished products to determine their integrity, closures and seams, when exposed to the radiant and convective energy generated by an electric arc under controlled conditions in the laboratory. It is complementary to the ASTM F 1959 standard, that is, the materials used in making the equipment, which will be tested in accordance with the ASTM F 2621 standard, must be previously tested in accordance with the ASTM F 1959 standard.
The constructive requirements of the materials used in the manufacture of the equipment that will be subjected to the tests of the ASTM F 2621 standard are established by the ASTM F 1506 standard.
ASTM F 2178
This standard is used to evaluate combined facial protection equipment (arrangements made in the combination of hood, helmet, and visor or helmet and visor) when subjected to the electric arc and to determine the ATPV of the combined equipment.
Stationwear
NFPA 1975
This standard specifies protective clothing for plainclothes firefighters and presents the minimum requirements in terms of performance and design that such clothing must meet. Among the tests required in the standard are:
• Flammability after 100 washes; • Thermal shrinkage; • Seams quality; • Durability of labels.
The rule makes it clear that its objective is to guarantee protection to the firefighter in all situations, but that the garments Stationwear, of plainclothes firefighters, must be used in conjunction with combat clothing in the event of a fire.
NR6 is the norm that regulates all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and defines what parameters these equipment must follow to ensure worker safety.
6.1 - For the purposes of applying this Regulatory Standard - NR, Personal Protective Equipment - PPE is considered to be any device or product, for individual use used by the worker, intended to protect against risks that may threaten safety and health at work.
As a result of this regulation, the Ministry of Labor and Employment requires that all personal protective equipment be subjected to technical tests that prove their protection. Subsequently, the Ministry will issue a Certificate of Approval (CA), which will authorize the sale of the product in the national territory.
It is the employer's responsibility to provide the appropriate PPE for the risks susceptible to the worker's activity and in perfect conditions of use. It is also the employer's responsibility to provide adequate training for the correct use of the equipment.
NR 10
This Regulatory Norm - NR, establishes the minimum requirements and conditions for the implementation of control measures and preventive systems, in order to guarantee the safety and health of workers who, directly or indirectly, interact in electrical installations and services with electric energy.
This Regulatory Norm - NR, establishes the minimum requirements and conditions for the implementation of control measures and preventive systems, in order to guarantee the safety and health of workers who, directly or indirectly, interact in electrical installations and services with electric energy.
This NR applies to the phases of generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption, including the stages of design, construction, assembly, operation, maintenance of electrical installations, and any works carried out in its surroundings, observing the official technical standards established by the agencies, competent authorities and, in their absence or omission, the relevant international standards.
The above article of NR 10 informs that the ideal is to protect the entire team of workers, preventing the occurrence of electric arc. However, being 100% sure that such an event will not occur is technically impossible. In this case, the company must protect each user individually, by using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Developed from the most modern technologies available on the market, the FIRE DEFENSE line offers a very high level of protection and performance in intervention and fire-fighting clothing.
FIRE DEFENSE fabrics offer better protection against heat than the current fabrics available on the market for outer layers, through the use of balanced combinations of fibers that are inherently flame retardant. Either in the mix 40% meta-aramid | 59% para-aramid | 1% carbon or 93% meta-aramid | 5% para-aramid | 2% carbon, the result is maximum protection.
In the relentless search for improvements, Santanense has partnered with the best and most innovative producers of fibers and chemicals in the world, to offer greater protection to firefighters and rescue and emergency teams.
The balanced combination of inherently flame-retardant fibers, combined with the Rip Stop structure and a unique repellent finish, offers excellent mechanical, chemical, heat resistance, and water absorption. The fabrics are fully approved by major international standards, such as NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112.
State-of-the-art technology combining protection and durability.
The FIRE TECHNO line represents the most modern and advanced in the development of FR fabrics. It has inherently flame-retardant fibers, dispensing special finishes. For this reason, these fabrics have very high resistance to flame and heat, coming from both electric arc and sudden fire.
The fabrics are produced in our plants in Minas Gerais, where all quality is controlled. FIRE TECHNO fabrics were developed by Santanense's engineering area. They are the result of a long research and tireless work by our company to exceed global safety standards.
Unipar, in addition to being inherently flame-retardant, has excellent mechanical resistance and durability, due to its composition of para-aramid fiber, which is at least 5 times more resistant than steel.
Unicarbon takes the concept of protection even further. Greater protection against sudden fire and electric arc. In addition, it has 2% carbon, which makes the fabric antistatic, additionally protecting against the risk of explosion. Unicarbon is constantly discharging to room air.
In both fabrics the comfort is also exceptional, due to the lightness, the presence of cotton, and the extremely pleasant touch. The balanced combination of hydrophobic fibers (acrylic mode) and hydrophilic fibers (cotton) ensures optimum moisture management. Sweat from work is quickly absorbed by the fabric and transferred to the external environment, allowing the body to cool down. The worker's comfort is higher, as well as their productivity.
NOMEX® ST is the result of the union of Santanense and DuPont™ knowledge, world references in fire protection. A fabric with exceptional endurance, comfort, and distinctive touch. Maximum reliability, with lightness and breathability.
FIRE TECHNO fabrics are the best option for those looking for high fire protection combined with unsurpassed mechanical resistance. The fabrics are approved by major international standards, such as NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112.
Comfort and lightness in a perfect combination of cotton and polyamide!
The 88% Cotton and 12% Polyamide composition gives FIRE COMFORT fabrics a perfect combination: greater durability and strength, but with much more comfort. All of this to ensure greater protection and safety for the worker. The cotton employed is of the highest quality, which gives the product a soft touch. In addition, FIRE COMFORT fabrics have the lowest weight on the market for 88 | 12 fabrics, bringing maximum comfort to users.
FIRE COMFORT fabrics are 100% produced by Santanense, that is, Santanense guarantees all the logistics, from production to delivery. There is no danger of scarcity in the market and the quality control is total.
The FIRE COMFORT line has the approval of the main international standards, by both the American (ASTM) and the European (ISO) standards, and is fully approved by the new requirements of the strictest Ministries of Labor and Employment in the world for the marketing of FR fabrics.
The proprietary technology used is exclusive to Santanense, the result of a lot of work, research, and development in our engineering and technology area together with research institutions all over the world.
