ASTM 1506, Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and Electric Arc Rated Protective Clothing Worn by Workers Exposed to Flames and Electric Arcs, is the governing ASTM standard for flame resistant clothing for protection from arc flash. The standard has two basic requirements:
l A sample of fabric must self-extinguish with less than 2 second after flame and less than 6″ char length according to ASTM Test Method D6413. This flammability test applies to an initial sample and after 25 wash cycles.
l The fabric must be tested for Arc Thermal Performance according to ASTM Test Method F1959. The results of the Arc Thermal Performance testing must be reported to the end user as an Arc Rating on a garment label.
Once a garment passes these requirements, it must be labeled with a tracking code, a statement that the garment meets the requirements of ASTM F1506, the manufacturer’s name, size information, care instructions, fiber content, and the arc rating.
It’s also important to note that garments that meet ASTM F1506 comply with OSHA 1910.269, NESC, and NFPA 70E.
For example, our FR stretch fabric of 10oz cotton/nylon/spandex just pass ASTM F1506 certification.
