Volume 7 | December 2017 by Westex A Milliken Brand eZines

Volume 07 | December 2017 | A Westex by Milliken Publication

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS SM

The source for arc flash and flash fire news

WHY FR IS

IMPORTANT What NFPA 70E Policies are

Needed by Your Company

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 Letter From Westex by Milliken Steve Layton, Vice President, Westex by Milliken

4 Beyond Compliance: Specifying Reliable Flame Resistant Workwear

By Scott Francis

8 What NFPA 70E Policies Are Needed by Your Company? By Wesley Wheeler, Director of Safety, NECA

12 Technical Standards Update 14 Why FR is Important 17 Know the Risks Behind Some Garment Brands 20 Market-Proven FR Fabrics for Demanding Environments 21 Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Ethical Company 22 Standing Up for Worker Safety 27 Groundhog Day

By Michael Wright, Sr., President, 70E Solutions

30 Understanding Your Liability in Third-Party Contractor Situations: A Case Study Review

35 Westex by Milliken Events 36 Ask Westex by Milliken

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Welcome Letter We’re looking forward to another year of advancing workwear safety and comfort! Westex by Milliken had an incredible start to 2017, with Milliken being named one of Ethisphere’s “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and one of EHS Today’s “America’s Safest Companies.” We’re extremely proud that our commitment to workers’ safety, through both the quality of our manufacturing and our dedication to education, has been recognized for the 11th consecutive year. This commitment means always going beyond industry standards for personal protective equipment (PPE) performance. On the next page, you’ll see our recommendations on choosing workwear fabric that goes beyond compliance, giving workers the protection they deserve. Because no matter your industry, there is no room for compromise when it comes to safety. We’re also happy to announce that our tradition of giving back to local communities has started off strong. Already this year, we’ve been involved in projects such as:

We’re looking forward to even more opportunities with upcoming events like: • Adopt-A-Highway • Walk for Diabetes • Upstate South Carolina’s Heart Walk • Urban League

We were proud to participate at many of the FR industry’s leading conferences and trade shows. A few of the events included the NECA Safety Professionals Conference, the VPPPA National Conference and the NSC Congress & Expo. Westex by Milliken was also excited to attend the ASSE Safety Conference in Denver this summer, where we exhibited and sponsored important technical sessions on the latest safety standards. 2017 was an incredible year, but we’re hoping to deliver even more on our promise that “When it Comes to FR safety, We Are All In.” Sincerely,

• 150 for 10 • Habitat for Humanity • Bike Town • Trees for All™ Initiative

Steve Layton Vice President, Westex by Milliken

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 3

BEYOND COMPLIANCE:

SPECIFYING RELIABLE FLAME RESISTANT WORKWEAR By Scott Francis

Every day, workers in electrical maintenance, utility, oil and gas, petrochemical and steel industries work in hazardous environments. Unexpected and highly dangerous arc flash and flash fire events can occur without warning and may result in severe or fatal burn injuries.

In the U.S., there are an estimated five to 10 arc flashes every day in electrical equipment.† Include the inherent danger of working around highly flammable materials, such as those within oil and gas industries, and the need for effective personal protective equipment (PPE) through flame resistant (FR) apparel cannot be ignored. Moreover, non-FR workwear exacerbates severe burn injuries. Non-FR clothing can ignite and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed, adversely causing more serious burns to skin covered with clothing. FR fabrics are uniquely engineered to self-extinguish and reduce burn injuries. Specifying fabrics for your PPE program from trusted suppliers for everyday wear is critical to protecting yourself, and your employees, against potential arc flash and flash fire burn injuries. However, not all FR garments are created equal. The quality of fabric is the most important aspect of a garment when it comes to FR apparel. This article explores why you should look beyond industry standards to specify FR fabrics to adequately protect workers from dangerous arc flash and flash fire hazards.

Industry Hazards & Protective Standards Electrical arc flash and flash fire hazards prove the critical need for effective protective apparel to be worn every day by industrial workers. Electrical maintenance and utility workers uniquely face risks of electrical arc flashes, while workers in oil and gas industries must be prepared against unanticipated flash fires.

Arc flashes are electrical explosions or discharges that travel through the air between conductors or from a conductor to ground. These arcs can reach upwards of 35,000° Fahrenheit in temperature, resulting in significant and severe burns, among other injuries.‡ The National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC) requires companies to perform a hazard risk analysis for employees that work on or near energized parts of equipment. If the assessment determines that present energies exceed 2 cal/ cm2, then workers shall wear

protective, arc rated (AR)/FR clothing with a proven arc rating equal to or greater than the anticipated level of energy. The NFPA 70E standard, known as “recognized industry practice” by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), also provides guidance for protection against this hazard. To comply, employers are required to perform a hazard analysis. Where required, employees shall wear AR/FR protective clothing that meets ASTM F1506 — the minimum performance specifications for protective clothing for workers exposed to the risk of electrical arc flash. There are two main incident analysis schemes utilized within the NFPA 70E standard. One is the calculation method and the second is the table method. When utilizing either method, it is important to remember that you cannot mix the two methods. They are standalone procedures. The calculation method is much as it sounds. The potential incident energies of various pieces of equipment are calculated utilizing formulas and/or commercially available software. The clothing and clothing systems chosen must have an arc rating equal to or greater than the anticipated level of energy calculated. The difficulty of this method is relative to the complexity of the electrical system.

continued on next page † Kowalski-Trakofler K, Barrett E. Reducing Non-Contact Electric Arc Injuries: An Investigation of Behavioral and Organizational Issues. Journal of Safety Research. 38:597-608 ‡ Francis, Scott. “Beyond Compliance: Specifying Reliable Flame Resistant Workwear.” Occupational Health & Safety. https://ohsonline.com/articles/2017/03/01/specifying-reliable-flame-resistant-workwear.aspx

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Volume 07 | December 2017 | 5

BEYOND COMPLIANCE:

SPECIFYING RELIABLE FLAME RESISTANT WORKWEAR By Scott Francis

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Volume 07 | December 2017 | 5

“Beyond Compliance: Specifying Reliable Flame Resistant Workwear” continued

The table method within NFPA 70E has characterized AR/FR garments and garment systems by PPE Categories. Various lookup tables show typical equipment, their operating conditions and the required PPE Category. For example, PPE Category 2 requires that the arc rating be 8 cal/cm2 or above and PPE Category 3 requires an arc rating of 25 cal/cm2 or above.

a three-second flash fire, per ASTM F1930 test guidelines, and provide protection up to 50 percent total body burn. Naturally, this criterion encompasses a large variation of performance. For workers exposed to flash fire hazards, a certification to NFPA 2112 is really a starting point. Since all fabrics with less than 50 percent burn can be certified to NFPA 2112, it is important understand there can be a variance in body burn results of fabrics that are commonly available in the marketplace today. Knowing how your fabric performs is critical in minimizing burn injury.

Specify the Fabric for FR Program Success As discussed, when developing an effective FR apparel program, standards are only the starting point. Know what you are truly buying: the AR/FR fabric in workwear is the single largest factor in determining the garment’s protection level, comfort and overall value. Work through the following four steps to go beyond compliance standards to specify reliable FR workwear.

Understanding the nuances of what is required to adequately protect against arc flash and flash fire burn Why Some FR Fabrics injuries can seem daunting. A flash fire is a fire that spreads Are Not Sufficient However, true protection from by means of a rapid flame front through a diffuse fuel (NFPA AR/FR apparel comes down to While flame resistance 2112). Workers in the oil, gas, understanding the risks of your performance is an imperative chemical and petrochemical quality of your FR apparel, there work environment and knowing industries can be at risk for flash are other key factors to consider the quality and reliability of fires. NFPA 2112 is the industry that greatly affect the success the fabric. standard on FR garments that of an FR program. protect industrial personnel By researching your specific against short thermal exposures. Not all FR fabrics are equal in environmental risks, The companion standard, NFPA terms of comfort, shrinkage, evaluating AR/FR fabric 2113, provides guidance on options, understanding their long-term performance, the selection, care, use and performance through washability and reliability. maintenance of those garments. third-party testing and And when FR apparel isn’t specifying trusted brand comfortable or enjoyable to While setting clear guides for names, you can create a move in, workers won’t wear it fabric and garment testing, reliable AR/FR PPE program properly — or, worse, they won’t NFPA 2112 provides minimum wear FR apparel at all. The most that goes beyond compliance. performance criteria. One important factor is that your FR requirement of NFPA 2112 is workwear is comfortable and that the FR fabric be tested in guaranteed flame resistant for the life of the garment.

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

4 1

STEPS TO GO BEYOND COMPLIANCE Research environmental risks ain a deep understanding of your work environment and the G specific issues that impact worker safety. Begin with identifying the risks at hand, such as arc flash risks versus flash fires, as the apparel needs are different. The standards for which you are specifying fabrics must apply to your individual work environment. For example, FR fabrics that meet PPE Category 2 are irrelevant in the oil and gas industries, as the arc rating standard addresses electrical arc flash, not flash fire hazards. E xternal factors, such as weather, should also be considered. The fabric and fabric system needs in diverse climates can be very different. Cold, northern climates may need insulated products for their daily work where southern climates may dictate a single layer.

Evaluate fabric options hen evaluating viable options for AR/FR fabric, don’t settle W for minimum compliance. Instead, know the exact rating of each fabric. Also, consider a wear trial to assess comfort and wearability so you know firsthand that employees will be able to work effectively and comfortably.

Understand the fabric’s performance There is a vast disparity between products that comply with NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E. Compliance is a starting point, then individual fabric performance should be evaluated to help ensure you are adequately protecting workers.

Specify fabric by brand name Brand name FR textiles carry a trusted reputation because they have been market proven to protect workers. Brand name reputations also help you know exactly what you are purchasing. Not all FR fabrics or constructions — such as 88/12 fiber blends — are the same. There are significant differences in how similar fabrics with similar fiber constructions perform. Rely on proven brand name reputations to gauge the effectiveness of FR performance, backed up with third-party certification. Volume 07 | December 2017 | 7

“Beyond Compliance: Specifying Reliable Flame Resistant Workwear” continued

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

4 1

What NFPA 70E Policies are

Needed by Your Company By Wesley Wheeler Director of Safety,

Does your company have a policy on energized work?

What about policies on testing and troubleshooting?

n n

hould there be two people present when working S around energized circuits? Who is authorized to perform testing? How do you train “qualified” personnel?

We always hear that the company’s policy is to work everything de-energized, but we all know there are times that employees are exposed to electrical hazards in almost every task, including when they de-energize, re-energize and confirm absence/presence of voltage. The best way to enforce NFPA 70E is through the use of company policies for its employees and customers. A company should look at all aspects of NFPA 70E to determine what policies are needed and what it wants to create and enforce. The only way to properly communicate what those company policies are is to put them in writing, make sure everyone is provided with a written copy and provide training on those policies. That way there is no question about the expectations and/or requirements employees must follow and the rules that have been created for the employees’ and the company’s safety. Having these policies in writing also expresses a company’s commitment to safety for current and prospective customers to review. The first policy needed is one on overall NFPA 70E compliance. A general perspective of the company’s intent, to the best of its ability, to follow the consensus standards on electrical safety in the workplace. The next policy may be one on energized work; when it is permitted, who is authorized and permitted to work on energized circuits and what PPE is required to do so. This could also detail the training, experience and qualifications of a “Qualified Person” who would be authorized to perform energized work. Having a policy on Lockout/Tagout is imperative for a company to promote the proper compliance with OSHA

and NFPA 70E rules on the control of hazardous energy and establishing an electrically safe work environment. It should detail the procedures found in the Lockout/Tagout program and what are the consequences for not adhering to the company policy. A policy on arc rated clothing must be in place and it should include instructions on how to care for garments that an employee’s life may depend upon. Does the company provide and enforce daily wear for its employees, which is a best practice, or does it only provide task-based protection? The risk here is whether or not the employee will actually wear it at all times. If not, the company may be exposing the employee to controllable and preventable hazards and also open the company to inadequacies in its own safety program. Today, many companies, including utility contractors, are moving towards daily wear to ensure minimum protection for employees and prevent the erroneous belief that task-based protection is being worn when needed. There are many cases where an employee did not don task-based protection and received injuries as a result. Utility workers are exposed on a daily basis and OSHA regulations mandate the employer must ensure the worker is protected by these garments. Any other employee that is exposed to an arc flash hazard must also be provided with this protection. Remember, employees of HVAC, Mechanical, Operators, Maintenance and other disciplines may also be exposed to electrical hazards and therefore must be provided with arc rated garments as well — not just electricians or employees of electrical contractors. continued on next page

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Volume 07 | December 2017 | 9

What NFPA 70E Policies are

Needed by Your Company By Wesley Wheeler Director of Safety,

Does your company have a policy on energized work?

What about policies on testing and troubleshooting?

n n

hould there be two people present when working S around energized circuits? Who is authorized to perform testing? How do you train “qualified” personnel?

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 9

“What NFPA 70E Policies are Needed by Your Company?” continued

Another policy consideration: is an employee allowed to work energized alone, or are two people required to perform certain tasks? It may also state at which voltage levels qualified personnel are allowed to work. A qualified apprentice with four years of experience may be able to work on and around 120 Volts, while it may take two qualified journeymen electricians to work on and around circuits of 277 or 480 Volts, or a qualified lineman or high-voltage electrician for voltages in excess of 600 Volts. A policy that is often overlooked is voltage testing. A qualified person or electrician should know the proper technique to test for the presence or absence of voltage and know how to verify the test instrument is functioning properly. If this policy is not adhered to, someone could be injured or killed and major damage to a customer’s facility could occur. Another important policy is one on the care and maintenance of equipment that an employee may work on or around. The NFPA 70E standard states that a qualified person must consider the maintenance of the equipment when performing the necessary risk assessments that are required. If the equipment has not been properly maintained and evaluated, there is no guarantee that it will operate the way it was designed; if it doesn’t, incident energy can be much higher. Many policies concerning first aid and basic life support training, including CPR and AED, can be found in other regulations. NFPA 70E, however, has

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

some specific requirements when working around energized circuits and conductors. Initial training and annual evaluations are also covered in the standard, and this policy should be a part of every company’s written program. Policies are used to lay out the requirements of the company, but they are also needed if the company is going to enforce these rules through any use of disciplinary actions. An employee must know ahead of time what the consequences are for not following company policies and how they could be disciplined. A risk manager or human resource professional must be consistent in their enforcement of company policies and not play favoritism to anyone not obeying the written policies and procedures that have been developed for everyone’s protection. Remember, these are just some of the policies that a company may need concerning the provisions of NFPA 70E and OSHA electrical regulations. There are many other policies a company must create and enforce for overall safety in the workplace. An Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy, a Company Vehicle Use Policy, a policy on horseplay and harassment, a Fit for Duty Policy and a Distracted Driving Policy are just some of the other policies that a company may create and enforce for employee protection. The NFPA 70E-based policies are just a part of a company’s overall commitment to safety. These policies say a lot about a company’s morals and principles.

NECA GUIDE TO POLICIES AND BEST PRACTICES FOR NFPA 70E

NECA has developed a new guide to assist contractors and employers with a series of policies and best practices to communicate to employees when working around electricity. By having samples of these for review, a company can also develop specific policies and best practices to better manage its own electrical safety program. Having this as a resource also shows to your customers the commitment to electrical safety and following the requirements in NFPA 70E, The Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

NECA Guide to Policies and Best Practices (NEW) #5127-16

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 11

“What NFPA 70E Policies are Needed by Your Company?” continued

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

NECA GUIDE TO POLICIES AND BEST PRACTICES FOR NFPA 70E

NECA Guide to Policies and Best Practices (NEW) #5127-16

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 11

Technical Standards Update

NESC The 2016 NESC is the most recent edition of the National Electrical Safety Code®, covering electric utility work. The purpose of the NESC is the practical safeguarding of persons during the installation, operation or maintenance of electric supply and communication lines and associated equipment. Employers are required to perform a hazard risk analysis for employees that work on or near energized parts or equipment. If the assessment determines that energies available are over 2 cal/cm², then workers should wear protective clothing (or clothing systems) that have an arc rating equal to or greater than the anticipated level of energy. The NESC is revised every five years.

ANSI/ISEA 107 ANSI/ISEA 107 2015 is the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories. This standard provides design requirements and minimum performance criteria for high-visibility apparel used by workers in low or critical visibility conditions. In 2015, ANSI/ISEA 107 was revised to incorporate three types high-visibility apparel, based on use settings and work activities: off‑road (Type O), roadway and temporary traffic control (Type R) and public safety activities (Type P). Oil and gas falls into Type O — the minimum high-visibility needed to distinguish oneself from non-complex backgrounds. While workers in this industry do not face direct hazards from oncoming road traffic, they do need to be conspicuous against large equipment. Utility workers are advised to wear Type R high-visibility clothing, as they could work in proximity to roadways.

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Westex by Milliken offers multiple high-visibility fabrics certified to ANSI 107, such as Westex UltraSoft® and Westex® DH. With these new innovations, workers finally have comfortable single-layer, PPE Category Level 2 shirt options without needing to wear an additional high-vis FR vest.

Click here to request a sample or receive more information

NFPA 652 NFPA 652 addresses combustible dust and was written to be an “umbrella” standard over all the existing industry-specific dust standards. The Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust was published in August of 2015. It provides a set of general requirements for the mitigation of fire and explosion hazards associated with combustible dusts and particulate solids across industries and processes. NFPA 652 states that “Operating and maintenance procedures shall address personal protective equipment (PPE) including flame-resistant garments in accordance with the workplace hazard assessment required by NFPA 2113.” Many dusts are flammable. If you have one that is, do everything possible to reduce the area and population it affects, and provide your workers with high-quality FR clothing.

ASTM F1506 ASTM F1506 is the Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and Arc Rated Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards. ASTM F1506 was developed to give minimum performance specifications for protective clothing. The major requirements of this specification provide that the fabric is flame resistant through 25 home launderings, has minimum tensile and tear strength and provides a certain level of shrinkage control. NFPA 70E cites ASTM F1506, and compliance with ASTM F1506 also requires the arc rating be shown on an interior garment label.

Click here to see a list of combustible dust materials or learn more

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 13

Technical Standards Update

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Click here to request a sample or receive more information

Click here to see a list of combustible dust materials or learn more

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 13

Flame resistant (FR) and arc rated (AR) Worker Injured on College Campus In January 2016, Gaylan Bishop, a worker at the garments are made from fabrics that University of North Carolina, was struck by an self-extinguish, thus eliminating or arc flash — which ignited his clothing — while limiting the extent, severity and location working in a transformer vault at one of the university’s dormitories. According to the Daily of burn injury. The performance of Tarheel, “People in Dey Hall just before 4 p.m. said AR/FR clothing can thus directly impact they heard a loud noise and the lights went out. About five minutes later, the fire alarms went off.” survival, recovery time and quality of Chapelboro.com reported that “A statement from life following an accidental momentary OSHA says the employee was seen ‘running out of the building on fire.’” thermal exposure. The Daily Tarheel reported that:

WHY FR IS

IMPORTANT

In arc flash and flash fire, most severe injuries and fatalities are caused by flammable clothing igniting and continuing to burn, not by the initial thermal hazard itself. A person’s body area under non-FR clothing is often burned more severely than exposed skin. Two incidents below involve burned workers. Unfortunately, in both situations, the workers were not provided AR or FR clothing and have suffered greatly as a result of a lack of protective apparel.

“The primary work environment for (Bishop) is an office setting,” the audit said. “(Bishop) was not issued the required personal protective equipment (PPE) to enter the electrical vault at Dey Hall because (he) was not expected to enter the vault.” The personal protective equipment would have included rubber electrical gloves, rubber sleeves, a face shield, safety shoes and fire resistant clothing, the audit said. “(His) clothes were mostly burned up by the arc flash,” the audit said. “What remained of (his) pants were from the knee down...(His) clothes were not fire resistant.”

(Non-FR incident coverage)

WATCH NON-FR TESTING

Gaylan was rushed to the hospital. According to Chapelboro.com, Bishop suffered 40 percent body burn, spent hours in surgery and was expected to remain in the hospital’s burn unit until October of that year. Although fortunate to be alive, he will likely require multiple additional surgeries over the next several years. continued on next page

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Volume 07 | December 2017 | 15

WHY FR IS

IMPORTANT

(Non-FR incident coverage)

WATCH NON-FR TESTING

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Volume 07 | December 2017 | 15

“Why FR is Important” continued

Glass Factory Worker Burned — Lack of PPE Cited OSHA has reported that “a 34-year-old machine operator suffered third-degree burns on his legs and hands when molten glass bottles fell on the production floor and ignited oil residue that had leaked from the machines. The man had not been provided fire-retardant clothing, and the fire spread to his pant leg.” On October 9, 2015, the company received one willful, one repeated and six serious safety violations from OSHA with penalties totaling $122,000. OSHA’s area director in St. Louis, Bill McDonald, said, “A worker suffered excruciating injuries that could affect his health for years because Piramal Glass ignored company policy to require flame resistant clothing for workers on the hot end of the bottle-making machine. It’s not enough for employers to have good policies on the books — they must abide by them. The company needs to develop and comply with a comprehensive policy on personal protective clothing.”

Westex UltraSoft®

Non-Flame Resistant

KNOW THE RISKS BEHIND SOME GARMENT BRANDS Behind a well-known garment brand may be a lower quality − even dangerous − generic fabric. That’s because most people don’t understand that “88/12 FR” has nothing to do with fabric flame resistance, comfort or durability. Our FREE white paper, The Danger Hiding in Plain Sight: Generic “88/12 FR” Fabrics, gives you the facts behind the confusion.

■ How

“88/12 FR” blends mistakenly came to stand for FR, quality and durability

■ Why

fabrics with proven poor flame resistance earn safety certification

■ How

to guard against hidden generic fabrics and what to know about quality fabric engineering

Take action for your workers today!

In each of these tragic cases, and hundreds of others like them every year, simply having daily wear of quality FR clothing instead of flammable clothing would have dramatically reduced burn injury. ULTRASOFT® 7 OZ. SHIRT AND 9 OZ. PANTS, 100 IL

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Go to Westex.com/HiddenDangers to download the free white paper

“Why FR is Important” continued

Westex UltraSoft®

Non-Flame Resistant

■ How

“88/12 FR” blends mistakenly came to stand for FR, quality and durability

■ Why

fabrics with proven poor flame resistance earn safety certification

■ How

to guard against hidden generic fabrics and what to know about quality fabric engineering

Take action for your workers today!

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Go to Westex.com/HiddenDangers to download the free white paper

SUPERIOR BREATHABILITY & MOISTURE WICKING FOR EXCELLENT COMFORT EXCELLENT MULTI-HAZARD PROTECTION NFPA 2112

NFPA 70E Category 2

■

Learn more about Westex DH FR fabric at westex.com/DH ®

■

ANSI 107

Lightweight and breathable Westex® DH flame resistant (FR) fabric is designed to keep you cooler, drier and more comfortable while delivering guaranteed FR for the life of the garment. With its uniquely woven blend, Westex® DH provides outstanding breathability and optimized moisture management, making it an excellent choice for arc flash or flash fire protection.

westex.com/where-to-buy/

WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WANT WESTEX,

START HERE. It’s easier than ever to find garments made with the fabric you want You know the importance of the right fabric in protecting your people from arc flash and flash fire hazards, so you start by specifying Westex. Our “Where to Buy” page makes it easier than ever. Discover which suppliers in your region use Westex fabrics, and see which garments they offer.

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 19

WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL COMPANY

Honors

FOR THE 11TH YEAR IN A ROW,

MARKET-PROVEN FR FABRICS

FOR DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTS As a leader in arc rated (AR) and flame resistant (FR) protection, Westex by Milliken is committed to your safety. Our fabrics go beyond simply meeting industry standards — we leverage years of FR science expertise to manufacture the marketproven garments with unmatched comfort trusted by millions of workers. Explore our extensive portfolio to find the fabric that is right for your FR program.

Milliken & Company has been recognized by Ethisphere Magazine as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. One of only 20 privately-held companies to be recognized this year, Milliken has been honored for aligning company actions with ethical principles. Milliken is just one of only 13 companies in the world hold to hold this distinction for a decade. We further Milliken’s dedication to “doing good” in the products and information we provide to the FR industry. At Westex by Milliken, our focus on science and education is an important part of why we are all in when it comes to FR safety. We are committed to consistently delivering FR fabrics with the highest level of protection, comfort and value.

“

ow Milliken grows is equally important H as how much we grow — this is an integral belief that each Milliken associate holds, and that directs their work daily. It is an honor to be annually recognized for this perspective on a successful, values-based business.

”

– J. Harold Chandler, Milliken & Company President, CEO and Chairman

View our range of fabrics

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 21

WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL COMPANY

Honors

FOR THE 11TH YEAR IN A ROW,

MARKET-PROVEN FR FABRICS

“

”

– J. Harold Chandler, Milliken & Company President, CEO and Chairman

View our range of fabrics

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 21

STANDING UP FOR

WORKER SAFETY

THE PROCESS AHEAD WAS CLEAR:

Make the hazard of arc flash known

Communicate why FR programs are necessary, detailing the rules and regulations of NFPA 70E, and what that means for employers Identify the ideal FR workwear solution for arc flash, starting with the fabric itself Implement the program for field workers to adopt

A Case Study on Generic vs. Branded FR Fabrics

When Dan joined an American company as Environmental Health and Safety Manager, his team leader and Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Robin, immediately informed him that the field employees had a high exposure to arc flash over the EVERYONE course of their daily operations. The company’s 1,500 field technicians interact daily with electrified equipment — and have families, spouses and children who wait for their safe return from work after a long day.

KEEPING

SAFE

An advocate for safety in all forms, Robin tasked Dan with creating a flame resistant (FR) program to protect field technicians against unexpected arc flashes — electrical explosions or discharges traveling through the air between conductors or from a conductor to ground, which can cause severe burn injuries and even fatalities. She recognized the overwhelming hazards facing company employees, and tapped into Dan’s FR knowledge to create a program placing employee safety front and center. After successfully implementing an FR program at his previous company, Dan keenly understood the need for top management’s support to fund the investment required for a daily FR workwear program. Dan, with Robin as his advocate in C-suite discussions, sought to leverage education in garnering leadership buy-in.

Dan and Robin ultimately knew the conversation Arc Flash Hazards on the Job would come to a question of cost — but they The company previously had an arc flash weren’t willing to compromise safety. This case incident, but they didn’t know that it was one. study details how Robin a reliable FR program for technicians, using Westex® brand FR fabrics. There were no environmental health and safety policies and procedures in place, so the first task at hand was informing everyone of the arc flash hazards facing technicians.

I couldn’t live with myself if I knew that a decision I made caused someone harm or death. I’ll do whatever it takes, including putting my job on the line, to ensure that the associates I’m responsible for have access to the most effective FR workwear. Their protection is my priority.” Dan, Environmental Health and Safety Manager

The need for FR apparel was already regulated by NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, which requires companies to perform a hazard risk analysis for employees working on or near energized parts of equipment. If the assessment determines that present energies exceed 2 cal/cm², then workers shall wear protective, arc rated AR/FR clothing with a proven arc rating equal to or greater than the anticipated level of energy. To comply with the NFPA 70E standard, employers are required to perform a hazard analysis. Where required, employees shall wear AR/FR protective clothing that meets ASTM F1506 — the minimum performance continued on next page

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 23

STANDING UP FOR

WORKER SAFETY

THE PROCESS AHEAD WAS CLEAR:

Make the hazard of arc flash known

A Case Study on Generic vs. Branded FR Fabrics

KEEPING

SAFE

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 23

specifications for protective clothing for workers exposed to the risk of electrical arc flash. A hazard analysis was performed at Dan and Robin’s company, which revealed field technicians should wear apparel with an ATPV or arc rating equal to or greater than 8 cal/cm² under 600 Volt energies. The company also services industrial customers in chemical plants and refineries, which presents a second hazard of flash fire. To account for this hazard, Dan and Robin would only consider FR fabrics that meet the entire NFPA 2112 standard, which mandates that FR apparel be flash fire tested at three seconds with a pass/fail rate of 50 percent total body burn under the protocols of ASTM F1930-15: Standard Test Method for Evaluating Flame Resistant Clothing Against Flash Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin.

Research and wear trials were key in selecting the most appropriate FR solution. Comfort is essential to have workers adopt FR apparel — FR apparel cannot detract from their ability to perform their job responsibilities. Twenty-five associates were involved with the wear trials.

THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, WESTEX® BRAND FABRIC IMMEDIATELY STOOD OUT:

Specifying the Fabric First Flame resistance is guaranteed for For the bidding process, the team contacted multiple FR fabric manufacturers looking for the most cost-effective solutions. They provided generic variations on Westex UltraSoft®’s comfortable 88/12 cotton and nylon blend. Shockingly, six vendors were dropped immediately because they could not guarantee that the fabric would meet the entire NFPA 2112 standard for flash fire hazards while also meeting the ASTM F1506 standard for arc flash.

the life of the garment Technicians felt comfortable and could easily work in apparel made with Westex UltraSoft® Uniforms made with Westex UltraSoft® are more durable against snagging, a critical factor as technicians are often work in small crawl spaces

Convincing Management Westex UltraSoft® outperformed other “88/12 FR fabrics” in the wear trial and was the overwhelming favorite among associates wearing the FR garments; but unfortunately, the selection process does not end there. Once Westex UltraSoft® was identified as the FR fabric of choice, the next hurdle was gaining management’s approval. Everything was a becoming a question of cost, rather than quality. Robin and Dan immediately received push back on the price of generic versus branded FR apparel, such as Westex®, but they did not give up. It came to a point to where the team took a stance that couldn’t be ignored: they felt so strongly about creating the best FR program for their associates that they would both leave the company if FR apparel other than Westex® fabric was chosen.

As an EHS professional, there are certain things on which I am willing to bend, but I absolutely will not compromise a person’s safety. I feel strongly about protecting my people.” Dan, Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Jeff’s expertise helped navigate the nuances of various manufacturers, including those made in America versus overseas. It was even revealed that a foreign fabric, while labeled NFPA 2112-certified, was not actually certified to the standard. The entire process of bringing management on board took almost three years, but it was worthwhile.

Westex by Milliken has a superior product and very knowledgeable associates who help however needed. Jeff was key for turning the tide.” Dan, Environmental Health and Safety Manager

Feedback from the Field Now that Westex by Milliken is the company’s standard FR solution, the question isn’t a matter of which uniform they specify, but a matter of which style — such as color or fabric weight. Whatever the style, it is ingrained that it has to be a Westex® fabric. Today, the company supplies a range of apparel made with Westex® brand FR fabrics to employees, including Westex® DH, Westex Indigo™ as a denim option and Westex UltraSoft® as shirting fabric and basket weave fabric for pants.

Support from Westex by Milliken, including attending multiple meetings with senior staff and The process of creating an FR apparel program management, was essential in educating team ® has also allowed the company to standardized members on how Westex fabrics outperform uniform to visually unify technicians at the same other options in the industry. location and throughout the country, while taking Jeff DuLong, Westex by Milliken Regional Market regional conditions into account. Manager, provided key information differentiating Employees in sunny Florida work in hot, humid Westex® from competitors, including potential environments, so Westex by Milliken has helped gaps for misunderstanding within the standard the company select lightweight, breathable FR itself — such as the 50 percent body burn apparel featuring Westex® DH fabrics. They also requirement, which leaves a significant range specified darker colored fabrics so that uniforms of protection. continued on next page

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THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, WESTEX® BRAND FABRIC IMMEDIATELY STOOD OUT:

Westex by Milliken has a superior product and very knowledgeable associates who help however needed. Jeff was key for turning the tide.” Dan, Environmental Health and Safety Manager

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do not show dirt. Westex® DH is receiving incredible feedback from employees who wear it daily; it has a soft hand, wicks well and cools faster than other shirts providing FR protection. The last step in implementing the company’s FR program was to educate employees on the need for a streamlined FR workwear uniform. Dan and Robin used a combination of videos to educate associates on potential dangers on the job, and demonstrate why and how the new Westex® work uniform would help protect them.

They also included the benefits of the new Westex® workwear in their company newsletter, which they send to their associates’ homes. As you can imagine, spouses and family members were encouraged by how the company was prioritizing the safety of their associates — clearly seen in how they chose to invest in a reliable FR program.

Conclusion Nothing is more rewarding for Dan than being a part of implementing a positive and effective change.

We grow up and work in fashion to where we stick with the status quo until someone gets hurt — and then you try to do it differently. I enjoy teaching people how to look at a situation differently and find the most effective solution upfront. That’s why we chose Westex by Milliken to be our FR program partner.” Dan is confident that Westex by Milliken provides the premier FR apparel, and he is vocal about his belief:

I’ll stand in front of anyone and say that Westex® is the best FR apparel for protecting an employee. I’ve seen it in action, I’ve worn the pieces and I’ve tried FR apparel from other manufacturers. Westex® always outperforms other fabrics — and our expectations.” Dan has since transitioned to a new company, still working in environmental health and safety management. He is taking Westex® with him.

GROUNDHOG DAY By Michael Wright, Sr., President, 70E Solutions

Not long ago, I had a customer call me about an accident where two workers took a voltage reading on a 4,160 Volt switchgear.

I have many customers that conduct electrical preventative maintenance in the form of troubleshooting, voltage and current readings, thermography, primary and secondary injection testing, ultrasound, power quality, electronic documentation, hazard assessments and hazard mitigation. This particular customer racked the breaker out and removed it from the cell. When my contact called me about the accident, I was able to complete his story for him because I had heard the exact story many times before. They did not have what I would call a grounding truck (GT), which is officially called a “Manual Ground and Test Device.” A GT is used after the breaker is removed from the cell. The GT device

rolls into the cell just like the breaker and generally has doors that can be opened to take a voltage reading or to install properly rated (tested) temporary protective grounds utilizing (tested) hot sticks. Since these workers did not have a GT device, they chose to manually hold open the metallic shutters to insert their phasing stick into the bottles to take the voltage reading. In front of the breaker cell there is only room for one person. In this accident, there were two victims. One person was holding down two levers located on opposite sides of the cell. These levers hold open a shutter that covers the energized contacts, which are recessed in porcelain housings (bottles). The second person was holding two six-foot-long sticks with a meter on one and a test probe on the other, with cord in between. The phasing sticks had only one short test probe in the kit. The second probe was designed so that the meter could be hung on an overhead line. This caused the second probe to be five inches of metal on the end of the phasing stick. continued on next page

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Conclusion Nothing is more rewarding for Dan than being a part of implementing a positive and effective change.

GROUNDHOG DAY By Michael Wright, Sr., President, 70E Solutions

Not long ago, I had a customer call me about an accident where two workers took a voltage reading on a 4,160 Volt switchgear.

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When the worker inserted the sticks into the bottle, the other worker accidentally allowed the levers to move slightly, which in turn caused the metallic shutter to fall slightly. This metallic shutter is reminiscent of a guillotine from the TV show, Game of Thrones — and it can be just as deadly. The five inches of probe created a metal bridge between the energized stab in the back of the bottle and the grounded metallic shutter. Of course, you can imagine what happened next. What you may not have expected is for this story to have a good ending. That is because the company these workers are employed by has a very strong electrical safety program that mandates they will only do energized work for extreme reasons, as justified by the NFPA 70E standard. Additionally, an energized work permit must be signed by upper management. A properly protected, qualified person is permitted to take a voltage reading, and a permit is not required. These two workers escaped injury because they were wearing the proper arc rated suit. Just like their meters, they bought arc flash suits with quality, market proven and trusted fabric manufactured by Westex by Milliken. In this story, these workers were saved by their suits. However, this story could easily have had a different ending. Good judgment and logic cannot be

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

replaced with a suit. Understand what you are working on and don’t take unnecessary chances. Make sure your meter has all the components before you need them.

Always ask yourself, is there a better/safer way to do a task? Why do we do the things we do? I sat down recently with an interesting gentleman that was in one of my classes and we discussed why we felt there are so many electrical accidents. Dave B. said he felt the problem was that workers were living in the hour or minute, not in the second. They were not laser-focused on the task — they were only partially there. The other part of the brain is thinking about coffee, lunch, vacation, fishing or their kid’s baseball game. When interacting with energized equipment, your attention needs to be all in. Working while in a daze, being distracted or not fully understanding what you are working on is a recipe for disaster. You may not get in trouble the first time, but sooner or later you could cause an accident.

When doing electrical work, are you relying on luck, or are you prepared for what that panel is capable of? Are your workers prepared for what can happen, or are you going to rely on luck? Are your workers qualified for what you are allowing them to do? If the answer is no, work on getting them qualified and prepared for the task that must be performed.

Do you actually know everything your workers do?

The NFPA 70E standard tells you to annually audit the employee and your fieldwork. This is not hard to fix — start auditing and start correcting deficiencies discovered.

Do you have quality PPE, or is your purchasing department buying solely based on price or what your distributor carries? Draft a specification sheet on the type and brands of protection you want, detailing everything from the manufacturer to specific components of that item, and submit it to purchasing. The best option does not always cost more.

Is your voltage-rated PPE (gloves, sleeves, blankets, etc.) being properly tested? There are 30 NAIL-certified labs in the United States, so pick one — preferably the first one on the list. Get in a glove management program to ensure your gloves are always tested. It’s all easier than you think — just remember to look at the big picture and don’t get overwhelmed.

Recently, I stopped at a local convenience store to get a coffee and I saw a man getting a lottery ticket. As he walked by, I said, “Good luck!” He turned to me and said, “Luck is for the unprepared.” I found that statement to be incredibly true.

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FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

replaced with a suit. Understand what you are working on and don’t take unnecessary chances. Make sure your meter has all the components before you need them.

Do you actually know everything your workers do?

The NFPA 70E standard tells you to annually audit the employee and your fieldwork. This is not hard to fix — start auditing and start correcting deficiencies discovered.

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 29

Understanding Your Liability in Third-Party Contractor Situations: A CASE STUDY REVIEW

Last year, a Los Angeles County jury found Qualcomm liable for $7.1 million ¹ in damages as a result of a burn incident. Qualcomm, a telecommunications equipment company, was found negligent in an electrical fire incident where a third-party contractor suffered third-degree burns while servicing electrical equipment on the company’s premise. The incident, which resulted in catastrophic injury, provides an opportunity to assess contractor safety and the liability incurred when contractors step foot on company property.

BACKGROUND

KEY TAKEAWAYS

As part of a planned system upgrade, a third-party contractor visited Qualcomm to inspect the on-site generators. He was told the entire system would be turned off while he and others inspected the equipment, so without his personal protective equipment (PPE), he approached a 4,160 Volt circuit breaker.

This unfortunate incident has a number of implications, but for those in the safety community, there are three critical points to note:

What the contractor did not realize was that the system was still live. When he approached the circuit breaker, after Transpower personnel removed it, a sudden arc flash occurred and his clothes immediately ignited. The resulting fire caused severe burns on 35 percent of his body, and the contractor spent a month in the hospital recovering from his injuries. When the contractor brought suit, he claimed that Qualcomm and others were negligent and failed to provide a safe work environment. Qualcomm pushed back, arguing its employees turned off the main breaker on the property and followed appropriate safety procedure before opening the site to the contractor. Further, the company alleged that Transpower and the contractor did not heed safety warnings and did not have permission to remove the circuit breaker cover — contending he contributed to the arc flash incident.

1 2 3

The injured contractor was a contract employee, not a direct employee of Qualcomm.

The contractor’s clothing ignited and continued to burn — indicating he was not wearing flame resistant (FR) apparel, which was later confirmed in his declaration to the court. The contractor was not wearing his PPE because he was advised that the equipment would be de-energized.

APPLYING THE TAKEAWAYS Understanding 70E as it relates to third‑party employees, safety onus is on both the host company and the contract employer. Below are specific responsibilities each party should take to provide for electrical worker safety under NFPA 70E.

The jury ultimately found Qualcomm A host employer’s responsibilities include: 46 percent negligent, contractor Transpower ■ Informing contract employers of known Testing, Inc. 45 percent negligent and hazards covered by NFPA 70E, which the injured contractor himself nine are related to the contract employer’s percent negligent. work and might not be recognized by the contract employer or its employees. ■ Informing

contract employers about any instances where the contract employer will need to make assessments required by Chapter 1 of NFPA 70E.

continued on next page

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¹ S ee CASE NO. 37-2014-00012901-CU-PO-CTL SUPERIOR COURT STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – CENTRAL.

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Understanding Your Liability in Third-Party Contractor Situations: A CASE STUDY REVIEW

BACKGROUND

KEY TAKEAWAYS

This unfortunate incident has a number of implications, but for those in the safety community, there are three critical points to note:

1 2 3

The injured contractor was a contract employee, not a direct employee of Qualcomm.

contract employers about any instances where the contract employer will need to make assessments required by Chapter 1 of NFPA 70E.

continued on next page

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¹ S ee CASE NO. 37-2014-00012901-CU-PO-CTL SUPERIOR COURT STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – CENTRAL.

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■ Reporting

observed contract employerrelated violations of this standard to the contract employer.

A contract employer’s responsibilities include: ■ Ensuring

each of the contract employer’s employees is instructed in the hazards communication by the host employer, in addition to providing the basic training required by NFPA 70E.

■ Ensuring

each employee follows work practices required by NFPA 70E and safety-related work rules required by the host employer.

■ Advising

the host employer of unique hazards presented by the contract employer’s work, hazards identified during the course of work that were not communicated by the host employer or measures a contractor took to correct any violations reported by the host employer under NFPA 70E 110.3(A)(2) and to prevent such violations from reoccurring.

Article 110.3 of NFPA 70E provides full language to understand your responsibilities as either a contract employer or a host employer. This is important information that should be assessed with your entire safety team at regular intervals to make sure you are fully adhering to the standard. When working with third-party contractors, it is critical to use an overabundance of caution. As seen above, and underscored by the jury’s verdict in the Qualcomm case, the employers — both the host and the contractor — shoulder the considerable majority of the safety burden as compared to the employee performing the actual work.

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UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF FR APPAREL IN PROTECTING EMPLOYEES Electrical employee safety is a system of checks and balances. The NFPA standard outlines both preventative and mitigating measures to ensure the safety and livelihood of those working with electrical systems and equipment. The Qualcomm incident, we think, does a good job of emphasizing the impact of FR PPE as a safety hazard mitigation tool. While nothing is ever certain, it can be assumed that the lingering clothing burn caused by arc flash ignition compounded the severity of the contractor’s injuries. It seems that if he had been wearing guaranteed flame resistant arc rated FR (AR/FR) garments, his clothing would have self-extinguished after the arc flash, which could have substantially reduced his burn injuries. When created with reputably branded FR fabric, FR apparel helps to mitigate and reduce injury in the event of an arc flash. FR fabrics are engineered to self-extinguish once a thermal source is removed, so garments do not continue to burn postexposure. This then allows for an employee to quickly remove himself or herself from the hazard without having to deal with post-flash clothing fires. An AR/FR apparel program comes in many different forms and should be tailored to the specific electrical hazards employees face. AR fabrics are tested in accordance with F1506 protocol to determine arc rating, and NFPA 70E outlines the necessary arc ratings FR apparel should have when working around various electrical hazards. When developing the program, it is important to understand the situations employees may

face and specify appropriate AR/FR fabric to withstand those hazards. AR/FR fabric forms the foundation of an AR/FR garment, so it is necessary to build your program on a solid base — in this instance, a reliable fabric specification. UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF TASKBASED VS. DAILY WEAR AR/FR APPAREL One final takeaway, which can be drawn from the Qualcomm case, is the importance of daily wear AR/FR apparel. We infer that, because the injured contractor was able to leave his PPE at home, it was likely taskbased PPE. Task-based PPE is just as it sounds — the PPE is only worn for a certain task or in certain situations. While in theory task-based AR/FR clothing programs seem like a cost-effective solution, the reality is they rely too much upon the user. The user must bring and wear AR/ FR clothing — typically a coverall — at the correct time, and often they can be subject to incorrect risk assessments or human nature. Many times, task-based AR/FR clothing, for whatever reason, is not utilized when a situation requires it most.

With daily wear AR/FR clothing programs, the burden on the user is lessened considerably, as the AR/FR garments — typically a shirt and pants — are worn throughout the day as their standard “uniform.” When AR/FR clothing is worn during the entire workday, employees are more likely to be protected from unforeseen hazards. Comfort is a key component of a daily wear AR/FR clothing program. With numerous FR fabrics on the market, it is important to specify which FR fabric is used to make your AR/FR clothing. There are some AR/FR fabrics offering a similar look and feel to everyday street clothing. Westex® brand FR fabrics are designed with both the wearer’s protection and comfort in mind, and have been specified for decades by end users globally. READY TO DISCUSS YOUR FR PROGRAM? Westex by Milliken can be a helpful resource as you walk through the review, creation and implementation steps to create a wellrounded FR program designed to protect those who come into contact with electrical hazards. Our knowledgeable team of experts can help educate you and your leadership on what an FR program means.

To learn more, visit Westex.com

The information in this Case Study represents our analysis of the Qualcomm case. It is not intended to substitute for any testing that may be unique and necessary for your facility for you to determine the suitability of our products for your particular purpose. Because we cannot anticipate all variations in end-user conditions, Westex, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with any use of this information. All sales are exclusively subject to our standard terms of sale posted at www.milliken.com/terms (all additional/different terms are rejected) unless explicitly agreed otherwise in a signed writing. While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this Case Study has been obtained from reliable sources, Westex is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this Case Study is provided “as is,” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Westex and/or its related entities, or the partners, agents or employees thereof, be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this Case Study or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. The information contained in the Site is general information and should not be construed as legal advice to be applied to any specific factual situation.

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 33

■ Reporting

observed contract employerrelated violations of this standard to the contract employer.

A contract employer’s responsibilities include: ■ Ensuring

each of the contract employer’s employees is instructed in the hazards communication by the host employer, in addition to providing the basic training required by NFPA 70E.

■ Ensuring

each employee follows work practices required by NFPA 70E and safety-related work rules required by the host employer.

■ Advising

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To learn more, visit Westex.com

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 33

Westex by Milliken Events NECA Safety Professionals Conference

VPPPA National Conference Hosted by the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association, this conference offered attendees countless opportunities to network, learn and advance as leaders in occupational safety and health. We had a wonderful time educating and networking with guests at this year’s conference!

We were glad to see you at NECA’s Safety Professionals Conference (NSPC), sponsored by Westex by Milliken! As the electrical industry’s premier annual safety event, the NSPC educated attendees on the latest safety and health information required to navigate the rapidly changing environment faced by today’s electrical industry. It was a great event to celebrate Electrical Safety Month! Safety 2017

Get to Know Westex by Milliken

When it comes to the science of FR protection — of caring — we are all in. Check out our video above to learn how Westex by Milliken is your partner in FR safety.

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

NSC Congress & Expo Westex by Milliken was proud to attend The National Safety Council Congress & Expo, the world’s largest annual “must-attend” event for safety, health and environmental professionals. The event raised awareness about the tools and resources available for creating the safest work environment possible.

Didn’t make it to any of these? Our full Westex by Milliken is a proud Bronze sponsor of fabric portfolio the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)! brochure is We had a great time exhibiting at this year’s available for Safety Conference in Denver! download from Our trusted Westex® brand fabrics, like our online UltraSoft®, have been utilized by companies in Resource Center. NFPA 70E compliant programs for decades. It features the complete line of trusted and proven Westex® brand AR/FR fabric solutions, plus information on hazards and safety standards.

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Westex by Milliken Events NECA Safety Professionals Conference

Get to Know Westex by Milliken

When it comes to the science of FR protection — of caring — we are all in. Check out our video above to learn how Westex by Milliken is your partner in FR safety.

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 35

“ I heard that Milliken & Company acquired Springfield, LLC. What does that mean for me?” Adam, New York, NY Answer: Yes, we did — and great question! The Springfield, LLC portfolio of flame resistant (FR) fabrics is now being offered in the Westex by Milliken portfolio. This means an extended product offering, made at U.S. manufacturing facilities, and even more FR expertise — all in one place! To see all of our arc rated and FR fabric solutions, visit westex.com/fabrics or Contact Us to request a sample. Rich Gojdics, National Market Director, Westex by Milliken

“ Can you use bug repellent with FR clothing?” Steve, Greer, SC Answer: Westex by Milliken does not recommend the use of DEET or insect repellent containing DEET on any FR fabrics, as it may have an adverse effect on the flame resistance of FR garments. Instead, a waterborne, Permethrin-based insect repellent should be used as testing has shown it does not have an adverse effect on FR garments.

As you prepare for warmer temperatures, look for insect repellents that: • Are non-flammable • Do not contain DEET as an ingredient • Kill ticks, mosquitoes and other pesky insects • Provide long-lasting protection to minimize the need to reapply. Vince Roy Regional Market Manager – Gulf Region, Westex by Milliken

“ Do any Westex® brand fabrics offer protection against chemical splash hazards?” James, Cupertino, CA Answer: Yes, Westex ShieldCXP™ is a new technology that was developed to protect against inadvertent chemical splash and flame hazards. Westex ShieldCXP™ revolutionizes protective laboratory coats as a comfortable, multi-hazard, single-fabric solution, simplifying purchasing decisions for laboratory managers and helping ensure proper wear. Learn more about this exciting new fabric here. Jeff DuLong Regional Market Manager – Western U.S., Westex by Milliken

The New Westex by Milliken Resource Center At Westex by Milliken, your safety is our first priority. That’s why we designed our new Resource center so you have a wealth of FR safety information, including technical documents, expert articles and other educational tools, all in one easy-to-access place. You can customize your searches even more with our new sorting feature for AR- or FR-specific information. When it comes to FR safety, we are all in.

Start exploring at westex.com/resource-center Email FRinsights@milliken.com or contact the regional manager in your area.

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 37

Start exploring at westex.com/resource-center Email FRinsights@milliken.com or contact the regional manager in your area.

Volume 07 | December 2017 | 37

Volume 08 Preview: Be on the lookout for more FR tips, advice and insights in our next issue — coming in early 2018.

Connect With Westex by Milliken: Have specific arc flash, flash fire or combustible dust concerns? Reach out to your regional manager for advice or email us at FRinsights@milliken.com. We may feature your question in an upcoming edition of our eZine! Now you can connect with us on social media!

About Westex by Milliken: Westex by Milliken is pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting a new standard of excellence to bring unprecedented levels of innovation to the FR industry. Milliken’s extensive history of innovation and Westex’s FR expertise strengthen our capabilities to deliver the most advanced FR fabrics for the millions of industrial workers who need protection from arc flash, flash fire and other thermal hazards. Westex by Milliken offers extremely comfortable, marketproven fabrics that are specified by name by thousands of companies globally. We are dedicated to purposeful innovation, advanced engineering and an unwavering commitment to education. When it comes to FR safety, we are all in.

The information in this publication is based on testing conducted by or conducted on behalf of Westex, Inc., a subsidiary of Milliken & Company, and represents our analysis of the test results. It is not intended to substitute for any testing that may be unique and necessary for your facility for you to determine the suitability of our products for your particular purpose. Since we cannot anticipate all variations in end-user conditions, Westex, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with any use of this information. As each customer’s use of our product may be different, information we provide, including without limitation, recommendations, test results, samples, care/labeling/processing instructions or marketing advice, is provided in good faith but without warranty and without accepting any responsibility/liability. Any test results reported are based on standard laboratory testing but should not be used to predict performance in actual fire situations. Each customer must test and be responsible for their own specific use, further processing, labeling, marketing, etc. All sales are exclusively subject to our standard terms of sale posted at www.milliken.com/terms (all additional/ different terms are rejected) unless explicitly agreed otherwise in a signed writing. Use caution near sources of flame or intense heat and do not launder with bleach or fabric softeners. Indigo™, AllOut™, InsulAir™, Synergy®, Indura®, UltraSoft®, UlltraSoft AC®, and TrueComfort®, Vinex®, Moda-Quilt® and CXP® are registered trademarks of Milliken & Company. Nomex® is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Thinsulate® is a registered trademark of 3M Company.

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS

Volume 08 Preview: Be on the lookout for more FR tips, advice and insights in our next issue — coming in early 2018.

FLAME RESISTANT INSIGHTS