Challenge Accepted: Specialty PPE for Shock and Arc Flash Protection

This paper reviews testing that has been completed on specialty PPE for arc flash and shock protection. Specialty PPE herein covers PPE for hazards other than arc flash which may or may not be arc rated to provide protection from another hazard. Since the introduction of arc rated PPE in the 1990's there has been continued interest in protection of workers from electrical hazards, but electrical hazards are frequently found in the same work location as other exposures with other health consequences that must also be addressed. This paper will discuss options, limits and ideas for future research using standardized testing and evaluation methods to assess these other PPE options in an arc flash exposure.