Study of effects of mining industry contaminations on protective properties of arc rated clothing using ASTM F1959

Arc rated FR protective clothing and fabrics are most often tested in new and laundered condition to remove surface contaminants. Manufacturers recommend to keep such clothing in clean condition at all times. However through daily use, protective clothing may be soiled or stained with industrial contaminants. The effect of specific mining industry contaminants on protective properties of arc rated flame resistant fabric is described in this report. A method and approach to quantify the contamination for a number of different contaminants was developed and described herein. The baseline contaminant was a 1% saline solution to simulate body sweat. It is generally accepted that water absorbed into the fabric will change the insulation and protective characteristics of the fabric. In this work, other contaminants used included diesel fuel (to represent lighter hydrocarbons such as gasoline and other lighter fuel oils), dry lime, nickel dust palladium dust, sodium hydroxide slurry, carbon black dust, dry and wet cement, a flocculent slime, hydraulic fluid (hydraulic jack oil) and transformer oil. Reduction in protective properties of arc rated FR clothing was observed for wet contaminations. Dry contaminants have less of an affect and some improved the protections level. Conductivity of the cloth was also measured using a high voltage meg-ohmmeter. These readings were performed with and without contaminants applied.