Study of Effects of Mining Industry Contaminations on Protective Properties of Arc Rated Clothing Using ASTM F1959

Arc rated flame resistant (FR) protective clothing and fabrics are most often tested in a new and laundered condition to remove surface contaminants. Manufacturers recommend keeping such clothing in a 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 an arc rated FR 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 paper, 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 effect, and some improved the protection level. Conductivity of the cloth was also measured using a high-voltage megohmmeter. These readings were performed with and without contaminants applied.