BMG, which celebrates over 50 years in business this year, is a provider of complete process solutions for all sectors of industry. This means customers can access all essential, quality branded engineering components, technical services and support from one reliable supplier. With this integrated approach, BMG supports customers in achieving lower production costs and higher efficiencies.
The Dromex range includes head-to-toe PPE that provides the highest level of protection against an arc flash.
BMG’s Tools & Equipment division offers a comprehensive range of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to assist industry in ensuring a healthy and safe work environment. An important part of this range is Dromex arc workwear, critical for use when employees are working near industrial electrical panels, switch rooms, substations and utilities’ power generators.
“We advise our customers to ensure their chosen workwear and PPE offers adequate protection for the specific application,” says Andrew Johns, Business Unit Manager of BMG’s Tools & Equipment division. “Every environment poses different safety challenges and correct product selection is important in all sectors,” he says. He also adds: “Before selecting arc workwear and PPE for use in hazardous industries, where second- and third-degree burns can occur, it is important that an arc assessment is conducted. Once the arc hazard has been determined, the correct level of protection can be selected.
“An arc flash – which can reach temperatures up to 20 000°C – is a potentially fatal explosion of extreme light and radiant heat which results from a short circuit on an electrical panel. It can be caused by dust, tools dropped accidentally or accidental touching, condensation, corrosion or a faulty installation. Severe injuries can include second- and third-degree burns caused by the extreme heat of the blast, burns from airborne molten metal, metal oxides and vaporised copper, concussion and head injuries, hearing impairment, damaged eyesight and, in some instances, death. An arc flash can also cause fire in the surrounding work areas.
“Because injuries in these dangerous working conditions can be fatal, BMG considers it essential that all selected workwear and PPE have undergone relevant testing. Tests should include fabric and garment analysis and should be supported by official certification, assuring customers that adequate protection will be provided.
“BMG’s range of Dromex workwear and PPE includes dependable arc protection products that have been developed through consultation with experts, testing fabric combinations and working with world-leading testing facilities. The range includes a head-to-toe PPE solution that is lightweight, comfortable and provides the highest level of protection against an arc flash,” says Johns.
Dromex arc workwear is manufactured locally using Dromex APT™ (Arc Protection Technologies) fabric. The products – which include 55 cal and 15 cal garments, as well as arc gloves, footwear and visors – are certified to local and international standards. This certification provides the assurance of optimum protection in dangerous working environments where arc burns are a risk.
BMG’s Dromex range is designed for comfort as well as safety and features, among other things, flame-retardant thread, triple needle-stitched seams, the option of transfer print and embroidery logos, flame-retardant Velcro and double needle-stitched FR reflective tape.
Dromex workwear which also incorporates advanced safety features has flame retardants (FR) engineered into the fabric to ensure flame resistance and to prevent ignition for the life of the garment. Dromex APT™ FR cotton fabric has passed ‘Red Metal’ testing, which offers additional bodily protection from molten metal, vaporised copper and metal oxides up to 1 400°C. Molten metal is a deadly hazard that can easily penetrate synthetic lightweight fabrics during an arc flash incident.
In conventional testing, garments being tested for flammability against the NFPA 2112 standard, have been washed 100 times. Dromex APT™ fabrics have been tested against the NFPA 2112 standard and excelled after 200 washes.
The service life of an arc safety garment is dependent on various factors, including careful washing, storage between use and wear and tear during use. It is recommended that if a worker is exposed to an arc flash incident, the workwear and PPE should be removed from service immediately and replaced. Arc protective garments and equipment should always be inspected before and after use to ensure they are not damaged or torn.
BMG’s range of PPE items also includes general protective clothing, safety spectacles, goggles, face masks, gloves, vests, rain suits and footwear.
For more information visit: www.bmgworld.net
