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RIS-3279-TOM Standard | Hi Vis Protective Clothing Against Arc Flash for the UK Rail Network
July 29th, 2021
Hi Vis Protective Clothing
Protecting Workers Against Arc Flash Risks Using Clothing & Garments
RIS-3279-TOM Standard
Arc flash risks are becoming more widely recognised as a specific cause for concern to those working in the rail industry, over and above general electrical incidents, although there is still work to do on raising awareness of the Arc Flash risks in the rail industry.
An Arc Flash incident can occur any time people are working with electrical components. For the rail industry there are particular risks around working with electrical services and also when breaking ground.
WHAT IS RIS-3279-TOM?
RIS-3279-TOM (formerly GO-RT 3279) is a high visibility standard that only applies to the rail industry in the UK, as opposed to the EU-Wide nature of other EN standards. The aim is to ensure that rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains approaching at speed or any other traffic.
The background fabric, retro-reflective material and design of the garment must meet the requirements of the European standard for Hi-Visibility clothing EN ISO 20471, with fluorescent and reflective areas meeting a minimum of Class 2, based on a classification system from Class 1 to Class 3.
RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls (Hi-Vis Orange) | ProGARM 4693
SUMMARY OF THE RIS-3279-TOM STANDARD
High visibility clothing is the fundamental principle behind the UK Rail Industry Standard.
This is based on the European Norm EN 20471:2013, and garments must comply to Class 2 High Visibility, the middle of a three class range. The standard states the following: ‘high visibility clothing worn by people on the lineside or on or near the line should conform to a single standard for the colour and luminance of background material and that this standard will accord with the detail contained within BS EN 20471:2013 high visibility clothing – Test methods and requirements (ISO 20471:2013).’
Stated in the standard is that: ‘the colour specific requirements within this standard conform to the range specified within BS EN 20471 clause 5.1.2.’ In order to confine this to a specific orange colour, and to prevent the selection of a colour at the red end of the spectrum, the precise chromaticity co-ordinates for the colour are specified as: Fluorescent orange, X:0.588, Y:0.371. with a luminance factor of at least 0.4. The accepted tolerance in colour is as laid out in EN 20471. However, there is no tolerance for the luminance factor.
Also stipulated in RIS-3279-TOM is the need of retro-reflective materials, with photometric and physical performance aligned with EN 20471.
Mentioned in RIS-3279-TOM is the accepted use of a mini vest where the nature of the work being carried out will not obscure the high visibility clothing, and thus reduce the surface area’ that is visible. The same applies to company logos; these are permitted where they do not compromise the surface area of background colour, and compensation may have to be made for this.
Cable Trough – Network Rail Approved Elevated Trough LV HV S&T Power Cables
ARC FLASH RISKS SOLUTIONS: ESPECIALLY FOR RAIL
A wide range of our personal protective clothing is available in orange high viz, conforming to the new 2018 RIS railway specification.
All of our clothing is lightweight and breathable, ensuring worker comfort while also providing protection when workers are subject to Arc Flash risks. We use a variant of our VXS+ fabric which is tested to European standards, and all garments display an at-a-glance SafetyICON label so it’s easy to see what protection is offered.
Our orange high viz trousers and coveralls are available in male and female versions to ensure the best fit and maximum comfort. We have also designed waterproof salopettes, polo shirts and two jackets in the regulation orange high viz. Two types of helmet with visor are available, depending on the voltage.
💡 Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage.
Further Reading
- Arc Flash Risks In The Rail Industry
- NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH | RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls (Hi-Vis Orange) | ProGARM 4693
- Arc Flash | Don’t Let the Summer Sun Compromise Your Electrical PPE
Arc Flash Learning & Resources
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash coveralls and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Electrical Safety Equipment & Cable Accessories for the Maintenance of Low, Medium & High Voltage Power Systems
Thorne & Derrick Appointed Official Distribution Partner for UK Leading Arc Flash Clothing Manufacturer
July 29th, 2021
uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick
Press Release | 1st August 2021
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are delighted to announce they have entered into an Official Distribution Agreement with ProGARM, the market-leading arc flash clothing manufacturer.
We have partnered with ProGARM to service and protect renewable, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage, street lighting, smart-metering and utility workers.
“Together, we are leading an electrical safety awareness campaign to reduce preventable life-changing, life-threatening injuries by educating about risk – we will support clients to protect their workers through the everyday wearing of comfortable and practical arc flash workwear as a last line of defence against arc-related incidents. We can provide wearer-trial garments for you to field-test and experience the exceptional physical performance and market-leading protection that ProGARM clothing can provide to your workers,” says Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager with Thorne & Derrick).
“Everyday our customers face safety hazards, but arc flash is the most devastating and deadly electrical danger present in today’s workplaces – the explosive deafening and blinding fireball effects of an arc-flash blast can unleash metal-vaporizing temperatures.”
“Low voltage does not mean low-risk; a LV CNE 3 phase low voltage cable can pose greater risk than 33kV switchgear. We look forward to working closely with ProGARM to introduce their garments to our clients and launching our collaborative #protectinglives awareness campaign,” adds Chris.
➡ Contact us to arrange a personal visit, an online presentation or for a general conversation on how we can help with your electrical safety priorities. Arc-rated clothing. Wear it, it saves lives.
ProGARM Protective Clothing & Workwear With Next Day Delivery. High Quality, UK Manufactured Safety Wear & Arc Flash Protection Supplied by Thorne & Derrick
Pictured: Paul Hertherington (National Key Account Manager | ProGARM) during recent Technical Training & Product Training Day at Thorne & Derrick with Dave Tinning, Carl Cox, Chris Dodds & Jonny Hewitt.
Safely Sustaining Switchgear | Event by HV Expert Group
July 28th, 2021
Get your ticket here
Safely Sustaining Switchgear
Presented By HV Expert Group
A celebration of circuits at The National Motorcycle Museum! Created for Maintenance Engineers who operate or need knowledge of high voltage electrical equipment and assets.
Date and Time
Wed, 15 September 2021
08:30 – 15:00 BST
Location
The National Motorcycle Museum
Hampton in Arden
Solihull
Birmingham
B92 0EJ
Get your ticket here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safely-sustaining-switchgear-tickets-154673042233?ref=eios
About this Event
Free of charge for those who are part of the maintenance teams. Others welcome but we ask for a contribution towards costs.
A focus on switchgear with an agenda that brings other key assets into focus. Lots of breakouts to network and meet new engineering contacts.
- Relevant
- Interesting
- Enjoyable
| Time | Activity | Remarks |
| 0830-0915 | Arrival, Registration View exhibitors and network |
Exhibition opens |
| 0915-0930 | Welcome and overview to the day | Jason Butler Pumptec Engineering |
| 0930-1015 | LV electrical compliance for duty holders Don’t underestimate its safety management |
Michael Kenyon Bureau Veritas |
| 1015-1100 | Internal Arc Flash classification of High Voltage Switchgear | Paul Dale Powell Industries |
| 1100-1130 Coffee, networking and view exhibitors |
||
| 1130-1200 | Switchgear mechanisms | Phil Hooper Interflon |
| 1200-1230 | Digitally transforming Safety Management Save lives, save cost, motivate colleagues |
Paul Richardson 2innov8 Ltd |
| 1230-1315 Lunch and view exhibitors |
||
| 1315-1345 | High Voltage AC-DC Lessons from an electrifying musician |
Peter Cook Rock Academy |
| 1345-1400 | Partial Discharge Case Study – find it early | Stephen Holmes Irenka Services |
| 1400-1430 | Energy Saving Case Study on Air Handling Units | Jason Butler Pumptc Engineering |
| 1430-1500 | Circuit breaker testing and technology | Dave Gibb DV Power |
| 1500-1515 | HV Expert Group next event Discussion Key topics and requests from attendees Summary of the day |
Jason Butler |
| 1515-1630 Coffee, Networking and view exhibitors Museum available |
||
| 1630 Event closes |
||
Arc Flash Learning & Resources
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash rated clothing and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
BS EN 1149-5 Standard | Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
July 28th, 2021
BS EN 1149-5 Standard Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
BS EN 1149-5
Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
BS EN 1149-5 is the European Standard for garments that protect against electrostatic discharge in areas where there is a risk of explosion (ATEX Environments) such as petrochemical refineries and fuel distribution companies.
Annex II, art. 2.3. of the ATEX directive 99/92/CE concerning the protection of workers likely to be exposed to the risk of explosive atmospheres says: “Workers must be provided with appropriate working clothing consisting of materials which do not give rise to electrical discharges that can ignite explosive atmospheres”. The outer fabric of these garments are therefore made from antistatic materials and components.
Under the scope of the PPE manufacturers Directive 89/686/EEC a series of EN Standards have been developed relating to electrostatic properties. We note the key parts of these standards as follows that relate to the protective garments that ProGARM® produces.
View further information about Arc Flash Clothing Standards.
This series of Articles published in conjunction with ProGARM are written to enable the industry to carefully ensure their garments and clothing are correctly specified to provide appropriate levels of protection against arc flash dangers, risks and hazards.
BS EN 1149-5 | Standard Overview
Protective clothing. Electrostatic properties. Material performance and design requirements.
This European Standard specifies material and design requirements for electrostatic dissipative protective clothing, including hoods and caps, used as part of a total earthed system, to avoid incendiary discharges, where the minimum ignition energy of an explosive atmosphere is not less than 0,016 mJ. In the context of this European Standard, a total earthed system is one in which personnel and other conductors are connected to earth via a resistance of less than 108Ω. The material and design requirements do not presume adequate earthing of additional equipment worn or carried in contact with clothing, e.g. breathing apparatus, etc. If such additional equipment is required to be earthed, other requirements beyond the scope of this European Standard may be necessary. The scope of this standard does not include electrostatic dissipative protective gloves or footwear that are separate and not integral parts of garments. The material and design requirements may not provide sufficient protection in oxygen enriched flammable atmospheres.
NOTE Additional information about oxygen enriched flammable atmospheres can be found in CEN/CLC/TR 16832:2015 [1]. This European Standard is not applicable for protection against mains voltages.
Standard Status | Current
Published | 2018
➡ Standards | RIS-3279-TOM | IEC 61482-2 | BS EN ISO 11611 | BS EN ISO 20471 | BS EN ISO 14116 | BS EN ISO 11612 | BS EN 13034 | BS EN 342 | BS EN 14404 | BS EN 343 | HSG47
EN 1149-5:2008 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Antistatic PPE is certified to EN1149-5 as this standard covers the performance requirements of the garments and refers to the choice of 2 different test methods (EN1149-1 or EN1149-3).
EN 1149-1:2006 MEASUREMENTS OF SURFACE RESISTIVITY
Antistatic PPE is certified to EN1149-5 as this standard covers the performance requirements of the garments and refers to the choice of 2 different test methods (EN1149-1 or EN1149-3).
EN 1149-3:2004 MEASUREMENTS OF SURFACE RESISTIVITY
This test method is referenced for materials for which the electrostatic dissipative behaviour is based on core conducting fibres but can also be used for surface conducting materials.
In the EN1149 series, there is also an EN1149-2 (measurement of the electrical resistance through a material; the vertical resistance) which is used as a test method in EN ISO 11611 (welders clothing) and which is also mentioned in Annex H of EN 469:2005. A further part of EN1149 is under development which will cover the testing of the full garment – this part of the standard is EN1149-4.
Clothing & Garments
Protecting Workers Against the Dangers of Arc Flash
Thorne & Derrick stock and supply the most extensive range of Arc Flash PPE, Clothing & Protective Garments – should you require any further information, sample garments for field test and trial or a quotation please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Electrical Safety Equipment & Cable Accessories for the Maintenance of Low, Medium & High Voltage Power Systems
Arc Flash Clothing Standards | EN Standards for Arc Flash Protection
July 27th, 2021
Arc Flash Clothing Standards
Arc Flash Clothing Standards
EN Standards
Purchasing arc flash products which conform to EN Standards guarantees your team is protected.
Depending on which sector you operate in, the Arc Flash Clothing Standards according to EN Standards that matter to your business may differ slightly if your industry requires arc flash clothing. However, it’s vital that you equip your team with protective clothing that conforms to IEC 61482. This is the international standard applicable to Arc Flash and flash fire hazard protection. All ProGARM arc flash garments are rigorously tested to the Open Arc and Box Arc methods, providing protection across our range.
EN ISO 11612 certified garments provide protection against heat and flame.
Protection Against Arc Flash | Clothing & Garments
This protects against hazards including radiant heat, convective heat and splatters of molten metal, although it is not a substitute for clothing made to withstand high temperatures for longer periods of time. The specifications for each standard that ProGARM arc flash garments conform to are provided both on our website and in our brochure. You can be sure that you’re equipping your team with clothing designed to protect them in the field, whichever sector you operate in.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT Arc Flash Clothing Standards
BS EN 1149-5
The European Standard for garments that protect against electrostatic discharge in areas where there is a risk of explosion (ATEX Environments) such as petrochemical refineries and fuel distribution companies. For further information see BS EN 1149-5 Standard.
BS EN ISO 11611
ProGARM products are certified in accordance with this EN Standard to protect workers in welding processes by subjecting fabrics to a series of tests. For further information see BS EN ISO 11611 Standard.
BS EN ISO 20471
The international standard that specifies the requirements for hi vis clothing ensuring the wearer is more noticeable in hazardous situations during the day, as well as at night. For further information see Standard BS EN ISO 20471.
BS EN ISO 14116
Clothing manufactured to this standard is made from flame retardant materials so that if the material comes into contact with a flame, it will only continue to burn for a limited amount of time. After removal from the flame, the material will stop burning. For further information see BS EN ISO 14116 Standard.
RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls (Hi-Vis Orange) | ProGARM 4693
BS EN ISO 11612
The requirements apply to clothing intended for a wide range of application which offer limited flame spread and provide protection against various hazards including Radiant Heat, Convective Heat and splatters of Molten Metal. For further information see BS EN ISO 11612 Standard.
BS EN 13034
Garments manufactured in accordance with this EN Standard are suitable for use in environments where there may be a risk of chemical splashes but where a total chemical barrier is not required. For further information see BS EN 13034 Standard.
BS EN 342
This EN Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for garments and clothing combinations designed to protect the wearer in a cold environment (characterised by a combination of humidity, wind and air temperature lower than -5 °C). For further information see BS EN 342 Standard.
BS EN 14404
This EN Standard relates to trousers and coveralls which offer kneepad pockets to protect the wearer when kneeling. For further information see BS EN 14404 Standard.
BS EN 343
This EN Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for materials and the seams of protective clothing that has been designed to give protection against rain, snow, mist and ground moisture. For further information see BS EN 343 Standard.
IEC 61482-2
Specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing worn by electrical workers to protect them against the thermal hazards of electric Arc. For further information see IEC 61482-2 Standard.
RIS-3279-TOM
The high visibility standard that applies to the rail industry in the UK and ensures rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains or other traffic approaching at speed. For further information see RIS-3279-TOM Standard.
Arc Flash Learning & Resources
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash clothing and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
