RIS-3279-TOM Standard | Hi Vis Protective Clothing Against Arc Flash for the UK Rail Network
Published 29 Jul 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
