Some utilities are only requiring FR rated shirts. They are allowing 100% cotton jeans without FR rating. The justification seems to be that "most" burns are from the waist up and the bucket protects from the waist down (where applicable of course). Comments?

I see nothing in the 2007 code to support this. I suppose if the "detailed arc hazard analysis" of the 2012 code showed no hazard below the waist, this policy might be compliant. But a simple statement regarding most burns is not a detailed analysis. Also 2012 is not here yet.

Totally agree, I haven't found any support for it either. Some of the larger IOUs do approach it this way however. I am trying to find out how they justify it since some of our clients have the "they do it why can't we" opinion of our recommendations. The 2012 code did hit the streets last month. New table for <1000V is very interesting.

I didn't mean to say the 2012 code is not out yet, but that the year 2012 has not yet arrived. Therefore the 2012 code is not yet in effect. (and still won't be until Feb 1 or the date of jurisdion adoption.)