I saw a picture in T&D World a while back. It was of a lineworker on a pole working with a hot stick, with floodwater below. He was wearing a PFD, and evidently in compliance with OSHA 1910.269(w)(5)(i). How does our guy simultaneously comply with the 1910.269(l)(6)(iii) prohibition against wearing fabric that will melt and contribute to injury in an arc? Is there an arc rated PFD? Or one that will not melt?

Good Question.....Maybe the good thing in this case is the hotstick. If he was 6 to 8 feet from the arc source, I expect the IE was very possibly much less than 1 cal. But you are correct with the "meltable fabric" issue. I guess at some point the employer would need to make a decision regarding the greatest danger, burning or drowning?

There is arc rated rain gear but not any PFD's, but I have an idea who may develop one.

If you are working on a live pole above floodwaters, are you really concerned about whether or not your PFD is fire retardant?

If something does go wrong, there is a big arc flash, and your PFD catches fire,
Drop into the water!! (assuming you haven't already fallen...)

Care to share?

Check your PM box.

An FR rated PFD could be developed from the rainwear materials but it cant get an arc rating becasue there is no testing standard in place to test it to (ASTM).

http://www.nascoinc.com/arcwear/arclite.htm