Has anyone found an arc rated life jacket (flotation device)? The life jackets I have found so far are only FR rated. The second question is: Is there a standard that states life jackets must be arc rated?

Thanks!

I do not believe there is any reason for a life jacket to be arc rated. NFPA 70E states that additional PPE such as high visibility vests, parkas, etc. that are worn for other hazard purposes, are not required to be arc rated to the level of the hazard exposure. They must simply be FR. The user must don arc rated PPE properly rated for the hazard exposure. The life jacket then would be worn for another purpose and must only be FR so it does not ignite.

Think of live line work performed on distribution structures above water. Lines cross water even in non-flood conditions that are accessed by boat. This has been my concern as well. We outfit our lineman in FR, give them FR reflective vests and harnesses, and then give them a big glob of meltable foam to wear over water.

See OSHA 1910.269(w)(5) and 1910.269(l)(8)(iii) for the problem when multiple hazards are present. I suppose one could claim a PFD is technically not "clothing", but the foam and nylon will still melt like synthetic clothing.

I'm not as worried about being within code requirements as I am about putting folks out there in a bad situation. It would seem to me that if fall protection should be arc rated then so should a life vest. I still haven't found anything rated above FR.