We are looking in to PPE to comply with NFPA 70E. What suppliers to people use?

There are a couple that come to mind. Salisbury and Oberon are used a lot. There are also many local distributors depending on where you are located.

Actually, Grainger carries a series of Salisbury PPE kits that are already made up for you, containing all of the items you need for various levels. A lot of what Sailsbury makes that isn't in the Grainger catalog they can special order.

Does anyone know Western Canadian suppliers ( I know about Century Vallen )
Does Salisbury comply with all existing flash law requirements?

Debbi:

You need to start with defining a PPE Program and a plan for procurement. For example what do you need for arc rated PPE, level system, with everyday wear first and layering, or second level as a specific arc flash suit? You should develop a document outlining what you need for electrical specific PPE.

After this what is your procurement strategy, three bids and a buy, or from the local supplier (if there is one).

Do I have any concerns with respect to inherent or chemical treated fabric? Both are perfectly accepteable and meet the applicable Standards. No issues.

After all of this work (there are other details you should review), then you should talk to the the fabric manufacturer, make sure they are credible, have the technical information you need. I say this as the distributor/retailer may not have the information you need. Most distributors/retailers are not knowledgeable in Canada yet about NFPA 70E and CSA Z462. You may have to buy from out of Province if you can't find a reputable supplier in the Province you are from.

Anyways you can see there is a process here... Feel free to contact me I live in Calgary, and my business partner is in Ontario, ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions INC. is a Canadian consulting services company for electrical safety, audit, electrical safety programs (for example defining an electrical specific PPE program) and training.

Terry Becker, P.Eng.
CEO, Senior Management Consultant
ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions INC.
terry.becker@espsi.ca
403-465-3777

Beware of any PPE that has open bottoms, like skirts etc. I've seen fellows wear arc flash smocks and I've also seen some pictures distributed by Oberon that indicate the arc flash can blow up underneath such arrangement.

National Safety Apparel is another great source for Arc Flash apparel for all levels. They also manufacture all their products in the USA.

Aramark is a supplier in the states.....don't know about Canada.

Alan

Buy or rent?
Pull on coveralls or daily wear?
What HRC's will you need?
How many people?

These are all things to know the answers to before you ask your question of who to use.

To answer your question engineers, electricians, technicians etc. use a variety of different suppliers for various reasons not always for the best reasons but to answer your question I would say hands down either Oberon or Salisbury if you plan to purchase Work wear or look into Carharrt even if you plan to purchase Daily work-wear. Lots of choices out there, really depends on the overall answers to Zog's questions above.

Distributors of Arc Flash Clothing Manufacturers

Definitely Salisbury and Oberon are the established manufacturers in the arc flash clothing business for good reason . . . they make top quality components with top quality material. You can find distributors that make up kits or sell individual components at discounted pricing as they are passing on some of their distributor margin to the consumer. I would look at long established distributors who stock and have been around in case something does not fit correctly or is not what you expected so returning and replacing is hassle free.

Suggest ArcFlashPPE.com

Ask for Stacy

National Safety Apparel are quite good as are Salisbury. In my experience Salisbury tends to be quite expensive although they have a good reputation.

Hello Debbi.

We distribute through British Columbia although the product would have to be brought in from the US.

Please send me a forum message if I can provide you with some pricing.
Terry

70E suppliers

NFPA 70E includes a wide range of possible PPE requirements. For daily wear FR clothing Workrite Uniform has a complete line of clothing ranging from coveralls, shirts, pants, outerwear, flash suits etc. in a variety of fabric choice and arc ratings. Many distributors carry the Workrite line or it can be purchased direct http://www.workrite.com.