Berad Products:
The GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric, which PIP® incorporates into its range of electrical safety products, is self-extinguishing. What does that mean and why is it important? This means that after the fabric is exposed to arc flash, it will not continue to burn. Obviously to reduce the chance of skin burns.
How do the flame resistant properties of fabric prevent fire from reaching the skin? The fabric technology prevents heat flow during arc exposure and stops flame spread by forming carbon char with the fabric. Thus reducing heat transfer to the skin. Air pockets also form and expand, proving an additional protective mechanism (air insulation) to reduce heat transfer to the skin.
What other protection do PIP GORE-TEX PYRAD® products provide? Other than being flame retardant, the fabric is rated at 40 cal/cm2 and is completely windproof.
Don’t all these benefits make something like an AR/FR vest heavy and bulky? Usually, yes. For example, there are Class 4 PPE vests made from multiple layers of fabric with a total weight of 22 ounces. This is a fairly heavy and bulky jacket. Imagine the limitations of working in a dress like this while trying to perform tasks. Since GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric is only 9.5 ounces, it makes the garment ultra-light and allows for an unparalleled level of freedom of movement.
GORE-TEX PYRAD® apparel is ideal for which industries? Utilities, specifically substation maintenance workers. It is ideal for workers who encounter potential arc flash hazards.
The PIP AR/FR Forward Lifting Cap blocks arc flash hazards, but how well can the wearer see and communicate while wearing it? The convex surface of the shield reduces optical distortion and air holes allow for contact.
What makes the AR/FR Bib Overall Made of GORE-TEX PYRAD® superior to similar garments available? It is no different from a jacket, as it is lightweight, breathable, and easy to move, which makes the clothing stand out from the rest.
Group:
What’s in the GORE-TEX PYRAD® Arc Flash Kit? It is a complete set of products which includes vest, overalls, front hood, hard hat, safety goggles and carrying bag.
What is the value in providing all these products together in a set? There is no cash savings when ordering the set versus a la carte. The value comes in the form of ease of ordering and knowing that the kit contains all the ingredients needed for 40 cal/cm2
The products in PIP’s Arc Flash Kit have an arc rating of 40 cal/cm2. What does that mean and why is it important? It is the arc rating, which is the number of calories a garment is expected to absorb when exposed to an arc flash event. It refers to the maximum amount of thermal energy a garment can withstand before causing a second-degree burn to the wearer.
Can companies specify the sizes of jackets and overalls that will come in the sets they order? No, they cannot mix up jacket and bib sizes. If they want to order different sizes of each, they will need to order the components individually.
What kind of reaction does PIP get to these groups? Groups are very popular. As I mentioned before, customers find value in the ease of ordering the full kit versus ordering each component individually.
