DuPont Protection Solutions works with companies, governments, academics and scientists, sharing our extensive experience and knowledge of thermal protection regulations and helping to develop garments and products that protect life. DuPont recognizes the important role governments play in overseeing worker and workplace safety at all levels.

General thermal protection regulations

Workplace thermal protection regulations in the form of acts, regulations, standards or codes are in place in all North American markets and industries. In general, local codes tend to be more stringent. Regulations are subject to change as incidents occur and technologies advance.

Employee and employer responsibilities

DuPont recognizes that both employers and employees have perspectives and needs when it comes to PPE testing and thermal protection regulations. The employer’s primary responsibility is to provide a safe worksite; protect employees from hazards that can create injury; ensure that tasks can be safely executed; and comply with applicable regulations. Employers should:

• Assess workplace hazards
• Identify and control physical and health hazards
• Identify and provide appropriate PPE for employees
• Train employees in use and care of PPE
• Maintain PPE and replace when worn or damaged
• Periodically review, update and evaluate PPE

The employee’s primary responsibility is to comply with job safety requirements. Additionally, employees should inform employers of unsafe conditions and comply with applicable federal or local regulations. Employees should:

• Wear PPE as trained
• Attend training sessions on PPE
• Properly care for PPE, including cleaning and maintenance
• Inform employers of repair or replacement needs

Mitigating thermal hazards

Where hazards or potential hazards exist, regulations state that, where possible, the employer is required to eliminate or control the source of the hazard. If the employer cannot remove the hazard, engineering controls such as work practice or tools are a secondary best practice. If removal of the source of the hazard or engineering controls are insufficient, PPE is the last line of defense to mitigate the hazard.

Current industry standards

Usually focused on specific industries, industry consensus standards provide tools to recognize and manage hazards. Most standards establish minimum PPE requirements with the goal of reducing or eliminating worker injuries and fatalities. Additionally, these industry consensus standards provide criteria for selection of PPE and certification processes. Reviewed every five years, these consensus standards serve as guidance for regulatory compliance.

Key thermal protection regulations – North America

U.S. Regulations:
U.S. Government (OSHA)

• U.S. Code, Title 29 Chapter 15 § 654 (General Duty)
• 29 CFR 1910.132 (PPE General Requirements)
• 29 CFR 1910.119 (Process Safety Management)
• 29 CFR 1910.335 (Electrical Safety — Protection)
• 29 CFR 1910.269 (Electrical T and D Operation)
• 29 CFR 1926.951 (Electrical T and D Construction)

Industrial Consensus Specification Standards

• NFPA 2112/2113 (Flame and Thermal for Industrial)
• NFPA 70E (Protection from Electric Arc, Industrial)
• NESC / ANSI C2 (Electrical T and D)
• ASTM F1506 (Materials Requirements for Arc)
• ANSI 107 (High-Visibility Safety Apparel)

Canadian Government (Multiple Entities — OSH)

• Federal (Covering Multi-Provincial Industries)
• Canada Labour Code (R.S., 1985, C.L-2, Part II)
• Canada OHS Regulations (SOR/86-304)
• Provinces and Territories
• Each Province / Territory has own OSH Regulations
• Typically “Occupational Health and Safety Code”

 Industrial Consensus Specification Standards

• CGSB 155.20/155.21 (Flame and Thermal Industrial)
• CSA Z462 (Protection from Electric Arc, Industrial)
• CSA Z96/Z96.1 (High-Visibility Safety Apparel)

Regulatory reminders

Whatever your business, DuPont would like to remind you that acts, regulations and codes can differ from area to area, and that while federal levels usually establish the minimum criteria for compliance, PPE regulation is always evolving as knowledge, trends, technology and other developments promote change in the industrial workplace.