Protective Arc Flash PPE for High-Risk Environments
Arc Flash PPE is essential for safeguarding workers from the immense thermal and energy hazards of electrical incidents. At Hazchem Safety, our certified PPE not only meets stringent UK and EU standards but also offers field-proven protection and comfort for those working in high-risk sectors such as oil and gas, rail and utilities.
What is Arc Flash PPE?
Arc flash PPE is a specialised category of protective clothing designed to reduce the risk of injury during electrical arc incidents. These incidents release intense heat, pressure and light, often without warning, and can cause severe burns and other serious harm.
Hazchem’s arc flash garments are built to act as a critical layer of protection for workers exposed to high-voltage environments. The range includes:
- Flame-resistant coveralls, jackets and trousers
- Protective base layers
- Arc-rated gloves, visors and hoods
Each item is tested and certified to resist ignition, manage high thermal energy exposure, and reduce the impact of molten metal splatter and hot gases.
Who Needs Arc Flash PPE?
Arc flash PPE is essential for anyone working in high-voltage environments where electrical faults or energy discharge can occur. It plays a key role in reducing the severity of injuries and guaranteeing compliance with health and safety regulations.
Fuel Distribution
Workers at fuel terminals, filling points and transfer stations face daily exposure to electrical panels and switching equipment. Arc-rated clothing provides the necessary protection during routine operations and emergency situations.
Offshore and Onshore Oil & Gas
From drilling platforms to refineries and pipelines, the oil and gas sector involves complex electrical systems in hazardous settings. Arc flash PPE helps protect maintenance teams, engineers and operators from thermal incidents during live work or equipment failure.
Rail and Marine
Rail maintenance crews and marine electricians often work near live systems, such as electrified railways and shipboard switchgear. PPE designed for arc flash hazards supports safe operations in these confined or high-risk environments.
Petrochemical and Utility
Facilities handling volatile chemicals or high-voltage electricity require protective clothing. Whether working in substations or managing power distribution, arc flash supports worker safety.
Meeting Industry Standards
All Hazchem Arc Flash PPE products are independently tested and certified to meet rigorous UK and international safety standards. This ensures both compliance and dependable protection in high-risk working environments.
EN ISO 11612:
Defines requirements for protective clothing against heat, flames, radiant and contact heat, and molten metal splashes. Covers performance levels A–F depending on exposure type.
IEC61482-2:
The international standard for arc flash protection, specifying open-arc and box test methods, ATPV/EBT rating, and Class 1/2 protection criteria.
EN ISO 20471:
Covers high-visibility clothing standards for enhanced daytime and nighttime visibility, including colour requirements, reflective area and durability after cleaning.
RIS-3279-TOM:
UK-specific rail standard mandating high-visibility orange compliant with EN ISO 20471 Class 2, with specified chromaticity, reflective performance and minimum material areas for trackside safety.
These certifications ensure our garments not only support legal compliance but also deliver peace of mind to employers and frontline workers operating in high-risk roles.
Hazchem Arc Flash PPE Clothing Range
Our Arc Flash range is developed for professionals working in environments where electrical risk is part of the job. Each item is certified, durable and designed to perform under pressure.
Arc Flash Coveralls
One-piece protection with reinforced stitching, offering complete body coverage in high-risk electrical environments.
Arc Flash Jackets and Trousers
Versatile two-piece solutions that allow for easy layering. Ideal for teams that require flexibility without compromising safety.
Base Layers and Flame Retardant Underwear
Breathable, moisture-wicking garments worn close to the skin. These provide added comfort and insulation beneath arc-rated outerwear.
Arc Flash Accessories
Includes certified gloves, visors, balaclavas and FR polo shirts for head-to-toe safety in line with regulatory requirements.
Every product in the Hazchem Arc Flash range is tested to the latest EN and IEC standards. Fast delivery is available across the UK to meet your operational needs.
Trusted by High-Risk Sectors
Hazchem Arc Flash PPE is trusted by frontline teams across the UK’s most demanding environments. From live substations to offshore rigs, our products are in use where performance, safety and compliance cannot be compromised.
We supply certified protection to operational teams working in:
- Oil and Gas: including refineries, platforms and maintenance crews
- Fuel Distribution: terminals, depots and bulk handling facilities
- Offshore: drilling and marine operations in high-voltage settings
- Rail: infrastructure maintenance and electrified line works
- Marine: shipboard engineering and port-side electrical systems
- Petrochemical: high-temperature and high-voltage process facilities
- Utilities: power generation, substations and energy distribution
Our long-standing relationships with major energy and infrastructure providers are built on trust, technical support and consistent PPE performance.
Why Choose Hazchem?
For over 25 years, Hazchem has delivered compliant, high-performance PPE to the UK’s most demanding industries. Our Arc Flash range is trusted by frontline teams where protection cannot fail.
Proven Industry Experience
We specialise in high-risk environments, including oil and gas, rail, marine, and utilities. Our knowledge helps teams meet safety regulations without compromise.
Trusted by Leading Energy Firms
As a preferred supplier across the UK and Europe, we support procurement and safety teams in building consistent, compliant PPE programmes.
Certified for Compliance
All garments carry UKCA and CE markings, with independent testing to meet or exceed EN and IEC standards for arc flash, flame resistance and visibility.
Specialist Support
Our technical consultants assist with product selection, hazard assessments and custom PPE solutions so your team is always protected correctly.
UK-Based Stock and Delivery
We hold stock locally for fast turnaround and offer reliable delivery nationwide and across Europe.
Field-Tested Performance
Our products are used daily in live, hazardous environments, designed to pass tests and perform when it matters most.
Whether you’re specifying PPE for a team of five or five hundred, Hazchem makes sure you get protection that’s compliant, tested and built to last.
Get Expert Advice
Need help choosing the right Arc Flash PPE? Our specialists are here to support your team swiftly and knowledgeably.
- Speak directly with a PPE advisor: Request a callback from our technical team.
- Review full product specifications and certifications: Download the HAZTEC® FR AS ARC Workwear Brochure.
Whether you’re managing risk assessments, compliance checks, or product selection, we make it easy to get the right PPE, fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protection levels are measured in calories per square centimetre (cal/cm²) under IEC 61482‑2. The higher the ATPV rating (e.g. 40 cal/cm²), the greater the protection. Hazchem offers garments tested to the highest available ratings.
Arc flash PPE is typically required for tasks involving equipment over 50 volts. However, the exact requirement should be based on a formal risk assessment, following UK standards such as BS 7671 and BS 7430.
Arc PPE is commonly classified into four categories based on energy exposure levels:
- Category 1: 4 cal/cm²
- Category 2: 8 cal/cm²
- Category 3: 25 cal/cm²
- Category 4: 40 cal/cm² or higher
At a minimum, workers should wear arc-rated outer garments, protective gloves, and face shields. Higher-risk tasks may require full-body suits and balaclavas.
Arc PPE should be worn during tasks such as equipment inspections, live switching, fault finding, or any maintenance work where arc flash is a recognised risk.
No. Welding PPE protects against UV radiation and molten metal spatter, while arc flash PPE focuses on high thermal energy from electrical discharge. Some tasks may require both.
- Arc-rated jacket and trousers
- Arc-rated coverall
- Arc flash-rated gloves and face shield
Arc flash garments must be certified to IEC 61482‑2 and EN ISO 11612. Employers must ensure clothing is correctly sized, undamaged, and properly maintained.
Arc flash PPE prevents ignition, limits heat transfer, and reduces burn injuries by absorbing or deflecting the thermal energy released during an arc incident.
With proper use, maintenance, and laundering, arc-rated clothing typically lasts 3 to 5 years. Regular inspections are essential to ensure continued protection.
FR clothing protects against short-term flame exposure. Arc flash PPE is designed to withstand the specific heat and pressure of electrical arc explosions, offering a higher level of protection.
Ready to Specify Arc Flash PPE?
In high-risk electrical environments, certified protection is essential. Hazchem Safety provides the expertise, certified garments and fast delivery your team needs to stay compliant and protected.
Protect your workforce. Protect your operation. Trust Hazchem Safety.