The US Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency that regulates workplace health and safety.
Previously, OSHA stated that garments that meet the requirements of ASTM F1506 are in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 for Electrical Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, with regard to garments not contributing to burn severity. However, in its 2014 update to this standard, employees must be in protective clothing and other PPE with an arc rating greater than or equal to the heat energy estimate whenever the estimate exceeds 2.0 cal/cm2 when faced with hazards from electric arcs. “This protective equipment shall cover the employee’s entire body,” except for certain exemptions for hands, feet and head protection.
Additionally, OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.132 (f)(1)(v) states that it is the employer’s responsibility to provide training to each employee required to wear PPE in proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE. In an interpretation letter dated June 1, 2015, OSHA clarifies that with regard to laundering, “Employers cannot simply instruct employees to follow manufacturers’ instructions. Employers must ensure that protective clothing such as FR garments are adequately maintained in a reliable condition such that… the garment will perform as designed.”
