NFPA 70E Article 130.7(C)(10)(2) states that an arc rated hood shall be used when the anticipated incident energy exposure exceeds 12 cal/cm^2. Recently I saw a face shield that was rated for 20 cal/cm^2 and a balaclava with a 27 cal/cm^2 rating. At first glance it would appear that this combination along with safety glasses and hearing protection would be suitable head PPE for up to 20 cal/cm^2 were it not for the NFPA 70E shall statement.

So I wonder why manufacturer's are offering this high cal/cm^2 rating when a face shield and balaclava cannot be used above 12 cal/cm^2? Of course one can always exceed the required ratings for added protection.

Thoughts?

Seems to me that the 70E requirement is already outdated.

Hi wbd,

I cannot speak for the balaclava, however be careful with the faceshield. Someone up here in Canada has been distributing a hardhat faceshield combination with a 20 cal/cm2 rating. I have not been able to pinpoint who exactly it is. However the faceshield is heavily tinted, almost like a welding shield, no ASTM approval markings and the faceshield basically attaches to the hardhat via a heavy elastic band if you can believe it. Sounds similar to the product you are seeing

Hope that this helps

Best regards

Len Cicero

The 20 cal/cm^2 arc shield I saw was attached to the hardhat and would slide up underneath the hardhat. It was a green tint similar to the 12 cal/cm^2 shields I am familiar with. I believe it is of Italian manufacture.