Layering Up: Why What’s Underneath Your Arc Flash Kit Really Matters
When you’re pulling on your arc flash PPE, it’s easy to think you’re sorted. Jacket on, trousers zipped, coverall buttoned…you’re good to go.
Not quite.
What you’re wearing underneath can make or break your protection in the event of an arc flash. Your favourite cotton T-shirt or that moisture-wicking gym top isn’t going to cut it.
We’ve seen time and again how the wrong base layers can undo even the best outer protection. That’s why we design arc-rated base layers to work as part of a complete system, protecting you from skin outwards.
Everyday Clothes Aren’t Built for AF
You’re on the job, wearing your arc flash outerwear, and underneath you’ve thrown on a standard cotton T-shirt. If an arc occurs, your outer layer will absorb a significant portion of the impact, but not all of it. Heat and energy can still transfer through.
If that cotton T-shirt gets hot enough, it can ignite. If it’s polyester, it can melt into your skin. If this happens, you’re looking at burns that could have been avoided. That’s the harsh reality: even if your outer kit does its job, the wrong base layer underneath can undo it all.
Arc Flash Baselayers: The Silent Protector
That’s where arc-rated base layers come in. No everyone realises it but they’re an essential part of the protection system.
They won’t ignite or melt like everyday fabrics.
They add another barrier between your skin and the hazard, reducing the risk of serious burns.
They’re designed for comfort, so you can wear them all day without feeling like you’re in thermal underwear.
Think of them like a safety net. You hope you’ll never need them, but if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad they’re there.
Putting it to the test
Getting It Right
Arc flash protection requires a full system. Layering the right way is what gives you the best chance of walking away unharmed if the worst happens.
That means:
Proper arc-rated outerwear.
Arc-rated base layers underneath.
The correct arc-rated accessories.
The right combination to achieve the protection levels you need.
When it comes to arc flash, what you wear underneath could make all the difference. That’s exactly why we’ve pulled together our Free whitepaper, “Maximise Safety With Arc Flash Baselayers”, to give you the detail, data, and real-world advice on building the right protection system.
It’s free to download, and it could change the way you think about layering.