Milwaukee Tool Creates Power Utility Dedicated AR/FR High Visibility Safety Vests

Milwaukee Tool adds to their Personal Protective Equipment lineup with new Arc Rated (AR) and Flame Resistant (FR) High Visibility Safety Vests. From the power plant, through transmission and distribution, it is Milwaukee’s goal to improve reliability and productivity for linemen by offering solutions that help increase confidence on the job. Milwaukee’s new AR/FR High Visibility Safety Vests is the first dedicated offering in Power Utility for Personal Protective Equipment, these vests help keep users safe without slowing them down, providing a breathable and lightweight feel on the jobsite. Available in Category 1 Woven WESTEX® DH by Miliken® DH material and a more breathable Mesh anti-static GLENGUARD® material.

“Arc flashes are brighter and hotter than the sun, and capable of creating arc blast that could send metal debris flying at over 700 miles per hour. NFPA 70E†  is the current choosing standard in regards of arc protection to help mitigate the risks of working on energized conductors. Unfortunately, current AR/FR vests help protect users at the expense of functionality and overall comfort,” said Zach Richman, Director of Product Marketing for Milwaukee Tool. “Our new AR/FR safety vests offer protection without trading off on overall comfort. Additionally, these vests are designed with storage and functionality users have demanded for years.”

The new AR/FR High Visibility Safety Vests are designed with ten pockets, including pen pockets, a chest pocket with closure, and an internal pocket for easy access to essential items while on the job. They feature quick size adjustments for a better fit and durable pass-through slits for fall protection gear. A Breakaway version is available for both vests, designed with five tearaway points located on the shoulders, sides, and front that can break away when caught or snagged and are ANSI compliant.

AR/FR Cat. 1 Class 2 & 3 High Visibility Yellow Mesh Safety Vests

The AR/FR CAT. 1 Class 2 & 3 High Visibility Yellow Mesh Safety Vests are engineered to carry more with breathable protection and are ATSM F1506 certified and rated an ATPV of 4.1cal./cm². These AR/FR GLENGUARD® Mesh are designed for breathable all-day comfort. This material is also anti-static to reduce static buildup. These vests are available in breakaway and non-breakaway options.

AR/FR Cat. 1 Class 2 & 3 High Visibility Yellow Safety Vests

The AR/FR CAT. 1 Class 2 & 3 High Visibility Yellow Safety Vests are engineered to carry more and are ATSM F1506 certified and rated to an ATPV of 5.7 cal./cm². These vests are certified with NFPA 2112 for protection against flash fires and arc flash hazards. AR/FR lightweight WESTEX® DH by Miliken® DH material provides added comfort when wearing the vest. These vests are ANSI compliant. These vests are available in breakaway and non-breakaway options.

Thoughtfully designed for Power Utility, Milwaukee Tool’s new safety vests demonstrate the company’s focus on creating innovative solutions that won’t slow users down, helping them STAY SAFE. STAY PRODUCTIVE™. For more information on Milwaukee® Personal Safety or to view the entire line, please visit www.milwaukeetool.com/ppe.

*An Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) refers to the maximum incident energy (in calories per centimeter squared) that protective equipment can be exposed to and prevent onset of a second-degree burn. Ratings are based upon the total weight of the fabric. The higher the rating, the more protection.

†When work must be performed on electrical equipment, NFPA 70E calls for normally energized conductors and circuit parts to be put in an electrically safe work condition before work begins whenever possible. In situations where work must be performed on energized conductors, or where the condition of the circuit cannot readily be determined, there is an increased risk of injury due to electric shock and a hazard known as an arc flash. NFPA 70E provides information regarding qualifications, approach boundaries, and the PPE required to help mitigate the risks of working on energized conductors.

‡ANSI/CSA compliant safety vests feature an X on the backside to differentiate the front and back with the end user. These vests are required on all Canadian and some U.S. jobsites.

• The National Fire Protection Association’s code NFPA 2112 provides informative guidelines for specialized flash fire resistant clothing.