What OSHA, NFPA, and ASTM Standards Mean for Your FR PPE

Key Takeaways

Safety standards set by OSHA, NFPA, and ASTM define what FR PPE must do to protect workers from arc flash and flash fire hazards. Understanding these standards helps workers and safety managers select flame resistant rain gear and other protective outerwear with confidence. Each standard plays a distinct role, and together they form the foundation of a sound FR PPE program.

Working near energized equipment in wet conditions presents real challenges. Electrical linemen, utility crews, and oil and gas workers face arc flash and flash fire hazards on the job, and their PPE must be up to the task. At NASCO Industries, we have been manufacturing FR rainwear for more than 45 years. We know that selecting the right gear starts with understanding the standards that govern it.

What role does OSHA play in FR PPE requirements?

OSHA sets the regulatory foundation for PPE in the American workplace. Under 29 CFR 1910.132, employers must assess the workplace for hazards and select PPE that protects workers from those hazards. The regulation requires that PPE fit properly, that employees receive training on its use and limitations, and that defective or damaged equipment be removed from service immediately.

OSHA does not always prescribe specific garment standards. Instead, it references consensus standards, such as those developed by NFPA and ASTM, to define what adequate protection looks like for a given hazard. For workers exposed to arc flash or flash fire, selecting flame resistant rain gear that meets applicable consensus standards is a key step toward meeting OSHA’s PPE requirements.

Employers carry the responsibility for hazard assessment and PPE selection. Safety managers and compliance officers play a central role in making sure their teams are properly equipped for the hazards they face each day.

What does NFPA 70E cover for electrical workers?

NFPA 70E is the standard for electrical safety in the workplace, published by the National Fire Protection Association. It was originally developed at OSHA’s request to address a gap in workplace protection for employees working near energized electrical equipment. The standard covers arc flash and arc blast hazards, safe work practices, risk assessments, and PPE requirements.

Under NFPA 70E, employers must determine the arc flash hazard level for each task and ensure workers wear PPE rated to meet or exceed that level. The standard organizes electrical work into PPE categories, each with a minimum arc rating. Arc-rated outerwear, including rainwear, is recognized as part of the PPE ensemble under these categories.

NFPA 70E also helps employers meet OSHA requirements. While OSHA has not formally incorporated NFPA 70E into its regulations, OSHA references the standard during enforcement actions as a benchmark for electrical safety in the workplace. The most recent edition of NFPA 70E is the 2024 edition.

What ASTM standards apply to FR rainwear?

ASTM International develops and maintains the testing standards that define how FR and arc-rated materials must perform. Two ASTM standards are most relevant to workers who wear FR outerwear in arc flash environments.

ASTM F1506 covers flame resistant and arc-rated protective clothing for electrical workers. It sets minimum requirements for arc rating, flame resistance, garment construction, and labeling. However, ASTM F1506 explicitly does not address coated or laminated fabrics used in rainwear applications.

That is where ASTM F1891 applies. ASTM F1891 is the Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear. It establishes test methods and minimum physical and thermal performance criteria for rainwear worn by workers exposed to arc flash and open flame hazards. The standard requires testing for flame resistance, arc resistance, waterproofness, tear strength, and material durability, both before and after multiple wash cycles.

ASTM F1891 is the standard that applies specifically to FR rain gear. Garments tested to this standard are evaluated as rainwear, not simply as textile fabrics.

How do these standards work together to protect workers?

OSHA, NFPA 70E, and ASTM each serve a specific function, but they are connected. OSHA establishes the legal requirement to protect workers from recognized hazards. NFPA 70E defines safe work practices and PPE requirements for electrical hazards. ASTM provides the testing methods to conduct testing and standard specifications that provide the pass/fail criteria to verify a garment meets the performance criteria required by those practices.

OSHA requires protection, NFPA 70E defines what protection looks like for electrical work, and ASTM confirms that a garment actually delivers it. A safety manager selecting FR PPE for a utility crew needs all three pieces to make an informed decision.

This interconnected framework means that selecting PPE involves more than just reading a label. Although that is important, it means understanding which standards apply to the specific hazard, confirming that gear has been tested to those standards, and making sure every layer of the ensemble, including outerwear, meets the applicable requirements.

Does FR rain gear need to meet these standards?

FR rain gear worn in arc flash environments is part of the full PPE ensemble, not an optional add-on. Outerwear that does not meet the ASTM F1891 standard can undermine the protection provided by arc-rated clothing worn underneath.

Research on arc flash rain gear and layered protection confirms that outer layers contribute to the total arc rating of the full ensemble. According to Incident Prevention, OSHA, NFPA 70E, and ASTM standards recognize layering as an effective arc flash protection strategy, and outerwear is a key component of that system. A non-FR outer layer worn over arc-rated clothing can reduce or eliminate the protection the inner garments provide.

FR rain gear must be selected with the same care as any other PPE in the ensemble. That means verifying that it meets the requirements of ASTM F1891, that it carries an arc rating appropriate for the hazard, and that it is inspected and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines. Made in USA with US and globally sourced materials, NASCO’s FR rainwear is designed to work as part of a complete, standards-aligned PPE system.

Frequently asked questions about FR PPE standards

Workers and safety managers often have questions about how OSHA, NFPA, and ASTM standards apply to their PPE decisions. Here are answers to the most common ones.

What is the difference between OSHA regulations and NFPA standards?

OSHA regulations are enforceable federal law. Employers who fail to meet OSHA requirements can face citations, fines, and other penalties. NFPA standards, including NFPA 70E, are consensus-based guidelines developed by technical committees. They are not law on their own, but OSHA regularly references NFPA 70E as the benchmark for electrical safety in enforcement actions. In practice, following NFPA 70E is one of the most reliable ways to demonstrate compliance with OSHA’s electrical safety requirements.

Do I need FR rain gear if I already wear FR clothing underneath?

FR rain gear is still necessary even when arc-rated clothing is worn underneath. Outer layers are part of the full PPE ensemble, and non-FR outerwear worn over arc-rated clothing can reduce the protection the system provides. Rain gear that has not been tested for arc flash performance does not add to the arc rating of the ensemble, in fact, it compromises it. FR rain gear tested to ASTM F1891 is designed to function as a protective outer layer, not just a weather barrier.

How do I know if my FR gear meets current standards?

Start with the garment label. FR and arc-rated garments should carry labeling that identifies the applicable standard and arc rating. Manufacturer documentation and product data sheets provide additional detail. For compliance questions specific to your worksite, consult your safety manager or a qualified safety professional. OSHA and NFPA 70E both require employers to conduct hazard assessments and document PPE selection decisions. That process should include verifying that all gear in the ensemble meets applicable standards.

Shop FR rain gear built for compliance and the job

When your team works in arc flash environments, every layer of PPE matters. NASCO Industries manufactures FR rainwear designed to meet the demands of utility, electrical, and industrial work. Explore our full line of protective outerwear, including our FR bib options built for demanding field conditions. Whether you need jackets, bibs, or a complete FR rain gear system, we have options built for the conditions you work in. Find the right fit for your team and order directly from our USA manufacturing facility.