When arc-rated clothing is worn to protect an employee, it shall cover all which type of clothing?

• A. Only the torso
• B. Only the outer layer
• C. All ignitable clothing
• D. Only non-ignitable clothing

Answer: (C)

Arc-rated clothing is the outer barrier that protects you from arc flash by preventing ignition of any fabric that could catch fire underneath. To ensure this protection, the arc-rated garment must fully cover all ignitable clothing you’re wearing. If you only protect the torso or only the outer layer, sleeves, pants, or other areas of ignitable fabric could be exposed to heat and ignite, increasing burn risk. By covering all ignitable clothing, the arc-rated layer provides a continuous protective shield over every potential ignition source. Clothing that isn’t capable of igniting doesn’t require this same coverage, but the standard focuses on ensuring that any ignitable layers beneath are fully protected.