When a worker is inadvertently exposed to an electrical arc or arc flash, life-threatening and long-lasting injuries can occur if they are not wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, is the leading industry standard for safeguarding employees from the risk of arc flash. The use of safety goggles or safety eyewear is required in each of the four categories of arc flash PPE:

• Category 1: Face shield required; safety glasses or goggles as necessary
• Category 2: Arc-rated suit hood or face shield, and a sock hood or balaclava with an arc rating of at least 8 cal/cm²
• Category 3: Arc flash suit hood (minimum arc rating of 25 cal/cm²) and an arc-rated balaclava; safety glasses as necessary
• Category 4: Arc rated flash suit hood with minimum arc rating of 40 cal/cm²; eye protection (goggles or glasses) as necessary.

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