Most manufacturers are self-declared on conformity assessment for arc flash PPE, but the new standard requires them to state how they are conforming in 130.7(C)(14). It recommends use of ANSI 125 in an informational note and in Section H.4. Note ANSI 125 requires retesting every 5 years; this is a big change which end users will become aware of, so companies should also be aware of the change.
This is how EU certifications have worked for years, and conformity assessment in PPE has been driven by NIOSH desire to have a more uniform PPE certification process in the private sector. We have not had huge issues in the arc flash market but as the standards evolve, manufacturers should be prepared.
ANSI 125 level 1 is still self-declaration, but requires a written quality management system and testing according to the standard but no older than 5 years.
ANSI 125 Level 2 adds the requirement of an ISO 9001 QMS and ISO 17025 accredited lab reports.
ANSI 125 Level 3 requires Third Party Certification by an ISO 17065 body like the ASTM International not-for-profit subsidiary Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) or the for-profit Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL).
SEI has both NFPA 2112 and the ASTM arc standards in their scope and BTTG has the IEC/ISO standards for arc flash in their scope. With the new changes in NFPA 70E, IEC and ISO or EN standards can now be used for arc flash PPE (they are not listed but the ASTM standards are now non-mandatory so countries which use other standards can choose which apply more easily).
After delays due to several TIA submissions, the PDF and online free access are now available at nfpa.org.
Purchase the NFPA 70E 2018 PDF from NFPA
