ASTM F2178/F2178M : 23a

1.1 This product specification is used to determine the arc rating and specify the requirements for products intended for use as eye or face protection for workers exposed to electric arcs. The arc rating is determined in the test with an arc which has a heat flux value of 2100 kW/m² [50 cal/cm²/s]. Products are tested as sold.

1.2 The products covered by this standard are in the form of faceshields attached to the head by protective helmets (hard hats), headgear, hood assemblies, safety spectacles or goggles. Faceshields, safety spectacles or goggles are tested with or without other face and head protective products, for example, sock hoods, balaclavas, sweat shirt hoods or jacket hoods.

1.3 The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as standard except as noted. Within the text, alternate units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, alternate systems must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the systems described in the text may result in nonconformance with the method.

1.4 This standard does not purport to describe or appraise the effect of the electric arc fragmentation or propulsion of parts of equipment or molten metal splatter, deposited from the pressure wave containing molten metals and possible fragments of other materials except to the extent that heat energy transmission due to these arc explosion phenomena is reduced by test specimens.

1.5 This standard shall not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards see Section 11.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.