Samsung C&T’s adoption of arc-rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments for its Construction Division
We are currently witnessing a paradigm shift for safety. With an increasing number of businesses putting priority on safety at sites involving electric work, there has been renewed recognition on the importance of protective gear and garments against electric arc. Samsung C&T’s construction division is a prime example. The company has adopted flame-resistant (FR) garments for sites with high-voltage current, especially the arc-rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garment to overcome constraints of existing FR garments. The Gore product is the preferred garment by technicians with its outstanding protection, comfort, and sophisticated design. It enables a safer and more pleasant working environment. Here are some of the reasons why Samsung C&T chose Gore, and the technical feature of the arc-rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garment.
Arc-rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments protect technicians from high-voltage current
The construction division of Samsung C&T is currently building the world’s largest semiconductor production line in Pyeongtaek, Korea, where the arc-rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garment was adopted to ensure worker safety for parts of the facilities.
“Safety is the number one principle of management in Samsung C&T. We put priority on providing a safe workplace for our employees. Gore’s arc protective garment was selected due to the superior level of safety and comfort over alternatives.”
To make the final selection, a comparative assessment was conducted based on the feedback of workers exposed to the risk of accidents on site who tried out various options. The assessment covered characteristics such as protection, pleasantness, comfort, lightness, durability, and design. IEC certification was confirmed to see if performance met globally-accepted tests. Lastly, a series of tests were implemented before surveying demand and placing an order.
GORE-TEX PYRAD® stands out in flame retardancy, protecting the body from sudden threats of heat and flame
Technicians were very pleased with the arc protective garment engineered with GORE-TEX PYRAD® technology. They evaluated it to be much lighter compared to existing products, pleasant thanks to moisture permeation, and comfortable. Reliability of safety was another factor for satisfaction, arising from flame retardancy of details such as zippers and Velcro as well as rigorous testing. GORE-TEX PYRAD® also provide excellent tensile strength and color fastness to light and rubbing, making the garment protected against wear and tear, and discoloration.
Arc-rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garment, the optimal protection against sudden electric arc and flame
According to Samsung C&T’s on-site safety manager, power is shut down before carrying out most electric work. However, workers and supervisors are required to wear an arc protective garment when wiring high-voltage electric switchboards in case of potential risk. On sites dealing with advanced processes, power is turned on in stages rather than all at once to manage wire load, requiring live wire work. An electric arc flash under such a situation will expose technicians to heat above 20,000 ˚C. FR garments and arc protective garments are required for live wire work with an open distribution board or switchboard to protect the technicians.
As verified under IEC 61482-1-1, GORE-TEX PYRAD® is heat resistant, minimizing the risk of skin burns. At the same time, it provides another level of pleasantness based on strong waterproof, windproof, and permeability performances. Users can enjoy great levels of comfort and freedom of movement with 45% lighter fabric over competitors. Furthermore, unparalleled durability based on strong wear resistance and color fastness provides longer life and protection.
Above all, the Gore solution offers improved thermal safety and insulation performance. Thus, the garment maintains its functions even after exposure to heat and flame. Enhanced thermal protection minimizes injuries such as burns. Flame resistance is the property to self-extinguish when flame or heat source disappears. It does not mean that the material does not burn. GORE-TEX PYRAD® is also self-extinguishing, without melting or dripping at high temperature. This is crucial given that dripping is the cause of burn for general synthetic textile. The outstanding thermal safety also helps maintain the lining intact in original form even when the other shell of a laminate is burnt.
The comparative analysis of conventional FR garments and the arc-rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garment was conducted at the Hwaseong E-PTJ site of Samsung Electronics. Both were donned by workers for technical assessment on performance against electric arc flash, flame, and laminated fabrics. It was confirmed that the Gore product meets the IEC standards with its performance and improved features.
About Gore
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 12,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $4.5 billion. gore.com