For the past two years John Hamilton of Barrie Hydro (Ontario, Canada) has been spearheading a program to have all electrical staff in his utility clothed in inherently flame-retardant clothing. As the presenter of the session, “Flame Resistant Clothing for Arc Flash Protection” at the Finepoint Circuit Breaker Test and Maintenance Training Conference in October, he will cover the reasons that inherently flame-retardant clothing is crucial to safety on the job.

Hamilton has been in the industry since 1981 after leaving the Canadian Forces. He has worked in a number of provinces both as a construction lineman and as a utility lineman. He has owned his own contracting and forestry company and has been in management positions for the past six years with Barrie Hydro.

“I am passionate about ensuring that line/substation staff gets the best tools, clothing and devices to allow them to work safely and efficiently,” Hamilton said.

Highlights of Hamilton’s session include:

• Arc flash understanding: understanding your study and where to go from this point.
• Inherently flame retardant and chemical flame retardant (what are the differences?).
• Identifying suppliers/manufacturers
• Staff buy-in – involve them in testing clothing; proper fit; what to issue.
• Layering and its effect on rating
• Work methods and procedures how it affects the arc rating
• Laundering and issues surrounding repairs.

Hamilton has developed expertise in both the underground and overhead power distribution systems and will be available to answer questions at the session.