Derek Sang
Senior Technical Training Manager, QSSP, CSHEP (IASHEP).
Bulwark Protection & Workrite Fire Service
545 Marriott Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 480 540 5350
derek.sang@bulwark.com
www.bulwark.com
With over 25 years of experience in the Flame-Resistant (FR) clothing industry and well over 500 presentations, Derek Sang has been a pivotal figure in advancing safety standards and education worldwide. As Senior Technical Training Manager at Bulwark Protection and Workrite Fire Service, Derek spearheads Bulwark and Workrite’s training initiatives, developing comprehensive programs that address the selection, use, and maintenance of Flame Resistant/Arc Rated (AR) clothing and Stationwear. His work ensures that workers across industries are equipped to stay safe in hazardous environments.
In 2025, Derek continued to make a significant impact by hosting over 50 educational presentations and webinars, reaching over 4000 attendees. He also expanded the reach of Bulwark’s technical training through the online series “What in the FR,” “NFPA 70E made Easy” and “What you wear under your turnout gear matters”.
Derek holds professional certifications as a Qualified Safety Sales Professional (QSSP) and Safety, Health, Environmental Professional (CSHEP) with IASHEP. With a dedication to innovation and education, Derek remains a trusted expert and advocate for safety in the FR/AR clothing industry.
Title: Are You SAFE or Are You Just COMPLIANT? Arc Rated Daily Wear or Task-Based Kits
Abstract
When it comes to Flame-Resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) clothing, particularly under OSHA 1910.132, the regulation explicitly requires training on PPE for industries such as petroleum, electrical, and oil & gas exploration. This includes ensuring workers are protected from short-duration thermal exposures and properly trained on FR/AR clothing.
One of the greatest challenges today is arc flash protection and the decision between implementing daily wear versus a task-based solution. Safety professionals often struggle with how to train employees on when, what, and how to wear AR clothing. Additionally, they face the challenge of balancing employee pushback with the need to foster a culture of safety that goes beyond mere compliance. This paper will explore tools and strategies to help safety professionals build a program that prioritizes safety while meeting regulatory requirements.
Objective
Safety professionals are inundated with responsibilities, and selecting the best arc-rated clothing solution for their teams is a multifaceted challenge. They must navigate myths, misinformation, and conflicting guidance when implementing an arc-rated clothing program. The critical components of such a program include the proper selection of PPE, training employees on its use, and ensuring appropriate care of the equipment.
This paper will examine the decision between daily-wear and task-based solutions for arc flash protection, weighing the pros and cons of each approach. It will also provide actionable insights to ensure safety professionals can implement a program that is not only compliant but truly safe.
Key challenges include understanding regulations, balancing internal resistance to change, and driving beyond compliance to build a culture of safety. This discussion will equip safety professionals with the knowledge to:
Train teams effectively on when, where, and how to wear AR clothing.
Navigate the complexities of daily-wear versus task-based solutions.
Optimize safety while maintaining compliance.
Attendees Will Take Away (For Arc Flash):
Understanding Task-Based vs. Daily Wear Approaches: Learn the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches to maximize employee safety when working on energized electrical equipment.
Incident Energy, Arc Rating, and Layering: Gain insights into these critical factors to make informed decisions about protecting employees working on energized electrical equipment.
Best Practices: Review 20 years of proven best practices that have successfully maximized safety in arc-rated clothing programs.