Close the Gaps in Your FR PPE System
NFPA 2112 & NFPA 70E FR Accessories for Complete Coverage
Small items, serious ratings. This collection completes NFPA 70E systems for electric utility, oil and gas, and maintenance crews with arc-rated balaclavas, knit caps, and snap-on hoods across CAT 2 through CAT 4 — assigned per the employer's hazard assessment, with flame resistance engineered to remain effective through industrial laundering per manufacturer care instructions. Browse: FR Shirts, FR Hi-Vis.
Head & Neck FR Accessories — Balaclavas & Knit Caps
Standard FR garments leave the head, neck, and face exposed — areas a hazard assessment cannot ignore. Bulwark FR balaclavas and knit caps use inherent Nomex® knit to provide arc-rated head and neck coverage that integrates with FR shirts and hard hats. A balaclava with a face-mask panel adds everyday face coverage under a hard hat or FR face shield, while a knit cap adds warmth beneath the helmet without compromising FR compliance.
Arc-Rated FR Snap-On Hoods for Higher-Energy Work
For tasks that demand more than head-and-neck knit coverage, Bulwark FR snap-on hoods deliver arc-rated protection up to CAT 4. Inherent Nomex® and Excel FR Comfortouch styles snap onto compatible FR outerwear and hard-hat systems to close the coverage gap for high-energy switching and maintenance work. Confirm each hood's ATPV on its product page against the arc-flash risk assessment.
New to the badges on our product cards? See the full Icon Legend on our Bulwark FR page.
What Bulwark FR accessories are available? +
Bulwark FR Accessories include inherent Nomex® knit balaclavas, knit caps, and arc-rated snap-on hoods. These are designed to close coverage gaps in a complete NFPA 70E FR PPE system, providing arc-rated head, neck, and face protection that pairs with FR shirts, pants, and outerwear.
What arc rating do Bulwark FR accessories carry? +
Accessories in this collection span CAT 2 through CAT 4 (minimum arc ratings of 8, 25, and 40 cal/cm²) — a wide spread for small garments, so check the ATPV on each product page against the task's risk assessment rather than assuming a uniform rating.
Can an FR balaclava be worn under a hard hat or face shield? +
Yes. Bulwark FR balaclavas are designed to be worn under a hard hat and are compatible with FR face shields and hood systems, adding arc-rated coverage to the head, neck, and face without interfering with the fit of primary head protection. Match the balaclava's ATPV to the task's arc-flash risk assessment.
Do I need a balaclava for NFPA 70E compliance? +
NFPA 70E requires all exposed skin to be protected at the appropriate arc-flash PPE category level. Head and neck exposure depends on the type of FR headgear and outerwear used. A balaclava or arc-rated hood may be required if your hazard assessment identifies arc-flash exposure to head and neck areas not covered by your primary FR garments and arc-rated face shield or hood system.
Are Bulwark FR accessories made from inherent fabrics? +
Yes. Bulwark FR balaclavas, knit caps, and hoods use inherent Nomex® knit and Excel FR fabrics, where flame resistance is built into the fiber and does not wash out when laundered per manufacturer care instructions.
What is the difference between a balaclava and an FR hood? +
An FR balaclava is a fitted knit accessory that covers the head, neck, and portions of the face, worn under a hard hat or FR face shield for everyday protection. An FR hood is a larger outer-layer garment — often integral to an arc flash suit or switching hood — that covers the full head and neck for high-energy switching tasks. Both are part of a complete NFPA 70E PPE ensemble.
Content on this page is provided for general information only and may contain errors or omissions; it is not safety or compliance advice. All certifications, arc ratings (ATPV), warranties, and product descriptions are the manufacturer’s — always verify specifications against current manufacturer documentation and product labels before final PPE decisions. Garment selection must be based on a qualified hazard assessment per NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112, and real-world protection depends on proper selection, fit, care, and use within your employer’s PPE program. Copperstone Workwear is an authorized Bulwark FR distributor. Page content © Copperstone Workwear; unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
Authorized Bulwark FR Distributor
