Flame resistant clothing is essential for various industries, including workers in the gas and oil industry, electrical line workers, chemical plant workers, and others. To stay safe on the job site, everyone on your team should have access to flame resistant clothing. If you work in a hazardous job, there are some essential facts you need to know about flame resistant clothing. Continue reading to learn about five of those things that you need to know about this type of safety gear.

Flame Resistant Clothing Is Self-Extinguishing

Flameproof clothing surpasses regular material in the event of a fire. One of the major problems with clothing made from standard materials is that it acts as fuel, continuing to spread the fire and cause more damage. On the other hand, flame resistant clothing is self-extinguishing, meaning even if your flame resistant gear does catch on fire, it won’t melt onto your skin or continue to burn. While flame resistant and flame retardant clothing perform a similar job in extinguishing fires, their materials may have different properties that will make a difference in your overall protection.

What FR Clothing is Made Of

For flame resistant clothing to self-extinguish, it has to be made from special materials. In most cases, flame proof clothing is either treated with flame resistant chemicals or fashioned from naturally flame resistant materials.

How Flame Resistant Clothing is Rated

Not all flame resistant workwear is created equal. Certain types of flame resistant workwear are better suited to specific situations, which is why flame resistant textiles have a rating system. These ratings correspond to the amount of heat those flame resistant garments can withstand. 

You and your team may require different ratings of flame resistant apparel, depending on the temperature of the heat source you are working with. The primary safety ratings include NFPA 2112 (approved for flames with oil and gas), NESC (approved for electrical fires), and 70E (suitable for additional fire classes).

How to Clean FR Workwear

Like any piece of clothing, you need to clean your flame resistant garments after using them. However, flame resistant cloth has specific cleaning needs to remain effective. For most fire resistant clothing items, you can wash them in your regular washing machine on the normal cycle at a water temperature no higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to turn your FR workwear inside-out before washing to help protect them. It is highly recommended to use soft water because the minerals in hard water can decrease the flame resistance of your workwear.

Types of Flame-Resistant Clothing

You and your team can use many different kinds of flame resistant clothing. One commonly used option is flame resistant outerwear worn over regular clothing. This type of workwear makes it easier for you and your team to stay comfortable on the job. A flame resistant uniform may include pants, shirts, coveralls, lab coats, and other gear.

Depending on your task's hazard risk category (HRC), you and your team must wear one to three (or more) layers of fire resistant clothing. For example, at HRC 4, you must outfit your team with a fire resistant undergarment, shirt and pant combo, and a multilayer flash suit. Various flame resistant uniforms are also designed to withstand heat level exposures, ranging from intermittent to constant. Do your research on the HRC of your job and the clothing types that are required.

Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better you can perform your work responsibilities. Since you know more about flame proof clothing, you can better help you and your team stay safe on the job. At Master Brands, you can count on us whenever you need to order fire resistant clothing. All of our available merchandise allows you to choose the appropriate flame resistant apparel that suits the needs of your team.