Flame-Resistant Clothing: Everything You Need to Know

Flame-resistant (FR) garments are an important safety item for workers in the power industry. However, protection varies based on the arc rating of the clothing. Wearers must understand how the FR clothing they select can and cannot protect them.

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For many professionals, flame-resistant (FR) clothing is an essential tool of the job. High-quality, specially engineered FR garments protect the wearer from burns caused by flash fires, electric arcs, and combustible dust. This allows professionals in various industries to tackle potentially dangerous tasks. Over the years, FR clothing has saved countless lives and helped prevent serious injuries.

Flame-resistant clothing refers to any garments specifically designed to protect the wearer from flames and thermal injuries. These garments resist ignition and self-extinguish once the ignition source is removed, helping to prevent burns from initial flame exposure and residual heat transfer.

1. Workers in the power industry face many hazards while on the job. Among the most serious dangers is exposure to an arc-flash. Flame-resistant clothing is vitally important to a worker's protection during such an event. Courtesy: All Seasons Uniforms

Flame-resistant clothing is utilized across many professions, including the fire service, research labs, electrical utilities, and oil and gas industries. These workers often encounter the potential for explosions and open flames, making proper protection essential while on the job.

What Is Flame-Resistant Clothing?

Many fabrics ignite and continue to burn when exposed to fire or explosions, causing significant injuries as textile fires often last longer and result in more damage than the initial incident. Flame-resistant clothing is specially designed so it is less likely to catch fire, and if ignited, it will not continue to burn once the heat source is removed. This provides valuable escape time and minimizes injuries. It is important to note that flame-resistant does not mean fireproof, and all FR clothing will burn if heated long enough.

Additionally, FR clothing is designed to avoid breaking open when heated. Openings in the fabric can expose the skin to further hazards and increase injury severity.

How Does Flame-Resistant Clothing Work?

Most FR clothing is made from materials designed to withstand heat. Fabrics like Nomex, Kevlar, and Modacrylic possess excellent flame-resistant qualities and are often used in FR garments. Other materials, such as cotton flame resistant, naturally resist flames and can be treated with special chemicals to enhance their heat resistance and protective capabilities.

Both naturally flame-resistant materials and those treated with specialized chemicals behave similarly. They will not continue burning once the combustion source is removed, ignite easily, or melt. This last characteristic is crucial because burning or melted fabric can cause serious and lasting injuries.

Different flame-resistant materials provide various benefits. What protects in one environment may not be adequate in another, which is why professionals and employers must always verify which products suit their specific workplace needs.

How Flame-Resistant Clothing Is Rated?

Understanding the protection level of FR clothing is essential when making a purchase. FR clothing is classified according to an arc rating or Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV). This rating indicates how much heat will transfer through the fabric during an arc flash and thus indicates the level of protection the garment provides the wearer.

Reducing heat transfer is vital for minimizing the impact of fires or arc flashes, protecting the wearer from severe consequences. Arc rating values are expressed in calories per square centimeter; the higher the rating, the greater the protection. An arc rating of 4 suits tasks assessed as Hazard/Risk Category 1 (HRC1), while a rating of 40 or more protects against tasks classified as Hazard/Risk Category 4 (HRC4).

Manufacturers must display their garments’ arc ratings, with most prominently labeled. Wearing multiple layers of arc-rated clothing increases protection against heat and flames, with three or more layers often needed for high-risk tasks.

While all arc/APTV-rated clothing is flame resistant, it is crucial to note that not all flame-resistant clothing is arc rated. Some may consist solely of flame-resistant fibers and lack lab testing for certain standards. Choosing thoroughly tested products ensures adequate protection against potential hazards.

Types of Flame-Resistant Clothing

This type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by individuals in various professions, leading to a wide selection of flame-resistant garments available.

2. Just as hard hats and safety glasses are standard safety gear, flame-resistant clothing is essential for power plant operators. Layering multiple arc-rated clothing pieces provides optimal protection. Courtesy: All Seasons Uniforms

Many professionals don flame-resistant outerwear over their regular clothes. Garments like high-visibility jackets, coveralls, and bomber jackets offer extensive protection from potential hazards. Specialized items, including balaclavas and lab coats, are also available to accommodate professionals in niche fields.

Some FR clothing is tailored for constant exposure to high heat, while others are made for intermittent hazards. Knowing which type is needed before investing in FR clothing is critical.

Style and Substance

Historically, flame-resistant clothing was known for being bulky and unattractive, but modern advancements have made it more stylish. One can now find FR jeans, shirts, polo tops, and hoodies that balance aesthetics with safety.

While lighter garments often offer lower protection levels, layering them with jackets or coveralls with high arc ratings is an effective method of enhancing fire resistance. This layering helps shield the wearer if the outer garments burn or incur damage, reducing the severity of injuries.

Flame-resistant clothing should fit slightly loose, as skin-tight clothes can transmit heat more easily to the skin, leading to severe burns. Loose clothing creates an air layer between the garment and the skin, insulating the wearer from heat and enhancing the outfit's protective qualities.

The Limitations of Flame-Resistant Clothing

While vital, flame-resistant clothing does not mean fireproof. In extreme conditions, clothing can ignite and, despite self-extinguishing and not melting onto the skin, it may still cause significant injuries.

The best way to ensure FR clothing's safety is to select garments rated according to the appropriate standards. The minimum arc ratings for HRC1, HRC2, HRC3, and HRC4 are 4, 8, 25, and 40, respectively. Layering FR clothing effectively protects against potential hazards. Should the outer layer be burned or damaged, the inner layers assist in shielding the skin from heat and flames.

As FR clothing is not fireproof, professionals should avoid wearing synthetic garments beneath their FR attire. Synthetic underwear or T-shirts pose significant hazards as they can melt and cause serious injuries, even in situations where the outer layer does not catch fire. This underscores the need for appropriate clothing from top to bottom.

Flame-resistant clothing also does not safeguard against explosive forces, projectiles, or other workplace hazards. Professionals need to ensure they wear the correct PPE for specific situations, some of which may additionally possess flame-resistant properties, enhancing protection.

Quality Flame-Resistant Clothing

PPE should be sourced from reliable, experienced suppliers. Workers must feel confident that their overalls, jackets, and bears will safeguard them during thermal incidents. Investing in quality clothing from acknowledged manufacturers ensures PPE meets necessary standards.

Reputable manufacturers will clearly indicate each garment's arc rating and provide vital information on the materials used. Understanding each item's protective elements allows professionals to safeguard themselves effectively in their work environment.

In conclusion, flame-resistant clothing can substantially reduce and even avert injuries resulting from flash fires, electrical arcs, or explosions, making it crucial PPE for various industries. Investing in high-quality FR clothing and thoroughly checking ratings can protect professionals as they face dangerous tasks.

Nick Warrick is the sales manager at All Seasons Uniforms, a professional workwear company based outside of Chicago that has been in business since.

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