Regarding protecting your employees, outfitting them with the proper flame resistant clothing is crucial. But with so many different types of FR clothing available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've put together this article on best practices for outfitting your team with FR clothing.
In it, we'll cover finding the right clothing for your industry. We'll also review what kind of FR clothing your team needs, steps to guarantee a proper fit, and more.
Flame resistant clothing is made from materials that will not ignite and continue to burn. When exposed to an open flame or direct heat source, the flame extinguishes quickly. FR clothing will self-extinguish to prevent or stop the spread of flames on the garment. Although FR clothing does not protect the wearer from heat or thermal energy, it can help prevent or reduce the severity of burns.
There are different types of flame resistant fabrics, each with its own set of properties and benefits. For instance, some fabrics are more breathable than others, which can be important for workers who are exposed to high temperatures. Other fabrics may be more durable, which is important for workers who need to wear their FR clothing for extended periods.
FR clothing is an important part of a comprehensive safety program. Workers in industries where there is a risk of exposure to open flames or electrical arc flash need FR clothing. By wearing FR clothing, workers can help reduce the severity of burns if they are exposed to fire or heat.
When choosing flame resistant clothing for your industry, there are some simple considerations to make. You'll need to consider:
The right mix of function and style is important to make sure that your employees are protected and comfortable.
Additionally, FR clothing is for certain industries. First, you'll need to consider the type of work your team does and the hazards present in your industry. Believe it or not, not all FR clothing is equal. There are budget-friendly options, as well as "best in class" options. Understanding the quality of FR clothing is crucial to getting the most value from it.
An important step is knowing that lots of FR clothing is considered dual purpose. Dual purpose means they serve industries that work under both the NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E standards. Some companies have strict guidelines about what types of clothing your team can wear on the job site. Finding dual purpose FR clothing can go a long way in providing the proper protection for your team.
Second, you'll need to consider the climate you work in. FR clothing is available in both cold weather and hot weather varieties. Manufacturers use the latest technology to develop the most comfortable fabrics. These developments are continuing to drive this technology.
Third, you'll want to consider your budget when selecting FR clothing for your employees. There are a variety of options available at different price points. Finally, you'll need to be aware of your company's policies regarding FR clothing.
By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure that you're selecting the best possible FR clothing for your employees.
When outfitting your team in flame resistant clothing, it is important to choose the right garments for the job. Like we've said, you want your team to be comfortable AND safe. So let's talk about products.
We like to think about workwear on two levels. The first level consists of core items. These would include pants, a base layer when necessary and work shirts. These are the items you absolutely must have to do your job and represent your brand.
The second level consists of outerwear. These would include items such as sweatshirts jackets and coveralls. You can wear this type of clothing over core items and is the first line of defense against flames and heat. Outerwear is often only necessary where work takes place outdoors in colder climates.
With that said, let's get specific: These are our favorite flame resistant clothing options for your team. These styles have dual certification for NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E environments.
First, our Core offering:
Next, our Premium offering:
This might sound odd, but you should strongly consider making sure your team is fitted for their flame resistant clothing properly. We stress the value in making sure your team is comfortable so they can do their best work. But we also have to stress how important safety is in dangerous environments.
We don't have to tell you, though. You attend tons of safety meetings and have plenty of rules to follow. The regulations to make sure employees have a safe working environment are extensive. With that said, here are some tips for properly fitting your employees in FR clothing:
1. Measure your employees before ordering their garments. Measuring guarantees that the clothing fits properly and provides the appropriate level of protection. See the above charts to help measure properly.
2. Ask your uniform supplier if they offer fitting services. If you're shopping from a local provider, they might be able to come onsite and help your team find their fit.
3. If fitting services aren't possible, see if your provider can provide a fit line. The fit line consists of a range of sizes in each style that is in your uniform program. You should be able to purchase these at a discount and use them for fitting your team yourself. Once the fitting is done, keep the fit line to fit any new hires you'll hire.
When looking for a flame resistant clothing provider, there are obvious points to consider. It is important to find one with a good reputation, the right clothing for your environment and competitive pricing. Knowledgeable staff can help you make the best choices for your team.
But there are additional factors to consider. For example, a workwear provider with a good reputation should be able to provide a fit line. A fit line is pretty standard practice, no matter what industry you work in. In today's e-commerce buying environment, uniform companies should want your team outfitted correctly the first time. The best way to guarantee this is to provide a fit line.
If you can find a local provider, they may even be able to offer fitting services. There might be additional charges for this service, but you should consider the option. Having knowledgable staff to help make sure your team is properly fitted means everything. Your team is busy and needs to get back to work.
A reputable FR clothing provider will also have a good understanding of the latest industry standards and regulations. They should be able to advise you on the best type of clothing for your employees based on their specific needs.
When you find a provider that meets all of these criteria, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible value for your money.
Regarding outfitting your team in flame resistant clothing, it is important to have a streamlined ordering process in place. One way to do this is by working with a single supplier that can provide all of the FR clothing your team needs. One uniform company will simplify the ordering process and make sure that you are getting the best possible prices on the clothing.
The best way to standardize the ordering process is to set up an online store with your FR clothing supplier. A private, online store will allow you to easily reorder FR clothing items as needed and track your spending. Having an online store will also allow your team to order their own clothes, if you want. You can set spending limits on their individual profile so they keep you on budget.
By streamlining the process of ordering flame resistant clothing, you can save time and money.
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