Every year, thousands of people are injured in workplace fires.
The American Burn Association ran a study on burn injuries between 2002 and 2011. Their findings can be summarized as:
- 44% of burns were caused by fire or flame exposure
- 9% of burns were due to contact with a source of heat
- 4% were considered electrical burns
- 3% were considered chemical burns
We don't know the environments of each of these cases. But we do know that most, if not all, of these injuries could have been prevented with FR clothing. Flame resistant clothing was designed specifically for these kinds of situations.
But what is the best way to choose the right flame resistant clothing? What factors need to be considered? In this article, we'll define flame resistant clothing as a foundation. We will explore the different types of FR clothing, when to wear it, and how to care for it.
Along the way, we'll highlight the top considerations you should make when choosing the right flame resistant clothing for you.
Understanding flame resistant clothing
Flame resistant clothing serves as a crucial protective measure against the devastating effects of fire. Designed to resist the spread of flames and provide a shield against intense heat, FR clothing offers individuals invaluable time to escape hazardous situations.
Crafted from materials that exhibit exceptional resistance to ignition or slow-burning properties, these garments empower wearers with enhanced safety and peace of mind.
The significance of FR clothing extends to various industries where the risk of fire is ever-present. In high-risk environments such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing, FR clothing plays a big role in protecting workers from potential fire hazards. Firefighters, military personnel, and other first responders also rely on FR clothing. It's a fundamental component of their protective gear, enabling them to confront life-threatening situations with increased confidence and protection.
By understanding the nature and purpose of flame resistant clothing, we gain a deeper appreciation for its role in safeguarding lives.
Now a quick overview on what materials make up flame resistant clothing.
Materials used in flame resistant clothing
As mentioned, flame resistant clothing is made from materials that do not easily catch fire. Because they do catch fire, though, they also burn slowly and extinguish quickly. This gives wearers more time to escape in the event of a fire. The type of material used in flame resistant clothing will depend on the specific application and the level of protection required.
The most common materials used in flame resistant clothing are cotton, wool, nylon, and polyester that have been treated with flame resistant chemicals. These chemicals form a barrier between the fabric and the flame, preventing the fabric from catching fire. We take a deeper look into the fibers and fabrics that make flame resistant clothing in this article.
Synthetic fibers like Nomex and Kevlar are also commonly used due to their inherent flame resistant properties. Nomex is a meta-aramid fiber that is highly resistant to heat and flame, while Kevlar is a para-aramid fiber that is also strong and durable.
The choice of material for flame resistant clothing also depends on the comfort and breathability of the fabric. Cotton and wool are natural fibers that are comfortable to wear, but they are not as flame resistant as synthetic fibers.
Flame resistant clothing is becoming so popular in its dominant industries, that trends are even emerging. Comfort and design are becoming a priority without sacrificing quality and safety.
While it might seem that the material doesn't matter, consider it anyway. Protecting your team is paramount. But considering their comfort is recommended.
Now, we'll review when flame resistant clothing should be considered.
When to wear flame resistant clothing
This section discusses when it is necessary to wear flame resistant clothing. It covers high-risk work environments, such as working with or near open flames. Other hazardous environments, such as where there is a risk of flash fire or heat exposure, should also be considered.
Flame resistant clothing is essential for workers in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and firefighting. This much is obvious. These industries involve working with flammable materials, electrical hazards, and other potential sources of ignition.
But are there less obvious environments where flame resistant clothing is a fit?
Flame resistant clothing is also recommended for anyone who works with or near open flames, such as welders, first responders, and cooks. Even a small spark can ignite a fire, so it is important to take precautions to protect yourself from burns.
Flame resistant clothing is also essential for anyone who works in hazardous environments, such as chemical plants, refineries, and laboratories. These environments often contain flammable chemicals and gasses, which can easily ignite and cause a fire.
As mentioned, chemical burns are another serious source of danger. Flame resistant clothing can help here, too.
Even if you think your work environment is "safe", if any of these hazards are a possibility, consider FR clothing. Even a little can go a long way.
Now on to caring for flame resistant clothing.
Caring for flame resistant clothing
Caring for flame resistant clothing is essential to protect its effectiveness and longevity. By following proper care instructions, you can maintain the flame resistant properties of the clothing and keep it in good condition.
We've written an extensive article on the topic of how to properly wash your flame resistant clothing, so we won't get too detailed here.
We'll just highlight the importance of proper care, along with the kinds of fabrics that your team would want. At the end of the day, protecting your team is most important. You should also want them to be comfortable at work.
Another factor to consider is empowerment. If your team is empowered with the right information on how to wash their FR clothing, they can own their safety even more. This, of course, assumes your company will care for your purchased workwear.
If you happen to rent or lease flame resistant clothing, that is a different story. In this instance, your uniform provider will already know the proper procedures for caring for your flame resistant clothing. If you're currently looking for a provider, see our article that compares the top uniform companies. If you're trying to decide if renting or purchasing your uniforms is best, we've got you covered there too.
These are the most important steps when choosing the right flame resistant clothing. Brand name and price don't matter as much with this type of workwear. Making sure you're focused on keeping your team safe is what's most important.
Topics: Flame Resistant
