Flame Resistant Outerwear

Fire-resistant or FR clothing is a specialized type of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect individuals from fire-related hazards.

Technically, FR clothing isn't fireproof. Instead, it is self-extinguishing and doesn't melt, which limits exposure to fire and injury thereby protecting workers even if they are engulfed in flames during an electric arc or flame condition.

Flame-Resistant Vs. Flame-Retardant

Flame-Resistant clothing is manufactured from materials that are inherently resistant to embers and flames, which means their threads and fibers will self-extinguish naturally.

Flame-Retardant clothing, on the other hand, is made from chemically treated materials to produce equivalent self-extinguishing properties.

The foremost difference between these two types of flame-resistant apparel is in the material. But, both materials will self-extinguish, reduce the likelihood and severity of burns, and adequately shield you from fire-related hazards.

Fire Resistant Outerwear Protects Individuals From Two Primary Hazards

Most types of FR clothing are designed to guard workers against two particular kinds of hazards: flash fires and electric arc flashes.

Flash fires are a rapidly spreading fire produced by igniting an atmosphere procured from hydrocarbon gases of flammable or finely divided combustible particles.

An electric arc flash is the crossing of abundant electrical current through ionized air, created by an electrical fault. It typically lasts less than a second, but an arc flash combustion produces remarkably high radiant heat and discharges acoustical power, pressure waves, and molten debris.

Compatibility with Standards

The first consideration when you purchase fire-resistant outerwear or any type of fire-resistant clothing for that matter should always be safety. Select fire-resistant outerwear designed to match or exceed all applicable safety standards—such as the NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E.

Ease of Movement

If fire-resistant apparel makes your workers uncomfortable or undermines their performance, they might not wear it. Therefore, they are less likely to be protected in the event of an accident. Ease of movement and comfort are vital. It's essential to find garments designed with characteristics such as action backs to allow for a wide range of motion.

Small things make a big difference in the performance of fire-resistant outerwear. Refined features like comfort-enhancing knit cuffs, water-resistant finishes, elastic waistbands, and zip-in hoods improve the functionality of fire-resistant outerwear and the workers' satisfaction with the garments.

Engineer Warehouse offers a variety of FR clothing, including vests, shirts, and hooded jackets. Visit Engineer Warehouse now to view its full collection of FR apparel and other PPE and supplies.

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