Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have become familiar with PPEs or personal protective equipment.
However, PPEs aren’t only used in the medical field. Any working environment where chemical, radiological, or electrical hazards are present will need personal protective equipment.
Speaking of personal protective equipment, did you know they don’t just refer to coveralls and bodysuits? Gloves, shoes, hard hats, and flame-resistant clothing are all considered PPEs.
Now, if you’re curious about fire-resistant clothing, you’re in luck. Here, we’ll discuss FR or flame-resistant garments, how they work, their benefits, and choosing the right ones for your needs.
Types of Flame-Resistant Clothing
When you buy flame-resistant clothing, you must understand how your workers use it.
The protection offered by FR clothing can be primary or secondary. For many professionals, wearing a fire-resistant outer layer over regular clothes might be enough. However, layering FR garments is necessary for those with constant exposure to high heat levels.
It’s a good thing then that flame-resistant clothing has come a long way over the past few years. There are more stylish options, from FR shirts to hoodies, jeans, etc. What’s more, these items are lightweight even if the fit is on the baggy side.
Don’t forget, though, that a looser fit is better since this creates a layer of air, which will protect the wearer in case a fire breaks out.
How FR Protective Clothing Works
Flame-resistant clothing can be naturally resilient to flames. They can also be treated with chemicals to increase their heat resistance.
What makes them essential for workplace safety is how they won’t melt or ignite quickly. Now, fire-resistant garments may have variations depending on how they’re produced. You want to check the ATPV or Arc Thermal Protective Value, a rating that shows the amount of heat transfer through the fabric when there’s an arc flash.
The higher the arc rating, the more protective the fabric is. Of course, layering FR clothing will increase the ATPV, so keep that in mind if your workers have to be in an environment where open fires, explosions, and other similar incidents are a risk.
Benefits of Fire-Resistant Garments
When you purchase flame-resistant clothing, you know that you’re doing your part in keeping your employees safe. They know this, too, which is vital for boosting employee morale and productivity.
Beyond ensuring the safety of your workers, FR garments are a must for complying with industry standards. They’re also an excellent investment. Just think about the costs of hiring and training new workers and compensating the injured ones.
You can check out some resources online to learn more about custom safety clothing and apparel for your industry. As for choosing the best PPEs for your line of work, it’s worth talking to an OSHA consultant and starting a dialogue with your employees.
Remember, Safety First
Now that you know more about flame-resistant clothing, are you ready to check out your options?
Don’t forget that personal protective equipment is not just for your workers but also for your company. If you wish to learn more about PPEs, workplace safety tips, and advice, be sure to browse our site.
