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Despite our best efforts, millions of fires still occur in the United States.

After all, there are about 1.3 million reports of fire each year. The great news is that it’s already on a declining trend.

If you want safety in case disaster strikes, you need flame resistant apparel. It’s especially important if you’re working in a hazardous environment.  A lot of these environments include those with plenty of arc flash or fire, like factories.

But what makes great flame retardant clothing? Read on and find out what you need to consider.

1. Assess the Risks

Your first step is to research the risks involved in the workplace. This helps you know that all possible risks get discovered. It’s a great means of knowing the kind of flame retardant fabrics you need for your flame resistant clothing.

If you choose to do this, it’s more efficient to hire professionals to do the job. They have the means of carrying out a more extensive examination of your premises. They know which of your personnel are most at risk when it comes to potential damage.

You also need to know the extent of the damage expected. For example, you need to know how much damage flash fires, electric arcs, and molten metal splashes can do. Make sure you get all the possible workplace hazards to know the degree of protection needed.

2. Check the Industrial Climate

Your workplace climate is one of the most important factors to consider when you need FR clothing. There are a lot of workplace hazards that differ in severity. Their exposure levels are also different, but they all put your workers in a lot of risky circumstances.

The types of FR clothes you give workers depend on whether they work in the heat or in the cold. The risks of frost damage or heat stress mean you need different FR attires. This helps make an optimal level of protection while ensuring comfort.

3. Research the Safety Standards and Certifications

You might ask, “Should I get FR clothing near me?” But this shouldn’t be the first question in your mind. Always remember that the law mandates all workers need protective garments. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, check your safety standards and get FR clothing that follows it.

To understand your industry’s requirements, you need to know the common FR-related standards. Here are some of the most important ones in any industry:

1. ISO 11612

This is the international standard that sets the bar for clothing that protects against heat and flames. The fabrics’ protection should ensure that it doesn’t melt or drip. It should counter flame A1 and at least another type of heat such as B (convective heat).

2. ISO 11611

This is the standard used for clothing used for welding and other related processes. The most important factors to test include the spread of the flame, impact of metal splatter, transfer of heat, and resistance to electricity. The standard also tests the tearing, tensile, and burst strength of the flame resistant clothing.

3. NFPA 2112

It’s the flame-resistant clothing standard when protecting against flash fires. The garments should minimize the burn injuries that result from flash fire exposures. It should resist heat while retaining its size even at high temperatures.

4. Look at the Durability

The durability of fabrics and garments might have different meanings. But no matter what it might be, the focus still remains on better worker protection. Other things you need to consider are the lifetime of the flame-resistant clothing and lowering the costs of replacements.

You need to confirm the durability of the FR apparel before buying it. This determines whether the clothing can protect your workers against hazardous situations. But what are the things you need to look for to ensure its durability?

Here are some things you need to consider:

1. Fiber Blend

Look at the fibers making up the fabric of the attire. You need to make sure that it’s a blend of strong fibers like nylon and aramids. It gives the clothing more resistance against abrasive forces, making it last for longer periods of time.

2. Fabric Construction

Check how the fabric got made. After all, the method of its construction will determine its durability. For example, a plain weave isn’t as strong as a twill weave. The higher the number of threads used, the higher the tensile strength.

Lesser thread numbers mean that it has higher tear strength. Combining these factors can help you choose its ultimate level of durability.

3. Garment Construction

See how the garment got assembled. The important details to take note are its design, seam types, fitting, and trimming. Check other minor features that can help contribute to the durability.

Always remember that you shouldn’t choose a single factor to determine its durability.

5. Wear and Care Instructions

When you choose the proper flame retardant clothing, follow its care instructions. Check how it needs washing or maintenance to determine how much it will cost your business. For example, you can’t use chlorine bleach to some garments since it affects their protection levels.

Some protective gears lose their potency if you wash those using regular chemicals. That means you need to get them to dedicated facilities for laundering flame-resistant gear. If you’re conscious about your spending, you need to get garments that don’t need much maintenance and cleaning.

You also need to consider the garments’ ease of repair. That way, you can get it repaired without compromising the protection it gives. 

Get Your Flame Resistant Apparel Today!

If you own a business with a lot of potential hazards, you need to get flame resistant apparel. It’s mandatory and it increases the safety of your employees. That means you suffer fewer workplace mishaps and increase your overall productivity.

Do you need help getting good fire resistant clothing for your industrial business? Looking for more tips and tricks to keep your workplace safe? Contact us today and we’ll help you start protecting your workers.

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