Cold Weather Sense: What to Remember When Working in the Cold in Flame Resistant Workwear

Depending on what part of the world you live in, “winter” might mean a few different things for how you get ready to work outside in lower temps. A lineman in Southern California probably doesn’t need the layers of a Wisconsin lineman. But when you do have to brave wintry conditions to do your job, how do you stay warm in your FR workwear without compromising any safety features? 

Here are a few helpful reminders for when the temperature drops for how to stay dry, warm, and safe from fire and electrical hazards. Some of these may sound like familiar echoes of what your mother told you, but it’s worth reviewing how that commonsense advice applies in the context of FR workwear.

Don’t Deny the Cold

Remember the kids at school who insisted they were fine in just a t-shirt well into November? If you were one of them, leave that kid’s sense of “cool” in the sixth grade or you’ll find yourself feeling too cool for comfort while working outdoors in the winter. Listen to your mom and put your jacket on. You’ll be far more effective (and safe) at your job if you’re not shivering and miserable.

Layer According to Guidelines

When you’re required to wear FR workwear that adheres to specific standards for your industry and job type, your outerwear must also comply with those standards. If your shirts are arc-rated, your jacket should also be arc-rated. You absolutely should not wear any layers under or over your FR that are flammable. Doing so undermines the protective qualities of your FR, and in the event of an emergency, your FR will not perform the way it is designed to–because it’s not designed to be worn layered with flammable materials.

Stay Dry and Take Breaks

There are a few factors to consider when it comes to staying dry in the cold. Why stay dry? Being cold and wet puts you at greater risk of cold-related injury from frostbite or hypothermia, so staying dry is important for your comfort, safety, and health. If there’s rain, sleet, or snow in the forecast, you probably want a waterproof outer layer on to avoid getting soaked from the outside. However, waterproof materials are not particularly breathable, so if you cocoon yourself in rain gear and work up a sweat, you could end up soaked from the inside out. That’s where breaks come in–if you notice you’re getting really sweaty inside your rain jacket, maybe it’s time to sit in your warm truck for a bit. Shed that outer layer while you rest so your body can come back to its normal temperature. And don’t forget to hydrate if you can’t avoid getting sweaty. The last thing you want is to be cold, wet, and dehydrated.

Wear the Right Size

You always want to be sure you have a proper fit with your FR garments, but when you’re layering, you need to be aware of any potential other risks you’re creating for yourself by bulking up. Wearing layers that are too large or too constrictive can affect your agility, dexterity, and/or spatial awareness. Make sure you’re layering with sizes that make sense for how you need to be able to move on the job.

Check Your Gear for Damage

Especially if you haven’t worn your FR outerwear in several months, take a minute to inspect any zippers, clasps, or other closures for damage. Broken zippers or fabric tears are like chinks in your armor and can leave you vulnerable not only to the cold, but to serious consequences should the worst-case scenario occur. Your FR garments are essential safety equipment and should be treated with the same care as you would a safety harness, helmet, or otherwise. And when you’re working in freezing weather, you don’t want a frigid breeze blowing in through a hole in your jacket.

Accessorize

Beyond your clothing layers, make use of hats, gloves, proper footwear, and cold-weather products like pocket hand warmers to keep your extremities warm. You can even get FR balaclavas to keep your head and face nice, warm, and protected from hazards.

Retire and Replace Outdated Garments

If you’ve been using the same FR jacket for years and it’s looking a little worse for wear, it may be time to retire it and upgrade. There are likely more technologically advanced and more comfortable options available since you last purchased FR outer layers. 

At TenCate Protective Fabrics, we are always more than happy to hop on a call to discuss what’s new on the market, what’s compliant with the standards you need to follow, and how to properly combine products when layering for cold weather. We invite all end users, safety managers, and other safety professionals to reach out any time to discuss your safety strategy, whether it’s your personal FR garments, or your entire organization’s safety culture. 

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