Safety is paramount in industrial environments. Significant risks pose significant threats to the livelihood and wellbeing of workers, which is why safety managers and other safety professionals exist: to create robust safety strategies and foster strong safety cultures.
A foundational component of every safety manager’s safety standard is personal protective equipment (PPE), including the protective garments employees wear as their last line of defense in an incident. Flame resistant garments are prevalent in these work environments, as the risks of fire, flash fire, and electrical arc flash are, too, prevalent in those same environments.
Flame resistant (FR) garments are indispensable for worker safety in workplaces that present substantial and ongoing risk of fire-related events. More than just uniforms, they are essential safety equipment for multiple reasons.
Understanding Flame Resistance Fabric
To understand why FR garments are so necessary in industrial work environments, it helps to understand what FR garments do. FR garments are made with FR fabrics, which are specially engineered textiles that resist ignition and self-extinguish, features which buy the wearer precious time to get away from a fire source and avoid severe injuries or even death.
FR garments provide life-saving protection and are classified based on their performance in standardized flame resistance tests such as those outlined by ASTM International and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Technical Specifications Used to Rate Flame Resistant Fabrics
Flame resistant fabrics are evaluated based on various technical standards and tests that measure specifications such as their ability to resist ignition and self-extinguish. Two of the technical specifications commonly used are:
- Heat Transfer Performance (HTP): Indicates how much time will elapse before a second-degree burn occurs.
- Burn Injury Prediction: Measures % body burn (for both second and third-degree burns) after a three-second flash fire exposure, tested with Mannikin Burn test.
- Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV): Indicates the level of protection for electrical arc flashes.
Key Benefits of Flame Resistant Fabrics
- Protection Against Burn Injuries
FR fabrics are engineered to protect against thermal hazards and do a great job at reducing the severity of burns when FR garments are worn properly. With the potential for life-threatening burns in an industrial accident, that protection is critical and can mean the difference between life and death for the wearer. - Compliance with Safety Standards
Industrial industries like, electrical, and manufacturing are governed by strict safety standards. Certified FR fabrics help companies comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and NFPA standards, which ensure a safe working environment. - Durability and Longevity
High-quality FR fabrics are extremely durable and maintain their protective qualities through multiple washes and wears. More durable garments are a cost-effective solution for industrial safety by reducing the frequency of garment replacement. Durability is often assessed by carrying out standardized tests for flame and arc resistance after the fabrics have been washed 50-100 times to ensure their protective qualities withstand the frequent, high-intensity laundering FR garments must undergo. - Comfort and Mobility
Modern FR fabrics are not only protective but increasingly comfortable, and advancements like the incorporation of have changed the game on what protective garments can look and feel like. FR garments that are more comfortable are also safer because they allow workers to go about their jobs without having to compromise comfort for safety or vice versa. Breathability, moisture management, and ergonomic design are key factors that enhance wearer comfort and ease of motion.
Industry Applications for FR Fabrics
High-risk industries need high-quality protection to secure workers’ safety and wellbeing, and flame resistant garments are a foundational component of that protection. Certified FR fabrics provide essential protection against fire and electrical hazards, help organizations comply with safety standards, and ensure that workers can perform their duties safely and effectively. These are common industries that use FR to protect their workers:
- Oil and Gas
Workers in the oil and gas industry can be exposed to high risks of fire and explosion. FR garments protect workers from unexpected fire-related events. Fabrics like Tecasafe® Plus provide reliable and durable inherent flame resistance and are especially suited for this industry. - Electrical Utilities
Electricians and utility workers are at risk of both electrical arc flashes and flash fires. FR clothing provides critical protection from both events, and products such as Tecasafe® One that meet or exceed the NFPA 70E standard are essential for electrical safety in the workplace. - Manufacturing and Metalworking
Industries that involve welding, cutting metal, and metalworking are highly prone to fire hazards, as well as molten metal splashes. FR fabrics like TenCate Oasis™ provide full-spectrum protection against the risks faced by workers in metalworking and manufacturing.
Learn more about the latest trends in PPE
Essential Protection Merits Careful Consideration
Prioritizing FR garments made with innovative, durable, and comfortable fabrics is well worth the investment, especially considering what’s at stake: the lives and wellbeing of your people.
For more information on selecting the right FR garments for your needs, explore our range of industrial safety solutions here, or get in touch to speak with a TenCate Protective Fabrics expert about your safety program:
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