Flame resistant (FR) fabrics are materials engineered to resist ignition and prevent the spread of flames. They play a vital role in protecting end users from fire hazards and exposure to high temperatures. FR fabrics are incorporated in protective garments that are critical pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) in many industrial settings, firefighting and emergency response services, and military operations.
Flame resistant fabrics are designed to self-extinguish when exposed to flames, minimizing the risk of burns and injuries. Self-extinguishing means that a material flames when exposed to fire, but when the fire is removed, the material does not continue to burn and extinguishes by itself within a set amount of time. A fabric that self-extinguishes buys the wearer more time to remove themselves from the flame source.
Inherent Flame Resistant Fabrics:
Some fibers are naturally flame resistant and are known as “inherent FR” fibers. Their flame resistance is an intrinsic property of the molecular structure of the fibers and cannot be removed, making them favored components in durable FR fabrics. Commonly used inherent fibers are modacrylics and aramids. Inherent fibers can be combined with other natural or synthetic fibers to create fabric blends. Those blends offer the best of each fiber’s benefits, such as the protective qualities of a modacrylic fiber and the comfort qualities of cotton.
Inherent FR Fabrics at TenCate Protective Fabrics:
TenCate Protective Fabrics manufactures a variety of FR fabrics with inherent fibers, such as Tecasafe®, Omniweave™, and Genesis™. These fabrics are valued for their durability and reliability, maintaining their protective properties throughout the service lifespan of the garment. Tecasafe® is made with modacrylic fibers. Omniweave™ is a legacy product featuring a DuPont™ Nomex® construction, which is an example of an aramid fiber. Genesis™ is an alternative baseline fabric solution also made with aramid fibers. Learn More About Inherent FR Fabrics.
Treated Flame Resistant Fabrics:
Treated FR fabrics are flame resistant as a result of a chemical treatment applied to the fabric. These are produced by treating regular fibers with flame-retardant chemicals. Various fibers that are not inherently flame resistant, including cotton and polyester, are used in treated FR fabrics. Treated FR fabrics offer flexibility in design and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for multiple applications. Learn More About Choosing Treated FR Fabrics.
Flame resistant fabrics are essential for ensuring the safety and protection of workers in environments where fire and electrical hazards are prevalent. FR fabrics are a part of mandatory PPE in hazardous workplaces because they serve as a worker’s last line of defense in the event of a fire or electrical event. To be compliant with safety regulations and to ensure a strong safety culture, these workplaces must have their workers outfitted in FR garments.
FR fabrics significantly reduce the risk of burns and other fire-related injuries by resisting ignition and being self-extinguishing. This protection is crucial for saving lives and minimizing the severity of injuries in the event of a fire. FR garments are the last line of defense for workers exposed to flames or electrical arc hazards and are a critical piece of safety equipment.
Ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations is vital for any organization. Using high-quality FR fabrics ensures compliance with stringent standards such as NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, and ASTM F1506. Compliance with these standards is essential for meeting legal requirements and ensuring the highest levels of safety in hazardous environments. At TenCate Protective Fabrics, our products either meet or exceed all applicable standards. Learn About NFPA 2112’s Most Recent Update Here.
Knowing that effective protective measures, including the correct protective workwear, are in place fosters a safer and more confident work environment. For employers, investing in high-quality FR fabrics demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of their workforce, which can improve productivity and morale. Employers can be confident in the protection of their workforce, while employees gain assurance from the quality of their FR garments. When workers are engaged in their company’s safety culture and invited to give feedback on their protective workwear, they benefit from the knowledge that they are truly valued by their organization. Bolster Your Safety Strategies with Stress-Reducing Tips for Safety Managers.
Modern high-quality FR fabrics are designed to be both protective and comfortable. Lightweight, breathable materials ensure workers can perform their duties without discomfort, even in demanding conditions. Comfort is also integral to safety by making it less tempting to adjust garments in noncompliant ways. The improper wear of FR garments, such as rolling sleeves or untucking shirts, can open workers up to much greater risk of injury or fatality in an incident. The enhanced durability of modern FR fabrics means they provide long-lasting protection, reducing the need for frequent replacements, which is better both for budgets and the environment. Discover the Comfort and Durability of Our Fabrics.
TenCate Protective Fabrics is committed to sustainable practices and as our industry continues to innovate, sustainability will remain a core priority, both in terms of environmental impact and economic value. Our FR fabrics are designed for longevity, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements, lowering long-term costs. Moreover, our manufacturing processes aim to minimize environmental impact, supporting broader corporate sustainability goals. Learn about how Circularity in Protective Workwear will lead to a more sustainable future.
Flame resistant fabrics are indispensable in high-risk environments, providing necessary, compliant protection with increasing comfort and durability. TenCate Protective Fabrics continues to innovate and improve its FR solutions, ensuring that its products meet the evolving needs of various industries. For more detailed insights into our flame resistant fabrics portfolio, click here.
Flame resistant (FR) fabrics are categorized based on their manufacturing process and properties. Understanding the different types of FR fibers and fabrics can help you choose the right material for specific applications and environments.
Because inherent FR fabrics are made with inherently flame resistant fibers that are engineered at the molecular level to be flame resistant, they offer consistent, durable protection throughout the lifespan of the garment in which they are used.
Explore Our Inherent FR Products:
Here’s a quick rundown of our inherent FR products with some of their key features:
Extreme Breathability |
Sub-6 oz Weight |
Inherent FR at Entry-Level Price Point |
88/12 Alternative |
|
Established Market Reputation |
COOLDERM™ TECHNOLOGY |
Multi-Risk Protection for Flash Fire, Arc Flash, and Low-Vis |
Knit, Woven, and Fleece |
|
Eco-Friendly |
COOLDERM™ TECHNOLOGY |
Outstanding Durability and Colorfastness |
Base to Outer Layer Solutions |
|
100% DuPont® Nomex® Fabric |
Light Weights with Rugged Durability |
Flash Fire, Arc Flash, and Electrostatic Charge Protection |
Time-Tested Go-To |
|
Soft Touch |
Exceptional Durability Engineered for Mobility |
Molten Metal Splash Protection |
Super-Wash Wool for Heavy Laundering |
|
Engineered for Welders |
Lowest Cost Per Wear |
Flexible Multi-Fiber Construction for More Comfort and Less Stiffness |
Stands Up to Pinholes and Slag |
Inherent FR fabrics are particularly suitable for environments where long-term, consistent protection is critical. For workers who must always wear FR but who face a relatively lower risk of an incident occurring, investing in inherent FR is an economical choice. Because the garment is less likely to need to be replaced frequently due to an incident, the cost is spread out over a longer garment lifespan, and the end user gains all the comfort benefits offered by modern inherent FR fabrics. For all the details on each of our inherent FR fabrics listed above, explore our inherent FR fabrics page.
Treated FR fabrics are produced by applying flame retardant chemicals to fabrics based on cotton blended with polyester, para-aramid, or polyamide. The chemical treatment fully penetrates the fibers and is bonded throughout the entire fabric, rendering the fabric flame retardant for the lifetime of the garment.
Treated FR fabrics are a good choice in industries where wearers are more consistently exposed to risk factors, such as sparks or molten metal splashes in welding activities. Because the garments will need to be replaced more frequently and treated FR fabrics are usually at a lower price point than inherent FR, it makes sense to choose treated FR fabrics for applications that necessitate higher garment turnover rates. Replacing more expensive inherent FR products at the same rates would be less cost-effective.
Adherence to various standards and certifications is essential for ensuring the reliability of flame resistant (FR) fabrics. At TenCate Protective Fabrics, we meet and exceed industry standards to guarantee maximum safety and performance. Our dedication to quality and compliance means our FR fabrics offer protection that goes above and beyond in high-risk environments.
NFPA 2112: Standard on Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire.
NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
ASTM F1506: Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards.
In addition to the key standards mentioned above, TenCate Protective Fabrics complies with a range of other industry standards and certifications both in the U.S. and abroad to ensure the highest levels of safety and performance across our global portfolio. Our products are rigorously tested and consistently meet or exceed these standards, providing reliable protection across various industries.
By adhering to these rigorous standards and certifications, TenCate Protective Fabrics ensures that our FR fabrics provide unmatched protection, durability, and comfort. We aim to lead our industry with an uncompromising commitment to safety and quality.
Flame resistant (FR) fabrics are essential in numerous industries and applications. They ensure safety and protection for all end users exposed to fire hazards. These fabrics provide critical protection, acting as the last line of defense in a fire event, and are not just clothes, but key pieces of safety equipment.
Industries such as oil and gas, utilities, chemical, and industrial sectors rely heavily on FR fabrics to protect workers from fire hazards. These environments can present significant fire and electrical risks, making high-quality FR fabrics essential for worker safety.
Explore our industrial safety fabrics to learn how we protect workers in various industrial settings.
FR fabrics are crucial for firefighters, protecting them against flames and high temperatures. Firefighters face extreme conditions and require garments that offer thermal protection and comfort and mitigate the risk of heat stress. TenCate Protective Fabrics' fire service fabrics are designed to meet these needs, providing durable and reliable protection that allows firefighters to perform their duties effectively.
Explore our fire service fabrics for more details on how we protect firefighters.
Military personnel require durable and reliable FR fabrics to ensure safety in various operational scenarios. The demanding environments in which they operate necessitate high-performance fabrics that can protect without compromising comfort or mobility.
Discover more about our military fabrics and how they support the safety and effectiveness of military personnel.
FR fabrics are indispensable in these critical sectors, providing the necessary protection to ensure end users’ safety and well-being. TenCate Protective Fabrics is committed to innovating and delivering the highest-quality FR fabrics that meet these industries' demanding needs, enhancing safety and performance across the board.
At TenCate Protective Fabrics, we are guided by our mission to ensure the end users who rely on our fabrics go home safe at the end of each day. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and safety motivates us to continually develop improved products for the marketplace to give industrial safety programs a selection of high-quality protective, durable, and comfortable materials. These are some of the benefits of choosing TenCate Protective Fabrics products for your protective workwear needs:
Our FR fabrics are designed to provide the highest possible protection against fire hazards, meeting or exceeding relevant safety standards. Our fabrics' advanced technology and materials ensure they perform reliably in the most demanding environments.
TenCate Protective Fabrics’ products are known for their long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear, making them a cost-effective choice for protective clothing.
Safety is the number one priority, but comfort is an extremely close second. Ensuring our fabrics are comfortable to wear for extended periods is crucial to supporting their protective qualities by encouraging compliant wear. Focusing on comfort in developing advanced products helps improve not only worker performance and satisfaction but also safety.
TenCate Protective Fabrics is committed to maximizing product lifespans and the economic value of our products. Increased durability has the added bonus of reducing environmental impact, and globally, we are also committed to sustainability.
By choosing TenCate Protective Fabrics, you invest in maximum protection, long-lasting durability, and exceptional comfort. Our dedication to quality and innovation ensures that our fabrics meet the highest safety and performance standards, making them the preferred choice for protective clothing across various industries.
TenCate Protective Fabrics continuously invests in research and development to bring more innovative solutions to the market. Our commitment to innovation has led to developing advanced flame resistant (FR) fabrics that offer enhanced protection and durability and push the boundaries on what workwear comfort can be. We strive to remain at the forefront of the protective fabrics industry, providing cutting-edge solutions for our partners and end users.
Our emphasis on innovation has led to some exciting developments in the world of FR workwear with these technological advancements:
The incorporation of stretch fibers into FR fabrics has been a game changer for end user comfort and brings us closer than ever before to having workwear that looks and feels like streetwear. Our Tecasafe® 360+ product launched just last year, combining all the features of Tecasafe® Plus with the stretch technology of XLANCE® to open up a whole new range of possibilities for how FR workwear can look, feel, and perform.
Our COOLDERM™ TECHNOLOGY was developed by blending hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to create an advanced moisture-wicking effect that helps keep wearers dryer and cooler. Promoting body temperature regulation and breathability, fabrics with this tech are great for mitigating heat stress and keeping workers comfortable on the job.
One facet of durability in protective workwear is colorfastness, and our Truecolor™ Technology uses dyeing technical expertise at the fiber level to achieve deep, rich dark shades that organizations and professionals require, and that stand up to round after round of laundering without fading. End users can now stay not only safer but also on-brand for longer.
Discover advanced solutions for your workwear needs with our fabric selector tool.
By continuously investing in research and development, TenCate Protective Fabrics ensures that we offer products with advanced protection, unparalleled comfort, and enhanced durability. We are proud of our team’s commitment to innovation that keeps us at the forefront of the protective fabrics industry, providing end users with the latest and most effective safety solutions.
Flame resistant (FR) fabrics are materials designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish in a set amount of time. These fabrics protect individuals working in high-risk environments with heat, fire, or electrical hazards, such as emergency response, military operations, and various industrial settings. Explore the TenCate Protective Fabrics fabric selector tool to find the best flame resistant fabrics for your needs.
FR fabrics work through either inherent flame resistant fibers or a chemical treatment. Inherent FR fabrics are made from fibers that are intrinsically flame resistant, while treated fabrics undergo a process that imparts flame resistant properties to the fabric through a chemical treatment. Both methods ensure the fabric self-extinguishes when exposed to flames, meaning it does not continue to burn when the flame has been removed, reducing the risk of burns and injuries.
FR fabrics must comply with various industry standards to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Key standards include NFPA 2112 for protection against short-duration thermal exposures, NFPA 70E for electrical safety, and ASTM F1506 for textile materials used by electrical workers. Meeting these standards guarantees that the fabrics provide adequate protection and performance according to these governing regulations. If a garment does not meet the required standards for a specific application, it should not be considered compliant and it will not properly protect against the relevant risks.
Anyone who works in an environment that routinely exposes them to risk of injury or death from flash fire, fire, or electrical arc flash needs to be properly protected from those risks with protective flame resistant clothing. While a full safety program includes safety protocols meant to prevent flash fires or arc flash events from happening in the first place, when they do happen, FR garments are the last line of defense for the worker and can mean the difference between making it home at the end of the day or not.
If you are an end user or a safety professional interested in ordering FR workwear made with TenCate Protective Fabrics materials, you can purchase garments constructed with our fabrics through a garment manufacturer or distributor. We do not sell protective garments directly to the market; we manufacture the fabrics that go into the garments. We can, however, answer any questions you may have about our products and help guide you through the process and make sure you get what you want. Reach out to us here.
At TenCate Protective Fabrics, we pride ourselves on delivering not only the highest-quality protective fabrics possible in terms of safety, comfort, and durability, but we also offer top-of-the-class customer service and take a consultant approach to our role in the value chain. When you partner with TenCate Protective Fabrics, you benefit from our team’s deep well of knowledge and experience in the safety industry.
We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions about protective fabrics, the market in general, industry trends, or your safety program at any time. We are always more than happy to discuss better safety strategies and ensure you have the information you need to make the best selection for your needs.
Proper maintenance is crucial to preserving the protective properties of FR fabrics. Washing your FR isn’t like doing normal household laundry: you need to adhere to the instructions for washing and drying your FR if you don’t have an industrial laundry program taking care of it. For example, you can’t use hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners on FR. You should wash your FR separately from the family laundry for a couple reasons: lint from other materials may be flammable and if your FR is covered in it, it’s covered in a bunch of tiny potential fireballs. And if your FR gets exposed to harmful chemicals or particulate matter, you probably don’t want your children’s clothing going through the same cycle. Regular inspection for signs of wear and damage is also essential to properly maintaining FR. A hole or tear is like a chink in your armor and can open you up to injury in the event of a fire. For detailed maintenance guidelines for a specific product, refer to the care instructions provided by your garment manufacturer or distributor.
Proper FR garment selection is no easy feat, but it can be made simpler with these tactics:
Stay up to date with industry trends, updates, and standards by regularly attending trade shows, subscribing to relevant publications and newsletters, and staying engaged with your partners in the value chain. Then, when it’s time to order new FR workwear, you already have an idea of what’s available and don’t have to begin your research from scratch. Secondly, leverage the knowledge of partners at fabric manufacturers (like us) and garment manufacturers and distributors to help you get tailored information for your specific needs. Third, ensure you have recently performed a thorough risk assessment to determine the risks you need to protect your workers against and look for products certified as compliant with the relevant standards. Using all three of these tactics in concert and keeping open lines of communication with your suppliers will help you make a confident decision.
Explore our additional resources for more information on FR fabrics and their applications:
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