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Flame-retardant (FR) clothing is an important safety item for workers in the power industry. However, the protection varies depending on the arc level of the clothing. Wearers must understand how the flame-retardant clothing they choose can and cannot protect them.
For many professionals, flame-retardant (FR) clothing is an indispensable tool at work. High-quality, specially designed flame-retardant clothing protects the wearer from burns caused by flashes, arcs and combustible dust. This enables professionals in many industries to handle potentially dangerous tasks. Over the years, FR clothing has saved countless people from serious injuries and even saved lives.
Flame-retardant clothing refers to any clothing specifically designed to protect the wearer from flame and heat. FR clothing is flame resistant, once the fire source is removed, it will self-extinguish. This helps prevent burns caused by initial flame exposure and residual heat transfer.
1. Workers in the power industry face many dangers at work. One of the most serious hazards is exposure to arc flash. In such incidents, flame-retardant clothing is essential to protect workers. Courtesy: Four Seasons Uniform
Flame-retardant clothing is used in a large number of industries, including fire protection, research laboratories, power facilities (Figure 1), and oil and gas. Workers in all these areas often face the possibility of explosions, open flames and other thermal accidents, so it is vital that they are properly protected while working.
When exposed to fire or explosion, many fabrics will burn and continue to burn. Some will melt to the wearer's body. This can cause major injuries, because textile fires usually burn for longer and cause more damage than the accident that occurred in the first place.
Flame-retardant clothing is specially designed to make it less likely to catch fire when exposed to burning and high temperatures. In the event that the fabric does catch fire, once the heat source is removed, it will not continue to burn. This provides the wearer with valuable escape time and helps minimize injuries. However, it is important to remember that flame-retardant does not mean fire-retardant, and all flame-retardant clothing will burn if heated long enough.
Flame-retardant clothing is also usually designed to not break when heated. The open areas in the fabric expose the skin to further danger and may increase the severity of injuries.
Most flame-retardant garments are made of materials with heat-resistant elasticity. Materials such as Nomex, Kevlar and Modacrylic have excellent flame-retardant properties and are usually used to make flame-retardant clothing elements. Other fabrics, such as cotton, are naturally flame-retardant and can be treated with professional chemicals to improve their heat resistance and protection properties.
Natural flame-retardant materials behave roughly the same as materials treated with specialized chemicals. These materials will not continue to burn after the fire source is removed, will not ignite easily, and will not melt. The last point is very important, because burning and melting fabrics can cause a lot of damage and cause serious, long-lasting injuries.
Different flame retardant materials provide different benefits. What protects one person in one environment may not be suitable for another, so essential professionals and employers must always check which products are best for their workplace.
When buying flame-retardant garments, it is important to know exactly the degree of protection provided by each garment. Flame retardant clothing is classified using arc rating or arc thermal protection value (ATPV). This rating indicates how much heat will be transferred through the fabric when an arc flash occurs, and therefore, how much protection the clothing will provide to the wearer.
Preventing heat transfer can significantly reduce the effects of fire or arc flash and help protect the wearer from the worst effects of accidents. The value used to determine the arc level is expressed as calories per square centimeter. The higher the arc level, the more protection this suit provides. Arc level 4 is suitable for tasks assessed as Hazard/Risk Category 1 (HRC1) and has the lowest risk, while an arc level of 40 or higher will protect the wearer when performing tasks assessed as Hazard/Risk Category 4 (HRC4) , The most serious risk.
Manufacturers need to indicate the arc rating of their clothing, and most manufacturers will list this key number on their label. Wearing multi-layer arc protective clothing will increase the protection against heat and flame. Dealing with the most dangerous tasks usually requires three or more layers.
Although all arc/APTV grade garments are flame retardant, it is important to remember that not all flame retardant garments are arc grade. Some flame-retardant garments are only made of flame-retardant fibers and have not undergone laboratory testing to ensure that they meet established standards. Investing in thoroughly tested products is the best way to ensure adequate protection against potential hazards.
This type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by people of various occupations. Therefore, there are many flame-retardant garments to choose from on the market.
2. Just as safety helmets, gloves, impact-resistant glasses, and ear protection are commonly used safety equipment for power plant operators, flame-retardant clothing is also very important. Wearing multi-layer curved protective clothing can provide maximum protection. Courtesy: Four Seasons Uniform
Many professionals choose to wear flame-retardant jackets over their normal clothes (Figure 2). Clothing such as work clothes, high-visibility jackets, bomber jackets and work clothes can provide the wearer with a wide range of protection from potential hazards. Special items such as balaclavas, face mufflers and lab coats are also available for professionals working in niche fields.
Although some FR clothing is designed for the wearer's frequent exposure to high heat, other clothing is designed to deal with intermittent hazards. These are called primary and secondary protections, and it is important to understand what you need before you invest in FR equipment.
For a long time, flame retardant means bulky and ugly. Fortunately, in the past few years, FR clothing has become more fashionable. You can now find FR jeans, shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts and hoodies, which are designed to be both beautiful and protective.
Most of these lighter garments provide a lower level of protection. However, layering them under a jacket or overalls with a high arc rating is a good way to add critical fire resistance to the garment. If the outer garment is burned or damaged, this type of layering can help protect the wearer, prevent burns and reduce the severity of the injury.
Flame-retardant clothing should always be slightly loose. Tight clothing is more likely to transfer heat to the skin, which can cause more serious burns and injuries. Loose clothes will form a layer of air between the clothes and the skin, which helps keep the wearer away from heat and increases the quality of protection of the clothes.
Although flame-retardant clothing is very important personal protective equipment, it is not fireproof. In extreme cases, clothing can catch fire. Although it will not melt onto the wearer's body and burn for a short time, it can still cause serious injuries.
The best way to ensure that flame-retardant clothing is as safe as possible is to choose clothing that meets the correct standards. The minimum arc level of HRC1 is 4, HRC2 is 8, HRC3 is 25, and HRC4 is 40. Layered flame-retardant clothing is an effective way to protect the wearer from potential hazards. If the top layer is burned or damaged, subsequent layers will help prevent heat and flames from burning the skin and causing serious injuries.
Since flame-retardant clothing is not fire-resistant, professionals must avoid wearing synthetic clothing under flame-retardant clothing. Underwear, T-shirts, and other items made of flammable synthetic materials pose a real danger and can melt on the skin and cause serious injury. Even if the outer layer of the clothing is not on fire, it may melt. This is why it is so important for professionals to wear the right clothes from head to toe.
Flame-retardant clothing is also unable to withstand explosions, projectiles, and other hazards that professionals may encounter while working. If entering other dangerous situations is expected, professionals need to ensure that they are wearing the correct PPE. Some of these PPEs may also be flame-retardant, thereby improving the quality of clothing protection.
PPE should always be sourced from trusted and experienced suppliers. Professionals need to know that the work clothes, hoods, jackets and scarves they wear can protect them in the event of a heat accident. The best way to ensure that PPE meets the standards is to invest in quality clothing from recognized manufacturers.
A trusted manufacturer will clearly list the arc grade of each piece of clothing on the label and provide important information about the materials used to make each piece of clothing. Knowing the protective characteristics of each item will help professionals protect themselves correctly at work.
Fireproof clothing can significantly reduce or even prevent injuries in the event of flash fire, arc or explosion. This makes FR clothing an essential PPE for workers in all walks of life. Investing in high-quality FR clothing and carefully checking ratings and requirements can help ensure the safety of professionals when handling the most dangerous tasks.
— Nick Warrick is the sales manager of All Seasons Uniforms, a professional workwear company located outside of Chicago that has been in business since 1991.
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