Many industries such as manufacturing, firefighting, mining, and welding require their workers to work in extremely high-risk environments, which can also be very unsafe, and working there for long hours can be injurious to your safety, which is why it is essential that you take the necessary precautions, one of them being fire-resistant gear.
Why FR Clothing Matters
If you are a worker in an industry where you must deal with high temperatures every day, then it becomes necessary for you to choose clothes that keep you safe and protected. In 2023, 1,389,000 fires resulted in 89 firefighter deaths, amongst many other fire-related accidents that happened in other industries. Fire-resistant clothing uses special fabrics and coatings that can withstand high temperatures and pressures, and some of them can also extinguish themselves so that they do not end up tearing up the skin and exposing the skin to burns. Fire-resistant clothes are extremely important, as normal clothes tend to burn away until the fire is extinguished or has burned away. As such, they can melt onto the person’s body and cause extremely painful injuries.
Fabric of Fire-Resistant Gear
FR clothing has heat-resistant fabric so that it can work against exposure to high temperatures, and some heat-resistant materials include aramid, which is made up of Kevlar and Nomex, and is strong, resistant to heat, can keep out flames, and can handle high temperatures without melting or breaking down. Some options also include flame-retardant cotton, as it is naturally breathable and comfortable, and offers protection against heat. It is best for places where there is a mild risk of heat. Finally, you can also go for gear made up of polyamide blends, as it is very durable, while also being heat-resistant, and this is important when there is high exposure to heat and sparks.
Other Key Features of Fire-Resistant Clothes
When getting fire-resistant clothes, you should also get clothes that are breathable so that your body temperature is in check and ensure that they let sweat evaporate so that you can avoid stress that comes from the buildup of sweat. When you are in very high temperatures, you need insulation to protect you from the extreme heat. As such, you should get gear that has multiple layers for insulation that acts as a barrier. It is most convenient when your gear has removable layers for insulation so that you can easily remove the layers according to the temperature of the area you are moving to. A good fit is also strongly recommended, as clothes that are uncomfortable also make it difficult for you to move around. But you should ensure that there are no gaps left in so that no skin is exposed to sparks or heat.
Compliance With Standards
Depending on the country you are in, you must follow some safety standards when working in an industry, specifically a high-risk industry. Many types of compliance can vary according to the industry in which you are working. For example, suppose you are working in the general industry, like in buildings, transport, and interior furnishing. In that case, you must follow compliance policies like NFPA 701, which is the Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, and the ASTM E84, which is the standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Other than that, there are many different compliance policies for protective clothing, like EN 531 and EN 407.
Conclusion
When you are looking for fire-resistant clothing, just do not wear gear that meets the compliance requirements. Instead, carefully consider all options, and look for material that you find the most comfortable, and one that fits you in a way that allows you to stay comfortable and move around flexibly. Since you are working in an industry that demands a lot of hard work, you should get gear that not only allows you to do it but also fully supports and equips you.
