Care of Flame Resistant Uniforms
At SITEX, we not only consider ourselves experts in helping companies create a professional image for their team members, but also experts in the care and repair of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Last week, we made our case about the benefits of flame resistant garments, but a slapdash approach to their care will leave them unable to protect you.
When it comes to caring for your flame resistant, or FR, workwear, it’s not as simple as “lather, rinse, repeat.” The chemistry embedded in your FR clothing, either naturally occurring or added, needs special attention to maintain its effectiveness. Though additional precautions should be taken, caring for FR workwear shouldn’t be a complicated or intimidating process. Instead, it’s about creating a care plan with attention to detail and vigilance.
Each type of flame-resistant fabric requires its own safety and care considerations. There are two distinct kinds of FR fabrics from which garments are made: inherent FR and treated FR.
Inherent FR Fabrics and Treated FR Garments
Inherent FR fabrics are engineered to have flame resistant properties at the molecular level, meaning the protection doesn’t wash or wear out, and the garment will be flame resistant for life. Treated FR garments go through a chemical application process that gives them their flame resist abilities, however these types of FR garments will degrade and become less protective as the wear life of the garment due to abrasion, UV exposure, and poor laundering. However treated FR garments tend to be the more economical choice, so for industries where garments have a short lifespan due to the nature of the work, they may be a better choice.
While there are no secret processes or special equipment required, knowledge of the structure, construction, and regulations of FR garments allows for care and maintenance guidelines that will preserve the protection level of your FR investment. At SITEX, we stringently follow care procedures to boost your FR confidence in the safety of your team, and maintain your OSHA compliance, wash after wash.
For a complete rundown on the our FR garments available for purchase or rent, and our stringent laundering procedures, give us a call at the location closest to you or request a free quote online! The Image Makers are here to keep you looking good and protected.
