Industrial worker causing shower of sparks

Flame Resistant Uniforms: Why You Need Them

By Sitex Corp   /    Sunday, January 24, 2016   /   , , , , , , , ,

For many industries, the cost of flame resistant clothing may seem daunting, especially in comparison to everyday work clothing. However, proper protective uniforms should be seen as an investment in the safety of your workers. Since 1970, workplace fatality rates have been reduced by more than 66 percent and occupational injury and illness rates have declined by 67 percent. At the same time, U.S. employment has almost doubled, so let’s keep up the good work! [1]

The guiding regulations for Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, are set by OSHA as part of providing a safe workplace for both employers and employees. It’s quite common that safety minded customers refer to Safety Garments or Flame Resistant Apparel simply as “FRC” in orders.

FR uniforms are a necessity for any work that calls for personnel in close proximity to the chance of flame, flash fire, molten metal splash, or electric arc flash hazards, in order to prevent devastating and potentially life-threatening results. Especially for the electrical work and maintenance industries, FR rental uniforms are the smart choice

The key to flame resistant clothing is that it self-extinguishes. The most serious burns in an industrial setting aren’t just caused by the actual fire or explosion itself, but by improper workwear, made from nylon, polyester or non-FR cotton, igniting and continuing to burn. When FR clothing self-extinguishes, it dramatically reduces the severity of burn injuries and provides the worker valuable escape time to increase chances of a positive outcome.

There are many common misconceptions when it comes to FR clothing. Many believe that all FR garments are, essentially, interchangeable. This is certainly not the case. The weight, level of protection, and even the design of the garments can and will differ greatly between brands and items. Additionally, the comfort, feel, and look of any FR garment depends largely upon the type of FR fabric from which it is made.

 At SITEX, we take these three concepts into consideration:

  1. Making sure that the FR garment/fabric you choose is compliant and/or certified to all of the appropriate standards and OSHA regulations.
  2. Choosing the style and weight of FR garment that will best suit your environment and the needs of your workers.
  3. Thinking about the overall wear life of the garment and what the cost will mean long term.

Above all, always remember that any FR is better than no FR at all and that your needs are not necessarily the needs of everyone in your industry. FR garments and fabrics are not all the same, so be sure to choose the one that will make you feel the most confident in terms of protection, comfort, and durability. SITEX carries a full line of FR garments that are professional, safe, and can be professionally laundered by us to ensure their full lifespan without loss of protection.


Essential Guide to Uniform Programs

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