What you need to know about flame-resistant uniforms
What makes our flame-resistant uniforms different than our other work uniforms? It’s the fabric and the way in which we process and launder them. We purchase the highest quality flame-resistant uniforms then process and launder them in a way that protects the FR qualities for the life of the garment.
All the garments that SITEX carries fill standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials and the National Fire and Protection Association’s Standard on Selection, Care, Use and Maintenance of Flame Resistant Garments (NFPA 2113 2007). FR garments come with three measurements, ARC rating, HRC level and ATPV, which demonstrate their level of protectiveness for humans. These terms are explained in greater detail below, but the higher the HRC, Arc Ratings and ATPV ratings, the more protective a garment will be. All garments deemed flame-resistant are initially treated with gaseous ammonia, which gives them FR properties.
FR garments are essential for work in industries where employees will be exposed to highly combustible materials. However, two of the largest problems contributing to the large number of people admitted to burn centers as the result of Arc Flashes (over 2,000 a year. See more information below.) are due to employees incorrectly wearing FR clothing, or having ill-fitting FR clothing. Poorly fitting garments mean the worker is susceptible to having their mobility reduced, and garments that are too loose become a safety hazard. Improperly worn garments are also risky, with un-tucked or unbuttoned shirts leaving skin exposed. If these garments will save someone’s life, why wear them incorrectly? Most of the time, these garments are uncomfortable.
In the past, FR clothing was itchy, hot, uncomfortable, and unable to adequately wick moisture away from the body (adding to worker discomfort). FR fabrics are typically made of polyester, which in addition to discomfort, wasn’t always able to stand up to high temperatures. Polyester would melt, thereby negating it’s protective qualities. New technological advancements, like Bulwark’s “Amplitude G2”, have led to the increasing availability of double-layered garments, which allow for more breathability and comfort, reducing the risk of improperly warn garments while still providing all the protection you would need while working. SITEX carries the latest FR garments, to keep your workers safe and comfortable.
SITEX also specially processes all FR clothing to ensure that all FR garments retain their FR properties throughout their lifespan. All garments are separated out from other linens, and washed according to specific means to ensure that FR properties are permanent, for the life of the garment. Investing in SITEX FR garments will keep your employees safe for years.
For more information on our flame-resistant gear, download our catalog or contact us. For more terminology related to FR clothing, read more below.
Terms to know when shopping FR clothing:
Arc rating: Arc is the energy necessary to pass through any given fabric, with a 50% probability of 2nd or 3rd degree burns. The higher a garment’s Arc rating, the higher protection that piece of clothing grants to the wearer. This is named for the Arc Flashes which these garments are designed to protect against.
Arc Flash: An explosive release of energy caused by an electrical arc. Temperature can reach up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit during an Arc Flash. More than 2,000 people a year are admitted to burn centers as a result of these flashes.
ATPV: Arc Thermal Protective Value: The Maximum incident energy that protective equipment can be exposed to and prevent 2nd degree burns for the wearer.
