Fire-retardant and flame-resistant fabrics are critical safety precautions in many commercial, industrial and municipal settings. Over the years, chemical advancements have allowed manufacturers and chemists to improve flame-resistant and flame-retardant properties for textile products, such as:
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A common misconception is that the terms 'fire-retardant' and 'fire-resistant' are interchangeable. While these two fabric classifications are similar, there are some key differences. This article compares fire-resistant and fire-retardant fabrics and covers some essential considerations before investing in either of these fabrics.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards legally require flame-retardant fabrics and materials in most public spaces, including schools, churches and theaters.
When a house fire occurs, upholstered furniture is usually the first thing to catch fire. That's why, as of June , the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires upholstered furniture to comply with federal flammability standards.
Manufacturers must specify on the product labels that the upholstered furniture complies with CPSC flammability requirements. Additionally, the CPSC advises manufacturers to make it easy for consumers to locate these labels.
It is important to know the difference between fire-retardant and flame-resistant fabrics. This helps people understand how much protection they'll receive when purchasing upholstered furniture and other fabric-based items. Learn the differences between flame-resistant and fire-retardant materials to understand exactly what these labels entail.
Flame retardants are chemical substances that offer flame resistance when applied to a fabric. Flame-retardant or fire-retardant fabrics include a special finish with these chemical fibers.
This coating helps resist the spreading of flames. Additionally, fire-retardant fabrics burn at a much slower rate than their standard untreated counterparts. Over time, however, these chemicals will wear off when the fabric is washed. This renders them ineffective unless the chemicals are reapplied.
There are three classifications of flame retardancy.
FR fabrics are woven from threads treated with a flame-retardant chemical, meeting fire safety codes in the NFPA 701 Test. NFPA 701 measures a material's flammability when exposed to specific ignition sources. It also measures a fabric's ignition resistance after 12 seconds of flame exposure.
The fabric is considered 'non-flame retardant' (NFR) before treatment. The manufacturer dissolves the FR chemicals in water and applies them to the fabric by dipping or spraying.
Once the textile dries, the chemicals remain adhered to the fibers. This renders the fabric flame-retardant, at least for a short period. Contact with water can gradually dissolve and remove these chemicals until the fabric is NFR again. When this occurs, the fabric should be thoroughly washed and chemically treated to restore its flame retardance. Alternatively, you can replace the fabric altogether.
IFR fabrics are woven with threads to uphold NFPA 701 Test standards. However, they do not require additional chemical treatments after frequent washings. IFR fabrics contain noncombustible elements. They should retain their fame retardance permanently, even when exposed to water.
DFR fabrics also meet the minimum requirements in NFPA 701. However, unlike FR fabrics with topically applied chemicals, DFR fabrics use non-water-soluble chemical compounds that attach to the fibers. This creates a flame-retardant fabric that can withstand up to 25 washes when properly laundered.
Because contaminants like oil and airborne dust can diminish flame retardance, annual testing based on NFPA 705 standards is strongly recommended for FR, IFR and DFR fabrics.
Flame-resistant materials contain synthetic fibers that resist ignition and self-extinguish under prolonged heat or flame exposure. Because these fabrics are woven from inherently fire-resistant fibers, they are often called IFR fabrics.
These fabrics will eventually start to melt rather than burn. IFR fibers can make up a small portion of the fabric or the whole cloth, depending on the manufacturer.
A fabric must be tested and rated using ASTM F standards to verify its flame resistance. This testing involves suspending the fabric over a vertical flame for 12 seconds, then removing it.
The fabric should self-extinguish in two seconds or less to pass the test. Additionally, it should have a minimal length of 6 inches or less when used for arc flash protection and 4 inches or less if used for flash fire protection.
In summary, flame-retardant fabrics undergo chemical treatment to give them fire-resistant and self-extinguishing properties. Conversely, flame-resistant fabrics are constructed with fibers that resist burning when they come into contact with flames.
There are a few important considerations before investing in a fire-retardant or flame-resistant fabric.
Flame-resistant fabric tends to cost more than flame-retardant fabric, as it lasts longer and doesn't lose its integrity with regular washes. That means you'll have to decide whether to spend less on fire-retardant gear and replace it more frequently or spend more on flame-resistant options that last much longer.
Consider the circumstances your employees work in and the level of fire protection they will require. The NFPA has a guide that outlines the differences between flame-retardant and flame-resistant classifications, helping guide employers' decisions in protecting staff from short-term flame exposure.
The NFPA's guidelines rank hazard risks from Category 1 to Category 4. The higher the category, the higher the protection level. Low-hazard applications typically only warrant Category 1 or 2 protection, while more hazardous tasks require Category 3 or 4.
Chemically treated flame-retardant fabrics only retain their flame-retardant qualities temporarily. The chemicals start to fade after a certain number of washes. Additionally, there are stringent guidelines for laundering flame-retardant fabrics. Check the tag and follow the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions.
Flame-resistant fabrics have rigorous laundering requirements, as well. However, these materials are inherently fire-resistant. That means they will maintain their performance far longer than treated fabrics, regardless of how frequently you launder them. Be sure to factor these laundering requirements into your decision.
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Flame-resistant (FR) garments are an important safety item for workers in the power industry. However, protection varies based on the arc rating of the clothing. Wearers must understand how the FR clothing they select can and cannot protect them.
For many professionals, flame-resistant (FR) clothing is an essential tool of the job. High-quality, specially engineered FR garments protect the wearer from burns caused by flash fires, electric arcs, and combustible dust. This allows professionals in a number of industries to tackle potentially dangerous tasks. Over the years, FR clothing has saved countless people from serious injury and even saved lives.
Flame-resistant clothing refers to any garments that are specifically designed to protect the wearer from flames and thermal injury. FR clothing resists ignition and self-extinguishes once the source of the ignition is removed. This helps to prevent burns from both initial exposure to the flames and from residual heat transfer.
1. Workers in the power industry face many hazards while on the job. Among the most serious dangers is exposure to an arc-flash. Flame-resistant clothing is vitally important to a worker's protection during such an event. Courtesy: All Seasons Uniforms
Flame-resistant clothing is used in a large number of professions including the fire service, research labs, electrical utilities (Figure 1), and oil and gas. Workers in all of these areas often face the potential for explosions, open fires, and other thermal incidents, so it's essential they're properly protected when they're on the job.
When exposed to fire or an explosion, a lot of fabrics will ignite and continue to burn. Some will also melt onto the wearer's body. This can cause significant injuries as textile fires often burn longer and result in more damage than the initial incident.
Flame-resistant clothing is specially designed so that it's less likely to catch fire when exposed to combustion and high temperatures. In cases where the fabric does ignite, it won't continue to burn once the heat source is removed. This gives the wearer valuable escape time and helps to minimize injuries. However, it's important to remember that flame resistant doesn't mean fireproof, and all flame-resistant clothing will burn if it's heated for a long enough period of time.
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Clothing that is flame resistant is generally also designed so that it doesn't break open when heated. Open areas in the fabric would expose the skin to further hazard and potentially increase the severity of injuries.
Most FR clothing is made from material that is designed to be resilient to heat. Materials like Nomex, Kevlar, and Modacrylic have excellent flame-resistant qualities and are commonly used to make elements of FR garments. Other fabrics, such as cotton, are naturally resistant to flames and can be treated with specialist chemicals to boost their heat resistance and their protective qualities.
Materials that are naturally flame resistant, and those that are treated with specialist chemicals, will behave in broadly the same way. These materials won't keep burning when the source of combustion is removed, won't ignite easily, and won't melt. This last point is very important, as burning, melted fabric can do a lot of damage and cause serious, lasting injuries.
Different flame-resistant materials offer different benefits. What protects a person in one setting might not be suitable for another, so it's essential professionals and employers always check which products are best for their workplace.
When buying flame-resistant clothing, it's important to know exactly how much protection each garment offers. FR clothing is categorized using an arc rating, or an Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV). This rating indicates how much heat will be transferred through the fabric in the event of an arc flash, and therefore, how much protection the clothing will offer the wearer.
Preventing heat transfer can significantly reduce the impact of a fire or arc flash and help to protect the wearer from the worst effects of the incident. The values used to determine arc ratings are expressed as calories per square centimeter. The higher the arc rating, the more protection the piece of clothing will provide. An arc rating of 4 is suitable for a task assessed as a Hazard/Risk Category 1 (HRC1), the lowest risk, while an arc rating of 40 or more will protect the wearer when carrying out tasks assessed as Hazard/Risk Category 4 (HRC4), the most severe risk.
Manufacturers are required to indicate the arc rating of their garments and most will list this crucial number on their labels. Wearing multiple layers of arc-rated clothing will increase protection against heat and flames. Three or more layers are often required to tackle the most hazardous tasks.
While all arc/APTV-rated clothing is flame resistant, it's important to remember that not all flame-resistant clothing is arc rated. Some FR clothing is simply made with flame-resistant fibers and hasn't been lab tested to ensure it meets set standards. Investing in products that have been thoroughly tested is the best way to ensure adequate protection against potential hazards.
This type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by people in a wide variety of professions. As a result, there is an excellent choice of flame-resistant garments on the market.
2. Just as hard hats, gloves, impact-resistant glasses, and ear protection are common safety gear for power plant operators, flame-resistant clothing is also important. Wearing multiple layers of arc-rated clothing can offer the greatest protection. Courtesy: All Seasons Uniforms
A lot of professionals choose to wear flame-resistant outerwear over their normal clothes (Figure 2). Garments like overalls, high-visibility jackets, bomber jackets, and coveralls provide the wearer with extensive protection from potential hazards. Specialist items, such as balaclavas, face mufflers, and lab coats, are also available for professionals working in niche areas.
While some FR clothing is designed for settings where the wearer is constantly exposed to high levels of heat, other garments are meant for more intermittent danger. These are known as primary and secondary protection, and it's important to know which you need before you invest in your FR outfit.
For a long time, flame resistant meant bulky and ugly. Luckily, over the past few years, FR clothing has become a lot more stylish. You can now find FR jeans, shirts, polo tops, T-shirts, and hoodies that are designed to look good and be protective at the same time.
Most of these lighter garments offer lower levels of protection. However, layering them underneath a jacket or coverall with a high arc rating is a great way of adding crucial fire resistance to an outfit. This type of layering can help protect the wearer if the outer garments are burned or damaged, preventing burns and reducing the severity of injuries.
Flame-resistant clothing should always have a slightly baggy fit. Skin-tight clothes can transfer heat more easily to the skin, and this can result in more severe burns and injuries. Loose-fitting clothes create a layer of air between the garment and the skin, something that can help to insulate the wearer from heat and increase the outfit's protective qualities.
Flame-resistant clothes, while incredibly important pieces of PPE, are not fireproof. In extreme settings, the clothing will catch fire, and although it won't melt onto the wearer's body and will burn for a minimal amount of time, it can still cause serious injuries.
The best way to ensure that FR clothing is as safe as possible is to select garments rated to the correct standard. The minimum arc rating for HRC1 is 4, HRC2 is 8, HRC3 is 25, and HRC4 is 40. Layering FR clothing is an effective way of protecting the wearer from potential hazards. If the top layer is burned or damaged, the subsequent layers will help to stop the heat and flames from burning the skin and causing serious injuries.
As flame-resistant clothes are not fireproof, it is essential for professionals to avoid wearing synthetic garments under their FR clothing. Underwear, T-shirts, and other items made from flammable synthetic materials can cause a real hazard and can melt onto the skin, causing serious injury. Melting is possible even if the outer layer of clothing doesn't catch fire. This is why it's so important for professionals to wear appropriate clothing from head to toe.
Flame-resistant clothing also won't protect against explosive forces, projectiles, and other hazards professionals may encounter while at work. If entering a situation where other hazards are expected, professionals need to ensure they're wearing the correct PPE for the situation. Some of this PPE may also be flame resistant, increasing the protective qualities of the outfit.
PPE should always be sourced from trusted, experienced suppliers. Professionals need to know that the overalls, balaclavas, jackets, and mufflers they're wearing will protect them in case of a thermal incident. The best way to ensure PPE is up to standard is to invest in quality clothes from recognized manufacturers.
Trusted manufacturers will list the arc rating of each garment clearly on the label and provide important information on the materials used to make each item of clothing. Understanding the protective properties of each piece will help professionals properly protect themselves while they're on the job.
Flame-resistant clothing can dramatically reduce and even prevent injuries in case of a flash fire, electrical arc, or explosion. This makes FR clothing an essential piece of PPE for people working in a variety of industries. Investing in good-quality FR clothing, and carefully checking ratings and requirements, can help to keep professionals safe while they're tackling even the most dangerous of tasks.
'Nick Warrick is the sales manager at All Seasons Uniforms, a professional workwear company based outside of Chicago that has been in business since .
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