Fire-resistant clothing has undoubtedly saved many lives and many others from unnecessary injury. With how well they protect people, it’s no wonder that many industries require flame-resistant clothing. If you work in an industry that requires these protective garments, this article will review everything you need to know about fire-resistant clothing.
What Is Fire-Resistant Clothing?
Manufacturers specifically design fire-resistant clothing to help prevent and reduce injury. Everyday clothing makers use textiles that might easily catch on fire and burn or melt onto the skin, causing severe injuries. If flame-resistant clothing does catch on fire, it won’t continue to burn if you remove the heat source, and it won’t break open the clothing and expose the skin to more burns. This protective wear gives workers valuable time to escape the situation and remove the clothing, preventing or reducing injury.
How Does Fire-Resistant Clothing Work?
Typically, fire-resistant clothing contains materials such as Kevlar and Nomex or cotton treated with flame-resistant chemicals. This prevents the clothing from igniting easily and, most importantly, won’t melt. Melting fabric is the leading cause of severe injury when a worker’s clothes ignite.
The protective clothing material won’t act as a fuel source for the flame, either extinguishing the flame entirely or simply resulting in a char.
How Should You Wear Fire-Resistant Clothing?
There are primary and secondary forms of fire-resistant clothing. Primary protection is required when the wearer is constantly exposed to high heat levels, while secondary protection is for workers occasionally exposed to high heat.
Lighter garments or a secondary form of protection should be worn in layers so if the outer layer gets burned, the inner-layer closer to the skin remains unharmed. In addition, any form of fire-resistant clothing should be baggy. A loose fit helps prevent heat from transferring to the skin by creating a layer of air, insulating the wearer from excess heat.
Now that you’ve read this brief guide on everything you need to know about fire-resistant clothing, you’re better equipped with the power of knowledge to keep you and other workers safe.
