Flame-resistant clothing is used prominently in occupations that involve proximity or prolonged exposure to fires and explosions. Across Australia, electricians, repair teams, plant workers and industrial staff wear these clothes to keep themselves safe and secure. The functionality of flame resistant workwear depends upon the degree to which the material can self-extinguish a flame. In other words, the material will not fuel a burning fire and, instead, starve it by preventing the flow of oxygen.
FR clothing helps reduce the intensity of burns and minimises the effect of any thermal incidents on the body. Anyone who is at risk of injuries due to high heat or fires due to electricity must wear FR clothing while they work.
Things To Consider When Buying FR Clothing:
- The degree of protection that flame-resistant workwear offers should be the number one priority when it comes to consideration. It varies depending upon the profession and how intense the heat will be if an incident does occur. Electricians are at the risk of an electric arc when they’re working on the power lines and transformers; plant workers are at the risk of flash fires in pharmaceutical industries and chemical plants, and paper, metal, food and paint processing factory workers are at the risk of combustible dust explosion. The degree of protection required for FR clothing varies widely across all the above-mentioned professions.
- Customers must ensure that the clothing is guaranteed as the situation will always be life or death. So don’t compromise in the least and always get a guarantee of the stated level of protection.
- FR clothing must comply with the safety standards set forward by the Australian regulations, and it should exceed the performance standards expected by the industry.
- The clothing must fit comfortably, and it should be relaxed and lightweight with adequate freedom of movement. It should be breathable and comfortable enough so as not to impede job performance or raise more safety concerns on the job.
- The fabric must be moisture retentive and should be able to absorb sweat and dry off just as fast. The fabric must also be strong enough to withstand a large amount of physical exertion. To gauge the quality of the fabric, check the seams and reinforced stitching in parts prone to wear and tear.
- Consider the average life expectancy of the garment and find out how long it will last before it loses its durability. The clothing must not lose its colour after washing or ironing, and the shrinkage should be minimal too.
FR Clothing and Its Advantages:
- FR clothing is made of materials that can self-extinguish a growing flame and resist ignition to a great degree.
- It does not melt onto the skin or cause skin problems even at a higher temperature range. The material of the fabric is strong enough not to break open under high temperatures, and hence, the skin won’t get exposed to the searing heat.
- It protects the body from heat and flames and provides a significant amount of thermal insulation.
- Having the right FR clothing reduces the chances of succumbing to burn injuries at the workplace and increases the chances of survival for the wearer.
For the safety of workers and to maintain the standards of workplace safety, consider buying FR clothing to reduce any accident risks.
