How is flame retardant workwear made?
Flame retardant workwear is undoubtedly the superhero of practical work
clothing – indispensable for protecting workers in hazardous environments. From
construction sites to utility companies and chemical manufacturers, these
garments play a critical role in ensuring both safety and fire safety.
This blog will explore the workers and industries who need flame retardant
workwear, what is flame retardant workwear and how is flame retardant workwear
made, regulations for flame retardant workwear, and the range of products and
services offered by phs Besafe to help ensure your business provides the best
protection for your workers.
Who needs to wear flame retardant workwear, and
why?
Flame retardant workwear is crucial and mandatory for professionals in
industries where exposure to flames, heat, or fire hazards is a possibility.
Its uses are significant, protecting workers in high risk environments from
incidents such as high temperature machinery, sparks, accidental fires, molten
metal or chemical splashes, and electric arcs. Common users include:
·
Construction workers
– often exposed to welding and cutting operations and other activities that
generate sparks or involve open flames.
·
Manufacturing workers – particularly
those in metalworking and machinery operations where sparks and molten metal
pose a risk of fire.
·
Utilities and
petrochemical workers – in environments with a high risk of
chemical spills, exposure to flammable substances and fire.
·
Electricians and engineers
– who may encounter electrical hazards through high-voltage equipment and
electric arcs.
What is flame retardant workwear?
Flame retardant clothing is designed to resist ignition and prevent the
spread of flames, protecting the wearer from burns and injuries. This clothing
can be made from two types of fabrics – inherently fire retardant fabrics and
treated flame retardant fabrics.
Inherent flame retardant fabrics
Inherent flame retardant fabrics are made from fibres that naturally resist
flames. These fibres are inherently non-flammable, and their protective
qualities do not wash out or wear away. Examples include Nomex and Kevlar.
These fabrics offer consistent protection throughout the life of the garment.
Treated flame retardant fabrics
Treated flame retardant fabrics are made from materials that are not
naturally resistant to fire but have undergone a chemical treatment to impart
flame resistance. Common materials for treated fabrics include cotton and
cotton blends. The treatment involves immersing the fabric in flame retardant
chemicals, which bond with the fibres to provide a protective barrier.
How is flame retardant workwear made?
The following information provides a useful understanding of the processes
and level of specialist care involved in the production of flame retardant
workwear. It demonstrates clearly why specially manufactured clothing is the
right choice to ensure workers are protected, and why it is essential to ensure
that flame retardant workwear is laundered professionally to maintain its
protective properties.
The production of flame retardant workwear involves several specialised
processes to ensure the fabric can withstand high temperatures and resist
burning. Here’s a brief overview of the manufacturing process:
1. Material
selection – the base fabric is chosen for its inherent
flame-resistant properties or treated with chemical flame retardants. Common
materials include dense cotton blends and advanced synthetic fibres, such as
Nomex.
2. Chemical
treatment – fabrics may undergo a treatment process where
they are immersed in flame retardant chemicals, which bond with the fibres to
provide long-lasting protection.
3. Testing
and certification – the garments are tested to meet
stringent safety standards such as EN ISO 11611 for welding and EN ISO 11612
for general flame retardant clothing. These tests ensure the fabric provides
adequate protection against heat and flames.
4. Design
and construction – the garments, including flame retardant
overalls, are designed to offer maximum comfort and functionality,
incorporating features like reflective strips for visibility, heavy-duty
zippers, and pockets for tools. The design also includes movement panels to
increase flexibility and reduce restriction.
5. Quality
control – each garment undergoes rigorous quality control
checks to ensure compliance with safety standards and durability during use.
Do employers need to provide flame retardant
workwear?
If a business’s employees work in an environment where there is a risk of
exposure to flames, heat, or hazardous chemicals, then to put it plainly – the
answer is yes, you must provide protective workwear for those employees. Flame
retardant workwear is neither a nice-to-have, nor a perk of the job – it’s the
law. Employers are required by law to provide appropriate protective clothing
to workers exposed to hazardous conditions. The Health and Safety at Work Act
1974 mandates that employers ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their
employees. Specific regulations such as the Personal Protective Equipment at
Work Regulations 1992 further stipulate the provision and maintenance of
suitable PPE, including flame retardant workwear.
Flame Gear range by phs BeSafe
phs BeSafe offers a comprehensive range of high quality flame retardant
workwear designed to meet the needs of various industries. The Flame Gear range
is designed to offer maximum protection, comfort and movement. It includes:
These jackets are designed with reflective tape for high visibility and
conform to EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612 standards. They provide protection
against splatter and short contact time with flames, making them ideal for
welding and cutting operations.
Our trousers combine flame resistance with high visibility, ensuring worker
safety in confined spaces and hazardous conditions. They conform to relevant
safety standards and are available in various sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
The range also includes flame retardant polo shirts, which ensure comfort and
safety while complying with international standards.
These coveralls offer full-body protection and are designed to be worn in
environments where exposure to flames and heat is common. They also feature
reflective tape and are made from materials that provide insulation from heat
and protect the skin from harmful chemicals. The Flame Gear range also includes
high-quality items like Click ARC coveralls, which are designed for welders and
metal workers who face hazards from heat and sparks.
Services offered by phs BeSafe to support
workers’ safety
We not only supply flame retardant workwear, but offer a range of services
to ensure the garments remain effective and compliant with safety standards:
·
Industrial
laundry service: ensures
that workwear is regularly cleaned and decontaminated, maintaining its
protective properties.
·
Managed
locker service: delivers
clean workwear directly to each employee’s locker, ensuring convenience and
compliance.
·
Garment
repairs and altering: extends
the lifespan of workwear through regular maintenance and repairs.
·
Uniform
destruction: safely
disposes of branded workwear that is no longer fit for use, ensuring security
and compliance.
By choosing phs BeSafe, businesses can ensure their workers are protected
with high-quality flame retardant workwear and benefit from comprehensive
support services that maintain safety and compliance standards.
Get in touch
to find out more information about our Flame Gear range and services.