Fashion is a word that excites people especially the young ones. Sadly, simply being dressed in the height of fashion is not enough when operating in a risk prone area. The oil and petroleum industry for instance is fraught with multiple hazards that pose a serious problem for the health and life of its workers. While flash fires has been a concern with not only fire but even noxious fumes as well as toxic gases emanating from the area at risk, the safety equipment and gear had proved to be ineffective in such circumstances unfortunately.
The industry slowly woke up to the importance of FR clothing for its employees ultimately and began to advocate its use in order to avoid industrial accidents caused by electrical burns and flash fires along with deadly chemical exposure. Sure, the rate of injuries and death went down sharply but the employees failed to be happy as they had to don ungainly FR overalls that did little to improve their appearance.
However, it all changed when the new regulations by the ‘Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’ was enforced in 2010. Numerous companies that operate within the oil, gas and petroleum industry now started to look out for cheap FR wear that will make them safe legally. Sadly, this proved to be insufficient not only in terms of fashion but also in ensuring 100% protection to the employees who had to make do with low quality FR garments that failed on all counts.The law now makes it essential for the employers to provide their employees with the right sort of Flame Resistant apparel compliant with the ‘PPE Directive 89/686/EEC.’
Considerations for buying FR Workwear
If the employer is not keen to be inclined to check closely, it is the onus of the worker to get the fire retardant garment for wearing at the work place. It is important to verify with the employer though about the ‘Hazard Rating Category Level’ along with the ARC ratings required for the nature of your job.The other factors that you need to consider includes but is not limited to:-
- Kind of Thermal protection your FR shirt offers the static resistance of your fire resistant clothing
- The molten metal protection along with the protective measure for accidental chemical splashes and electric fires are important parameters for a FR garment.
- The durability of the FR COveralls is of paramount importance in comparison to the other types of FR workwear as it is more often used by the employees closest to the actual operation.
- The design and its fashion quotient! You should not look out of place even if you have to go for a meeting or visit a customer straight from work. FR Jackets, shirts, and FR Trousers sourced from a reputable company will definitely help you to get the best of both worlds.
- The norms dictate that FR Innerwear should also be worn with your protective gear in order to ensure 100% safety at workplace
FR Clothing - Workwear 