When it comes to protective clothing for workers in high-risk industries, flame resistant (FR) clothing is often the standard. However, some workers may want to add embellishments to their FR clothing for aesthetic or branding purposes. The question is: should these embellishments be flame resistant as well? In this article, we will explore the importance of FR clothing and whether embellishments should also be flame resistant.
What is FR Clothing?
FR clothing is specially designed to protect workers in industries where there is a risk of exposure to flames or arc flashes. The clothing is made of materials that are inherently flame resistant or treated with flame-retardant chemicals. The purpose of FR clothing is to provide a barrier between the worker’s skin and the heat source, reducing the risk of burn injuries.
Why is FR Clothing Important?
FR clothing is important because it can save lives. Workers in industries such as oil and gas, electrical utilities, and welding are at risk of exposure to flames and arc flashes. These hazards can cause severe burn injuries, which can lead to hospitalization, permanent disfigurement, or even death. FR clothing provides an extra layer of protection for workers, reducing the risk of burn injuries and increasing their chances of survival in the event of an accident.
Should Embellishments on FR Clothing be Flame Resistant?
The short answer is yes, embellishments on FR clothing should also be flame resistant. The reason for this is that any non-FR material added to FR clothing can compromise its protective properties. Even a small patch of non-FR material on an FR garment can create a hole or gap where flames can penetrate, exposing the worker’s skin to the heat source.
For example, if a worker adds a logo patch to their FR jacket that is not flame resistant, the patch could catch fire and cause the jacket to fail its flame resistance test. This means that the jacket would no longer provide adequate protection against flames and the worker would be at risk of burn injuries.
Additionally, if a worker adds a non-FR embellishment to their FR clothing and then tries to wash it, the embellishment could shrink or melt, further compromising the garment’s flame resistance.
So, if workers want to add embellishments to their FR clothing, it is important that these embellishments are also made of flame-resistant materials. This can be achieved by using FR thread, FR patches, or FR transfers. By using FR materials for embellishments, workers can ensure that their FR clothing maintains its protective properties and reduces their risk of burn injuries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, FR clothing is an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in high-risk industries. It provides a barrier between the worker’s skin and the heat source, reducing the risk of burn injuries. However, it is important that any embellishments added to FR clothing are also flame resistant. Non-FR materials can compromise the protective properties of FR clothing, leaving workers at risk of burn injuries. Therefore, workers should only use FR materials for any embellishments on their FR clothing. This will ensure that their PPE remains effective and provides the necessary protection in the event of an accident .
FR Clothing - Workwear 