FR Layering and Moisture Management Systems

By Melissa Gerhardt, FR Workwear and Arc Flash PPE Product Manager, NSA

What is an FR Layering System?

In general FR layering is a combination of two or more arc rated materials combined together to achieve higher protection and/or performance. FR layering systems are specifically made up of 2 or more arc rated garments that are worn together to achieve higher protection and/or performance. All FR layering combinations need to have an actual arc test performed to verify the official arc rated of the layered materials. Trying to estimate a layered system arc rating by adding together the arc ratings of the individual layers is not a valid approach. There is no formula to calculate system arc ratings and you may be required by OSHA to provide an actual test report as proof of your PPE’s protective value. FR layering systems are a great way to ensure the level of protection your PPE is providing exceeds your calculated potential risk.

What is a Moisture Management System?

All FR layering systems are not created equal. While most layering systems provide an increases level of protection, not all FR layering systems provide increased performance. A moisture management system is an FR layering system that is comprised of high-performance garments.

These systems also utilize optimal moisture management by combining both base layers and outer layers that work together to wick away moisture and allow it to evaporate quickly.

Moisture Management takes moisture wicking one step further with a combination of hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) fibers. A high-performance shirt with moisture management technology has a drying rate of 2-3 times faster than a standard cotton shirt. This allows you and your shirt to stay dry and comfortable. As moisture quickly evaporates is also creates a natural cooling effect by pulling heat away from the body along with the moisture. This allows the body’s natural cooling processes to function properly. Garments that work with your body, not against it, can aid in the prevention of heat stress.

Moisture Management takes moisture wicking one step further with a combination of hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) fibers. A high-performance shirt with moisture management technology has a drying rate of 2-3 times faster than a standard cotton shirt. This allows you and your shirt to stay dry and comfortable. As moisture quickly evaporates is also creates a natural cooling effect by pulling heat away from the body along with the moisture. This allows the body’s natural cooling processes to function properly. Garments that work with your body, not against it, can aid in the prevention of heat stress.

What are the benefits of choosing a high-performance moisture management system from National Safety Apparel®?

All of our proprietary moisture management systems feature inherent FR protection. This provides you protection and performance for the life of the garment.

These systems also provide unmatched comfort. This is achieved by utilizing ultra-lightweight fabrics that start out soft and flexible from day one. These fabrics go into garments that breathe rather than weighing you down and trapping in heat. These systems also utilize optimal moisture management by combining both base layers and outer layers that work together to wick away moisture and allow it to evaporate quickly. This combination of lightweight, breathable, and moisture management work with your body to reduce the risk of heat stress, keeping you cool and dry.

The secret to achieving this high level of performance and comfort without sacrificing protection is our proprietary technology. Our CARBONCOMFORT™ and TECGEN Select™ garments are powered by OPF, a proprietary blend of fibers that combine high thermal protection, superior performance, and lasting comfort.

We are proud to be able to offer you even more high-performance FR options with the addition of DRIFIRE® to the National Safety Apparel house of brands. DRIFIRE has an excellent reputation as being one of the leaders in moisture management with its inherent drirelease® technology.

This highly innovative brand is widely recognized for its innovative inherent FR products and superior performance which is comparable to the world’s top athletic brands. This includes their exceptional base layers. Choosing the right base layer is important when creating your FR layering system. One benefit that both DRIFIRE and our FR Control 2.0™ base layers have is they are anti-microbial to reduce odors. FR Control 2.0™ base layers include the additional benefit of proactive body temperature regulation. This phase change technology works with your body to keep you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. This is another reason why our moisture management systems are a great addition to your heat stress reduction plan.

This post was originally published in NSA Blog, September 2016.

If you need an expert advice about the FR clothing, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800-829-9580, or visit us online at pksafety.com, and follow us @PKSafetydotcom.