Flame Resistant Clothing

FR clothing meets particular standards that are plainly marked on the garment. Be sure to look for third-party testing. For instance, having the UL Listed certification on the tag is an important assurance that both the material used and the construction of the garment have been reviewed. 

Arc flash-rated clothing adheres to a different, and some would say higher, standard. All arc flash clothing is flame-retardant, but not all FR clothing is arc-flash rated. This is an important distinction and should be accounted for during the purchasing process and confirmed by inspecting the garment label.

NFPA 2112 sets the standard for flame-resistant clothing when it comes to short-duration heat exposures from fires such as flash fires and electric arcs. To meet the minimum requirements of this standard and become UL certified, garments must achieve 50% or less predicted body burn; defy melting, dripping, or after-flame burning; and have appropriate and easy-to-see labels.

Many garments call themselves “flame resistant,” and up until 2012, the term was somewhat generic. NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, changed how garments were classified: all flame-resistant clothing needs to undergo additional testing before it meets the “arc-rated” standard. Arc flash clothing tends to be more reliable against the spread of fire in areas where electrical arc hazards are an issue.

Proper flame-resistant clothing is vital to worker health and safety. FR fabrics can prevent skin damage or lung and tissue damage, whereas non-FR fabrics can melt and cause internal burns. Arc flash-rated clothing can also offer peace of mind in hazardous jobs.

If you’re in the market for new FR shirts, jackets, or other flame-resistant clothing, you’re in luck. PK Safety offers a variety of high-quality FR clothes in different sizes and price points. We partner with brands that we trust to deliver properly labeled and constructed garments. Because we’re also safety experts, we can offer you answers to your flame-resistant clothing FAQs, too. Visit our site to browse the full selection and proceed to checkout with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does flame-resistant clothing last?

As long as you’ve chosen high-quality FR clothing from trustworthy, experienced manufacturers and are following their guidelines verbatim, your flame-resistant clothing could offer protection for years. 

The durability of FR clothing materials depends on proper care and handling. Unless you’re mishandling the garments in a way that would compromise their properties (like through incorrect laundering, applying insect repellent to the clothing, or continuing to use a garment that’s been through a fire event), you can’t wear or wash out their effectiveness. The severity of damage from heat exposure can vary, but compromised garments should always be removed from service.

If the garment shrinks, tears, gets a hole or spot, is involved in a flash fire, electric arc, or short-duration exposure to high temperatures, or otherwise becomes compromised, remove it from service. If you’re going to patch FR clothing, make sure you use the same fabric the garment is made from, use FR thread, and replace any buttons with high-temperature melamine buttons.

How do I wash FR clothing?

Your flame-resistant clothing should come with specific manufacturer directions for laundering, and you should stick to those when possible to keep your garments safe and effective for years. While the flame-resistant properties can’t be “washed out” of FR clothing, these garments still require different care than civilian clothing due to their protective properties.

Luckily, FR clothing can be washed easily in a home or industrial washing machine. If you’re in an industry with heavy grime or tough buildup, an industrial machine might be better, but a home machine can handle everyday dust and dirt (just don’t mix flame-resistant clothing in with your everyday clothing wash).

When washing FR clothing, don’t use chlorine bleach, fabric softeners, anti-static or wrinkle-free dryer sheets, or starch: these chemicals can compromise FR properties and will require you to at least run the garment through the wash again, if not remove it from service and replace it.

Who makes FR gear?

The best brand of FR clothing is the one that offers you well-made garments with quality materials. Check for UL classification, which means that the garment was inspected by an independent party and that it meets or exceeds the latest industry safety standards. 

Find a brand that also offers an array of sizes so you can get everyone comfortably outfitted. PK Safety carries flame-resistant clothing from these trusted brands: NSA, ForgeFR, Berne, MCR Safety, Saf-Tech, Pyramex, and PIP.

Why are FR clothes so expensive?

FR clothing costs more than non-FR clothing. However, flame-resistant clothing is specifically engineered to provide more protection, making it far more resistant to melting and igniting than the 100% cotton shirts you can get from a department store. Many industries require FR gear to keep workers safe, which requires unique materials (including expensive fabric), engineering science, and expertise to put together.

If you’re trying to save money when stocking up, make sure that you know what your employees are doing in a day to help narrow down your decisions to exactly what you need. Understanding the severity of workplace hazards can help guide your purchasing decisions.

You can also decide on a true flame-resistant uniform with a very limited number of styles and pieces (while still accommodating comfort and size) to keep costs down. You can also take advantage of sales like ours to get the gear you need at great prices.

Does OSHA require FR garments?

Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employees exposed to fire hazards, such as electric arcs, wear flame-resistant garments that prevent burns and skin injuries in areas with flash fires. Under OSHA’s general duty clause, employers need to provide their employees with a workplace that’s as free from hazards that can cause harm and death as possible.

OSHA 29 CFR1910 ensures that employees exposed to flames or electric arcs don’t wear clothing that could increase injuries, and that all apparel exposed to these hazards is safe. Finally, OSHA 1910.132 states that employers must provide appropriate PPE at no cost to their employees.

If you want to learn more about our FR garments or have worksite safety questions, we can help. PK Safety has been in the industry for decades, and we’re committed to innovation and worker safety. Contact a safety expert online or by calling 844.516.1436.