IMPORTANCE OF FR CLOTHING

In potential high risk environments, wearing the correct flame resistant clothing can minimize the severity of an injury. Tests have shown the appropriate layering of flame resistant  garments can give optimal protection, buying wearers critical extra seconds to react in hazardous situations. The TRUGARD range of FR clothing features latest technologies that provide vital extra safety when every second counts.  We are committed to providing products of the most demanding safety standards and have created one of the most comprehensive ranges of FR clothing available in the region. Our vendor partners are specialists in the field and supply market leading brands globally.

If employees are working in a potentially dangerous environment where heat or flame hazards are present, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that workers are sufficiently protected. Flame resistant (FR) clothing significantly reduces burn injuries which can save lives in the event of an accident. Understanding the risks is a fundamental part of your role, as is understanding how best to mitigate those risks.  We are committed to providing products of the most demanding safety standards and have put together one of the most comprehensive ranges of FR clothing available in the region.

FLAME RESISTANT V/S FLAME RETARDANT

Flame retardant fabrics are not ‘flame-resistant’ or ‘flame-proof‘ but are designed to stop the spread of fire and smother it into extinguishing. Inherent fabrics have a chemical treatment either added to the finished woven fabric or into the fiber through a textile process. When exposed to a heat source or naked flame these chemicals react and release gases which slow down the spread of fire and help smother it by cutting the out the oxygen needed by the fire to continue to burn.

Flame resistant fabrics using DuPont or Nomex fibers are naturally flame resistant as the molecular structure of the fibers itself are not flammable. Rather than release gas to smother the flame of oxygen the fibers will resist the flame or heat source, swell and become thicker thus providing a protective barrier between the heat source and the skin. The fibers do not burn, melt or drop when exposed to heat or flame.

SPECIALISTS SAFETY ADVICE

To demonstrate our commitment to our customers we have employed trained HSE professionals who have a deep understanding of the Flame Resistant products offered and the suitable applications for them.  Our experts will be happy to meet with you and identify the type of protection that is most suitable for your business in their individual circumstances.

1. Layer up with FR clothing for greater protection

When Flame Resistant (FR) garments are worn together with layers the time before the wearer sustains a second degree burn is significantly longer than when the garments are worn individually. It is very important that the inner layers are always FR treated as they can still ignite and burn, putting you in danger. T-shirts made from polyester or other synthetic materials are often worn to help with moisture management but are not flame resistant and can actually melt to the skin.  An FR garment not only resolves the melting issue but it also will not ignite and continue to burn if accidentally exposed to any hazard. 

2. Select the right product

When temperatures rise, it may be tempting to remove or alter workwear to try and escape the heat. However, for those whose work environments require the use of FR clothing for protection, even something as simple as rolling up of the sleeves can leave the skin exposed to potential injuries and should be avoided. Therefore, it is essential to choose FR clothing carefully to ensure it can be worn properly without adding to the risk of heat stress.

3. Select the right size

Even if you’ve selected lightweight, breathable, comfortable FR clothing, a poor fit can undo much of the good you’ve done. Clothing that is too tight may feel suffocating in the heat, while on the other hand, clothing that is too big adds unnecessary bulk, that can detract from breathability and overall comfort.  As temperatures go up, taking proactive measures to reduce heat stress can make a tremendous difference in safety and employee morale. Choosing FR clothing that fits properly and is lightweight, breathable and comfortable is a great way to help ward off heat stress.