User Guide for Flame Resistant Clothing

User Guide for Flame Resistant Clothing


7 minute read

User Guide for Flame Resistant Clothing

Information contained in the article is provided directly from Reed Manufacturing Company.

PRE-USE: Read all labels provided with this garment. The suitability of this garment for its intended use must be determined by the end user based on an employer hazard assessment. Additional personal protective equipment may be needed. Do not mark this garment by affixing items that can compromise the protective properties of this garment. Use only a laundry marking pen on the interior of the garment, if needed. Never mark on the safety or cleaning labels on this protective garment. This garment is warrantied to free from defects in workmanship only.

USE/DONNING/DOFFING/STORAGE: Wear a correctly fitting garment size based on your body dimensions. Tight fitting clothing shall be avoided. Clothing shall cover potentially exposed areas as completely as possible. Shirt and coverall sleeves shall be fastened at the wrists, shirts shall be tucked into pants, and shirts, coveralls, and jackets shall be closed at the neck. When donning this garment, make all fit adjustments (if provided), fully extend all sleeves and legs, and ensure that all closures (zippers, buttons, snaps, etc.) are secured. When removing this garment, fully extend all adjustments (if provided) and unfasten all closures (zippers, buttons, snaps, etc.). Store garment dry, in a clean environment, and out of direct sunlight.

INSPECTION: Examine garment upon receipt and before each wearing; inspect for rips, tears, holes, charring, discoloration, brittle/stiff material, cleanliness, seam integrity, missing components, hardware function, closure operation, size and fit.

CLEANING/MAINTENANCE: See label for care instructions; repairs shall only be performed at authorized facilities. All repairs must be made with materials equivalent to the original materials in the garments. In other words, Nomex® sewing thread and FR mending fabrics equal to the materials used in the original garment. ASTM International has developed two standards for repair and maintenance of FR garments. Standard F 1449 Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing, covers maintenance of garments by industrial laundries. Newly adopted Standard F 2757 Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing provides information for home care and maintenance of flame resistant protective garments. Please reference these two standards for more information.

RETIREMENT/DISPOSAL: Do not wear ill-fitting, damaged, or contaminated garments; if contaminated, dispose of garment in accordance with Federal, state, and local regulations.

Refer to NFPA 2113, Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistance Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire, for more information.

Sizing Information

SHIRTS

ALPHA SIZING XS S M L XL 2XL
Neck 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 17.5 18.5

COVERALLS

ALPHA SIZING XS S M L XL 2XL
Chest 34 36-38 40-42 44-46 48-50 52-54

SHORT = 29.5” INSEAM   –   REGULAR = 31.5” INSEAM   –   LONG = 33.5” INSEAM

PANTS

WAIST 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52

SHORT = 29.5” INSEAM   –   REGULAR = 31.5” INSEAM   –   LONG = 33.5” INSEAM

JEANS

WAIST 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52

SHORT = 30” INSEAM   –   REGULAR = 32” INSEAM   –   LONG = 34” INSEAM

Flame resistant clothing prevents the fabric from burning once the origin of ignition, either a flame or an electric arc, is removed. Basically, the fabric self-extinguishes and the secondary source of potential harm, your clothes burning against your skin, is suppressed.

Flame-Resistant clothing is derived from materials that are naturally resistant to flames and embers. This means that the threads and fibers will naturally self-extinguish. Flame-Retardant clothing however is made from materials that have been chemically treated to achieve the same self-extinguishing properties.

What does FR stand for?
FR stands for Flame Resistant and refers to the ability of a material to self-extinguish upon the stoppage of an ignition source. 100% cotton FR clothing can last approximately 12 to 16 months while FR 88/12 Cotton-Nylon Blends can last approximately 18 to 30 months and FR Synthetic Blends can last anywhere from approximately 24-1/2 to 48 months. Flame resistant clothing should provide a good functional fit for protection and comfort. Sleeve cuffs should be fully rolled down and secured. Protective clothing selection must be based on the probable worst-case scenario.

How does FR clothing work?

Flame Resistant clothing is made using fabrics and special components that will not melt onto the skin and are non-conductive to assure they do not contribute to an increase in the extent of a burn injury. FR clothing provides thermal insulation to protect from heat and resists breaking open, which would expose skin to hazards.

Flame resistant work apparel naturally costs more than regular work apparel. The reason FR clothing is more expensive is because industrial workers in the oil and gas, electrical, combustible dust fields, and other sectors, must have additional protection that only FR clothing can provide.

What does FR clothing protect against?

FR clothing protects workers from flash fires, flames, combustible dust and embers.

What does FR clothing consist of?

FR Coveralls provide critical protection from top to bottom, with materials that resist burning or melting and have APTV ratings from 8.6 to 12.

FR shirts

FR Shirts and Henley's are a necessity for many workers in the railroad, paint, pharmaceuticals, combustible dust, petrochemical, construction, electrical, and utility industries. Various protection levels range from APTV 6.6 up to 9.5.

FR Pants are made of materials ranging in APTV from 10-21 and are available in numerous styles and colors. FR pants and jeans are designed to protect against potential burns and use specialized Flame Resistant fabrics.

Flame resistant lab coats are made of light weight cotton with a 2 piece collar and hidden grippers.

FR Face Masks include Balaclava with convertible face mask.

How do I maintain my FR clothing?

It is best to wash FR clothing separately, in water no warmer than 120 degrees, with a mild detergent. Do not use soap or spray on cleaners. Tumble dry on a low heat setting and hang items quickly to avoid wrinkles. Do not spray flame resistant garments with spray starch, or insect repellents, especially those containing DEET.

WARNING!

This garment will not protect against all hazards. Reed Manufacturing Company does not and cannot assess the appropriate garment for your work location and tasks. Garment is not specifically intended for use in fire entry and fighting activities and is not designed to protect against chemicals, hazardous liquids, or continuous thermal electrical loads. Depending on your use, additional protection may be needed. Failure to consider the limitations of this garment may result in injury or death. Use of this garment must be discontinued if protective properties are compromised. Protective properties may be reduced if the garment is: contaminated with a hazardous substance; and/or damaged, abused, mutilated, worn, or aged. If garment has embroidery or other enhancements, such features may not be fire resistant. Garment is provided to you “as is”. Reed Manufacturing Company makes no other warranties, express or implied, included and not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, which are hereby disclaimed and excluded. You assume all risks associated with the use of the garment. Reed Manufacturing Company will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss, including injury or death arising out of the use of this garment.

Direct Textile Store ships to all US states, including Alaska and Hawaii, US Territories, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.

Information contained in the article is provided directly from Reed Manufacturing Company.

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Kelsi Kleven

Editor

Merchandising Specialist

If you need assistance, contact Direct Textile Store Customer Service at 800-615-5822

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