Fire

AR/FR Workwear: Burn Quick Facts

by with No Comment AR/FRProtective Workwear

According to OSHA

  • Up to 445% of all burns occur at work
  • 40% of workplace burn fatalities result from fire or arcs

According to the 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Electrical Incidents:
    • Non-Fatal Injuries: 2200
    • Fatalities: 126
  • Fires & Explosions:
    • Nonfatal Injuries: 1770
    • Fatalities: 71

According to the American Burn Association

  • Average cost of burn incident: $780,000
  • Average hospital stay: 54 days
  • People who receive burn treatment: 486,000

Types of Burns

1st Degree Burns

  • Affects: 1st layer of skin
  • Color: Red and Dry
  • Blisters: No
  • Pain: Minimal/Mild
  • Example: Mild Sunburn

2nd Degree Burns

  • Affects: 1st & 2nd Layer
  • Color: Red and dry
  • Blisters: Yes
  • Pain: Moderate
  • Example: Contact with boiling water

3rd Degree Burns

  • Affects: All layers + fat tissue
  • Color: White & Blackened
  • Blisters: Yes
  • Pain: Severe + Numb
  • Example: Low-Med fire contact

4th Degree Burns

  • Affects: All layers, fat tissue, tendon, nerve, muscle, bone
  • Color: Charred & bone exposure
  • Blisters: No
  • Pain: Severe + Numb
  • Example: High voltage arc flash

Arc-Rated and Flame-Resistant Clothing have been manufactured or treated to mitigate burn risks from thermal incidents. If a worker is not wearing AR/FR rated clothing, there is additional risk from the melting of the garment. This increases the degree of the burn and can result in additional internal injuries.

INDUSTRIES REQUIRING AR/FR

  • Oil and Gas
  • Electric Power Utilities
  • Mining
  • Paper & Pulp
  • Food Processing
  • Paint
  • Energized Electrical Equipment

Browse our Arc Rated and Flame Resistant Clothing.

ELECTRICIAN

AR/FR Workwear: FR Workwear

by with No Comment AR/FRProtective Workwear

In industries with potential hazards like heat, fire, electricity, or explosives (think construction, oil and gas, firefighting), workers need protection. That’s where flame-resistant (FR) and fire-retardant (FR) clothing come in. These garments are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to keep workers safe. 

But it’s not just a suggestion – in certain industries and under certain conditions, providing and caring for FR workwear is a strict requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They demand that workers in specific situations wear clothing that resists burning when exposed to electric arcs and flames. And employers have to foot the bill for providing this lifesaving gear. Employers must do so when:  

  1. The employee is exposed to contact with energized circuit parts operating at more than 600 volts; 
  2. An electric arc could ignite flammable material in the work area that, in turn, could ignite the employee’s clothing; 
  3. Molten metal or electric arcs from faulted conductors in the work area could ignite the employee’s clothing, or 
  4. The incident heat energy estimate exceeds 2.0 cal/cm2 (p. 390). 

But it’s not enough to just have the right clothing – upkeep is vital too. According to OSHA, Employers are responsible for making sure FR garments are properly cleaned and maintained so they don’t lose their protective ability. 

So what exactly is FR clothing? Well, it’s clothing that stops burning as soon as the flame or electric arc is removed. It won’t melt immediately either, which helps prevent burns from residual heat transfer. There are two types: flame-resistant materials, which naturally resist flames and heat, and fire-retardant materials, which have been treated to become flame-resistant. Both offer sufficient protection. 

  • To ensure FR clothing works effectively, OSHA provides some guidelines: 
  • Choose clothing based on the worst-case exposure for the task. 
  • Make sure it fits well and provides comfort. 
  • Roll down and secure sleeve cuffs. 
  • Fully fasten all garments, including outerwear. 
  • Keep clothing free of flammable substances like oil or grease. 
  • Wear appropriate protective coverings for the neck, face, eyes, head, hands, and feet. 
  • All outerwear must be flame-resistant to maintain protection. 
  • Undergarments beneath the outerwear should either be FR or made of 100% natural fibers. 

Now, let’s talk about measuring the protectiveness of your FR clothing – the Arc Rating or Arc Thermal Protective Value. This rating tells you how much heat the fabric blocks when exposed to an electric arc. The higher the arc rating, the more protection you get against severe risks. And it’s measured against the Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) scale, with 1 being the lowest risk and 4 being the highest risk. The minimum arc rating for HRC1 is 4, HRC2 is 8, HRC3 is 25, and HRC4 is 40. 

Here’s a pro tip: Wearing multiple layers of arc-rated clothing will give you even more protection. Some workers swear by wearing 3-4 layers for maximum safety. 

It’s important to note that not all FR clothing is arc rated. To guarantee protection, invest in ARC rated clothing that meets the standards. Also, remember, FR clothing is not fire-proof. If exposed to extreme hazards or for extended periods, the fabric can still heat up or burn, causing serious injury. Avoid synthetic garments underneath FR clothing and remove yourself from hazards as quickly as possible. 

Lastly, keep in mind that FR clothing doesn’t protect against explosive forces or other hazards professionals may face at work. Proper hazard assessment, acquiring all necessary PPE and making sure all PPE functions correctly when used together is essential for complete protection. Your safety matters, so take the time and effort to protect yourself on the job. 

Learn more about the dangers of burn hazards here and browse our Arc Rated and Flame Resistant Clothing.

Read more about protective workwear like HI-VIZ and COVERALLS.

Are you more of a visual learner? Watch our expert led webinar on FR Workwear HERE.

  1. HTTPS://WWW.FROUTLET.COM/BLOG/AN-OVERVIEW-OF-OSHAS-FR-CLOTHING-STANDARDS 
  2. HTTPS://AMERISAFEGROUP.COM/A-BRIEF-OVERVIEW-OF-FLAME-RESISTANT-CLOTHING-STANDARDS-AND-PRACTICES/ 
  3. HTTPS://TYNDALEUSA.COM/FR-SAFETY-RESOURCES/TECHNICAL-LIBRARY/FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS/FLAME-RESISTANT-CLOTHING-BASICS-FAQS/#:~:TEXT=FLAME%20RESISTANT%20CLOTHING%20STOPS%20BURNING,AGAINST%20THE%20SKIN%20%E2%80%93%20IS%20REMOVED 
  4. HTTPS://WWW.POWERMAG.COM/FLAME-RESISTANT-CLOTHING-EVERYTHING-YOU-NEED-TO-KNOW/ 
Construction workers in winter

Navigating Winter Hazards: Winter PPE

by with No Comment Protective Workwear

Winter has arrived, bringing colder and wetter working conditions across various industries. Whether you’re basking in the sun of Southern California or braving the snow-covered landscapes, it’s crucial to be well-prepared with the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Cold and wet conditions pose risks that can be dangerous without proper protection, so let’s dive into what you need to know to stay warm and safe.

On worksites, winter introduces a fresh set of risks, from frostbite and hypothermia to accidents stemming from icy surfaces and reduced visibility. Even if the temperature isn’t sub-zero, the combination of wetness and exposure to the wind can lead to hypothermia. Don’t underestimate the cold – preparation is key.

While it might surprise you, OSHA doesn’t mandate employers to provide winter clothing. However, that doesn’t mean you should neglect it. Take responsibility for your safety by ensuring you have the right gear to shield yourself from the winter elements.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about dressing for the cold:

  1. Material Matters: Choose Wisely Opt for materials like wool, fleece, polyester, and nylon for their insulation properties. Steer clear of 100% cotton, as it tends to retain moisture.
  2. Head and Ears Need Attention Too Don’t neglect your head and ears. Invest in a cold weather liner for your hard hat and consider a full head cover made of flannel or knit for added protection.
  3. Layer Up: Thin is In Layering is more effective than relying on one thick garment. Ensure your clothing fits comfortably, as tight clothes can impede blood circulation.
  4. The Three-Layer Rule:
    • Moisture-wicking base layer: Opt for long johns made of wool, silk, or synthetic fabric to keep moisture away.
    • Heat-retaining middle layer: Choose long-sleeve wool, flannel, or fleece to retain body heat.
    • Outer layer for wind and rain protection: Consider high-visibility waterproof insulated jackets or hoodies that offer ventilation to prevent overheating.
  5. Extremities Matter: Gloves and Boots are Essential Protect your hands and feet with insulated gloves and waterproof, rubber-bottomed leather boots.

Working in the rain introduces additional hazards such as slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and electrical risks. Safeguard yourself with hi-vis rainwear made from waterproof materials, available in various styles and colors. Ensure your hands and feet are shielded with water-resistant gloves and rain boots.

Maintenance of wet weather gear is equally vital. Clean it thoroughly, reapply water repellent treatment, and store it appropriately to prolong its lifespan.

In conclusion, don’t let winter catch you off guard. Dress appropriately, prioritize safety, and stay warm. By embracing these precautions, you’ll navigate winter hazards with confidence and ensure a secure and comfortable work environment.

Browse our winter PPE here.

Man wearing yellow coveralls and respirator against pink background

Get Ready to Suit Up: Coveralls 101! 

by with No Comment Protective Workwear

Coveralls are the ultimate all-in-one outfit for ultimate protection. Made with breathable fabrics like cotton/polyester blends, they shield your legs, chest, shoulders, and arms from all the dirt, grime, and everything in between. With a variety of styles to choose from, coveralls are the go-to workwear for a wide range of professions. 

Ready for any job, basic coveralls are the jack-of-all-trades. Durable, comfortable, and versatile, they’re perfect for painters, construction workers, and those in the sanitation field. When it comes to disposable coveralls, Tyvek is industry standard. (2) Ideal for healthcare workers, lab technicians, and anyone dealing with hazardous materials, these coveralls are meant to be used once and then tossed away. 

Do you work with fire or flammable materials? Flame-resistant coveralls are your flame-defying heroes. Protecting electricians, oil field workers, and more, a common FR coveralls are made with the magic of Nomex, a fabric that’s inherently flame resistant. (3) Learn more about fire retardant/flame resistant workwear here.

If you need to beat the cold, insulated coveralls are your best bet. These bad boys keep you warm on winter construction sites and temperature-controlled warehouses. And let’s not forget about arc-resistant coveralls, perfect for electricians and others working with electrical equipment. Nomex is also arc resistent – keeping you safe from electrical shocks and arc flash damage. (1) 

When Mother Nature decides to rain on your parade, waterproof coveralls have got you covered. These rain-deflecting wonders keep you dry in sleet, rainstorms, and all those wet work environments. 

Hi-Vis coveralls are common on construction sites and oil refineries, these coveralls need to meet ANSI Class 3 visibility standards. Learn about HI-VIZ workwear here.

And probably the most recognizable jumpsuit, a mechanics jumpsuit. Snug-fitting, with extra pockets and tool loops, they keep you safe and stylish while working on those engines. 

So don’t sweat the small stuff, suit up in coveralls and tackle any job with ease! 

Browse our coveralls HERE.

  1. https://www.coverallchina.com/8-facts-about-nomex-coveralls-that-will-impress-you#:~:text=Nomex%20is%20an%20artificial%20fabric,a%20type%20of%20FR%20coverall. 
  1. https://www.dupont.com/personal-protection/tyvek-for-ppe.html 
  1. https://www.froutlet.com/the-different-types-of-jobs-that-require-coveralls