Flame resistant vs. fire retardant: Is there a difference?

Yes. Flame-resistant material is inherently flame resistant. The fibers of these materials are derived from and possess the quality to be flame resistant. Inherently flame-resistant materials are not affected by proper laundering.

 

 

Fire-retardant material does not possess the same inherent qualities as flame-resistant material. Fire-retardant material is made from flammable materials, such as cotton or nylon, which are treated with a combination of chemicals to allow the material to resist burning. A manufacturer will use specific combinations of chemicals and will soak or spray the material so it will have the ability to self extinguish after being exposed to flames. Unlike a flame-resistant garment, fire-retardant materials can lose their fire-retardant properties after several washings.

Multiple threats: Multi-hazard FR fabrics

The demand for flame-resistant (FR) clothing that protects against several hazards is rapidly increasing. Managers in the safety arena are finding that their field employees face more than one hazard throughout the day, and in response, FR fabric manufacturers are developing fabrics that can protect against multiple hazards.

What does “multi-hazard” mean?

In the FR clothing world, the term “multi-hazard” means the garment or fabric can protect against more than one hazard simultaneously. The most common hazards are flash fire and electric arc flash, but sometimes there is also a need to protect employees from small molten-metal splatter. The ability for fabrics to protect against more than one hazard has been around for years, but until recently, fabrics were typically classified into one hazard category or another depending on where they performed the best. As the fabrics’ protection level against more than one hazard improved, manufacturers started using phrases like “dual-hazard” or “multi-hazard” to differentiate their fabrics from ones that were only designed for single-hazard protection.

Examples of multi-hazard products

With the introduction of the newer Modacrylic blends like Protera®, Tecasafe® Plus and Nomex® MHP, the protection ratings for both flash fire and electric arc flash made these fabrics suitable for both hazards. With many having arc ratings of more than 8 cal/cm², they mostly fall into the critical NFPA 70E HRC 2 level while also meeting the flash-fire requirements of NFPA 2112. There have been a lot of improvements in blends, including knits, and we’ve seen the promotion of these fabrics in this newly marketed category of “dual-hazard” or “multi-hazard.”

Why is multi-hazard FR clothing important?

As mentioned previously, safety professionals realized that many workers could encounter more than one hazard during the day, and many workers are asked to perform multiple functions, as well. For example, some industries have personnel performing electrical work (arc-flash hazard) on sites that have the potential for flash-fire exposure. This can be particularly true for industries such as oil and gas drilling and servicing. There are potentially numerous contractors working at these sites who may need protection from arc-flash and flash-fire hazards, as well as from small molten-metal splatter that can come from cutting and grinding. Multi-hazard FR clothing helps to simplify the safety managers’ and procurement managers’ jobs by allowing them to purchase only one type of FR clothing or fabric to protect workers from different short-duration thermal hazards.

Do your homework

Utilizing multi-hazard workwear can be both cost effective and practical, although there are still situations where different sets of garments for different jobs might make sense. For example, wearing a lighter-weight fabric suitable for flash-fire protection with an HRC 1 rating would be much more comfortable in hot, humid areas where there is little to no probability of worker exposure to an arc flash.

Even with the availability of multi-hazard FR clothing, there can be tradeoffs regarding cost, comfort, durability, shrinkage, colorfastness, style and the actual level of protection for a given hazard. Today’s multi-hazard fabrics are much more comfortable and affordable than they used to be, which might make them a more desirable choice. Do your homework. Look at the options. Perform a wear trial. And then make the decision that’s right for your employees.

How should FR clothing be laundered?

To avoid compromising the life and service of FR clothing, here are a few do’s and don’ts for laundering your FR garments:

• Do not use hard water. Hard water can leave behind salts. Salt residual on the garment can compromise the FR properties.

• Do use a phosphate-based detergent; this is gentler on FR clothing. Avoid using fabric softeners, chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide bleaches during the laundering process.

• Do rinse all fabrics adequately to remove chemical residue. Follow all manufacturer washing instructions.

Myth vs. fact of FR clothing

These myths and facts help to clear up confusion for FR clothing users.

• Myth: It’s perfectly safe to roll up the sleeves on your FR clothing if you get hot.
• Fact: FR clothing can only provide protection to the wearer when it is covering them. If a sleeve is rolled up, the exposed arm is not protected from the potential ignition source and could experience the same injuries as if not wearing any protective clothing at all.

• Myth: I don’t need FR clothing if I haven’t had an accident.
• Fact: An accident can happen at any time, regardless of past performance. Personal protective equipment, such as FR clothing, is the last line of defense if an accident occurs.

• Myth: Cotton materials provide sufficient FR protection from electrical hazards.
• Fact: Cotton is 100-percent flammable. It will ignite and continue to burn even after it is removed from the ignition source. Untreated fibers such as cotton, nylon and polyester all have the potential to burn or melt. They do not provide adequate FR protection.

• Myth: FR clothing is stiff and uncomfortable.
• Fact: While this may have been true in the past, FR clothing is now manufactured to be softer and more flexible. Improvements of new fiber blends of cottons and inherently FR fibers allow the clothing to be more comfortable today.

Drotex FR clothing and fabrics offer supreme comfort and sufficient safety for workers.Looking forward to your cooperation in the future!

how to compare treated and inherent FR fabrics?

In last two articles,we have discussed pro's and con's of treated and inherent FR fabrics. Today,we will talk about how to compare them.

 

In a well-known marketing campaign, cotton was coined “The Fabric of Our Lives” largely because of its prevalence in many apparel choices. This extends to workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE), where cotton-based safety apparel is becoming the norm. While we often turn to cotton for our work clothing, it may not be the optimal material to protect lives when exposure to flame, extreme heat, molten metal, hot liquids, and arc flash are real possibilities.

 

Many workers who daily confront exposure to flame, extreme heat, molten metal, hot liquids, and arc flash routinely wear a simple cotton T-shirt and briefs as their “protective” base layer. They may also wear typical cotton “greens” or jumpsuits, shirts and coveralls that are chemically treated to be flame resistant. This common PPE combination is relatively inexpensive and permitted under current industry safety standards and regulations, but does it offer the level of protection required for the risk?

 

Most fabrics made of natural fibers, like cotton, and most synthetic fibers will burn or melt when exposed to a flame or electric arc. Flame-resistant (FR) fabrics ignite with difficulty, burn slowly when set on fire, and most importantly, self-extinguish when the heat source is removed. FR fabrics are produced in one of two ways: Either the fabric is made from inherently FR fibers or a non-FR fabric is chemically treated to provide FR properties.

 

Inherent FR fabrics are made of fibers in which the FR properties are naturally part of the polymer backbone and can never be worn away or washed out. The actual structure of the fiber itself is non-flammable; therefore, the flame trait is permanent.

 

Treated FR fabrics are created by applying a flame-retardant chemical finish to a fabric or by adding a chemical treatment to the fibers before they are woven or knitted into the fabric. The chemicals form a strong bond with the polymer chain that is difficult to remove by washing when the recommended laundering instructions are followed accurately. The chemical treatment alters the molecular structure of the polymer.

 

 

Mass matters

 

 

Treated FR fabrics are often heavier in weight than inherent FR fabrics. In such instances, treated FR fabrics appear to perform better than inherent FR fabrics. The more mass that can be placed between the wearer and the hazard (be it molten metal, arc flash, flame, or even cut protection), the better.

 

But with increased protection (i.e., weight) comes trade-offs in comfort. Treated FR garments, once regarded for their maximum comfort levels, may contribute to additional heat strain at heavier weights.

 

For both inherent FR fabrics and treated FR fabrics, protection is easy. Balancing it with comfort, durability and economic factors is where it becomes difficult.

Pro's and con's of inherent FR fabrics

In last arcticle,we talk about treated FR fabrics,today we will discuss about the pro's and con's of inherent FR fabrics.

 

FR protection mechanism: The primary advantage of inherent FR fabrics is the high level of protection against thermal hazards. Inherent FR fabrics will not ignite in normal oxygen content levels, or they will char as their protection mechanism.

 

Other inherent FR fabrics off-gas to prevent combustion. While this method will not support a flame, it offers minimal protection and can release hazardous chemicals, such as cyanide, as the flame is extinguished.

 

When exposed to heat or flame, inherent FR fabrics made of a blend of oxidized fibers carbonize and then expand, eliminating any oxygen content within the fabric, and provide superior insulation. Oxidized fibers are thermally stable and do not shrink during thermal exposures. Shrinkage during a thermal exposure decreases the air layers between fabric and skin, which ultimately reduces the overall insulation provided.

 

Inherent FR fabrics consistently have higher Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) scores than treated FR fabrics. The TPP rating is a measurement of a protective garment’s thermal insulation performance against convective and radiant heat exposure. A garment’s TPP score is simply two times the number of seconds it takes for a second-degree burn to occur when exposed to a 2.0 cal/cm2 flame and radiant heat source. The higher the TPP rating, the higher the level of protection provided by the garment.

 

Permanent protection: The FR properties of inherent FR fabrics will not wash out or wear away.

 

Higher upfront price, but greater long-term value: Inherent FR fibers are typically more expensive than treated fibers. But the effectiveness of the thermal protection during the lifetime of the garment may allow a more expensive garment to be worn for a longer period of time. The higher upfront price for inherent FR apparel can be justified over the long term when its durability extends the life of the garment.

 

Improved comfort: To compete with comfort-driven treated FR fabrics, PPE fabric and clothing manufacturers using inherent FR fibers have developed lighter-weight solutions. NFPA 70E Hazard Risk Category 2 rated garments continue to get lighter, and more flexible and lightweight options for extreme environments are now available. Inherent FR garments are also now designed with increased breathability and improved moisture management.

Pro’s and con’s of treated FR fabrics

Enhanced comfort: Workers want to wear organic fibers like cotton and other cellulosics because they are comfortable — even after they are chemically treated. Treated FR fabrics are both lightweight and flexible.

 

FR protection mechanism: When exposed to direct flame, some treated FR fabrics rely on a chemical reaction to extinguish the flame. This reaction is triggered by the heat of the fire and the amount of time the fabric is exposed to the flame. Other treated FR fabrics char as their form of protection or off-gas to prevent combustion.

 

Longer lifespans: New advances in finishes have helped lengthen the lifespans of treated FR fabrics, as long as proper laundering procedures are followed. Treated FR garments, however, may be damaged by chlorine bleach, the combination of hydrogen peroxide (“oxygen bleach”) with hard water, or exposure to oxidizing chemicals in the workplace. Unfortunately, a wearer is not able to tell if a treated FR garment is no longer flame resistant simply by looking at it.

 

Inexpensive alternatives: With their shorter lifespans, treated FR fabrics tend to be less expensive upfront than inherent FR fabrics. This can be a primary driver in the PPE decision-making process.

See you at A+A exhibition on October!

Two-year A+A exhibition show will be held on October 17th to 20th in Dusseldorf,Germany.As a professional manufacturer of flame retardant fabrics,we have been attending this show since 2009.

  

We have researched and developed a lot of new products for European market and has accepted excellent feedback from customers.

  

We sincerely invite you to stand at our booth on H27-5/Hall 4.More and more newest protective fabrics will be shared with you! Looking forward to meeting you and your team.

How to determine the size of flame resistant clothing

1. Height: Stand straight against a wall without your shoes. Make a mark level with the top of your head. Measure from this point down to the floor.

 

2. Neck: Measure around the base of the neck where a collared shirt would fit or measure a collarband on a shirt that fits you well.

 

3. Chest/Bust: Measure the fullest part of your chest/bust. Hold the tape firmly, but not tightly. Be sure the tape is level and straight across your back. Stand naturally.

 

4. A. First, remove your belt. Then, measure overshirt (not over pants) at the position you normally wear your pants. Hold the tape firmly but not tightly. B. Shirts and covering garments such as coveralls - Measure mid-section over clothing around the fullest part of the abdomen. Note: Include both "A" and "B" measurements if odering multiple garments.

 

5. Hips: Stand with your heels together. Measure around the fullest part of the hips. Hold the tape measure straight and level.

 

6. Inseam: Standing straight, measure the distance from the crotch to just below the ankle bone. OR - using similar pants taht fit you well: lay garment flat with front and back creases and smooth. Measure along the inside seam of one leg from the bottom of the hem to the crotch.

 

7. Sleeve: Bend the elbow slightly. Start at the center back of the neck and measure across the shoulder to the elbow and down to the wrist bone.

 

8. Trunk: Measure from the base of the neck (front) down and around crotch and back up to the bottom of the collar. (For coveralls only)

 

9. Cap/Hat Size: Measure from the base of the neck (front) down around crotch and back up to the bottom of the collar. (For coveralls only)

 

10. Front & Back Rises: FRONT - This is the distance from the center front at the top of the waistband to the intersectionof the crotch seams. BACK - This is the distance from the center back at the top of the waistband to the intersection of the crotch seams.

 

11. Across Shoulders: While standing with arms down, measure across the back from one shoulder joint to the other.

 

12. Upper Arm/Bicep: Measure the maximum circumference of the upper arm just below the under arm.

 

13. Forearm: Measure the maximum circumference of the forearm at approximately 6" above the waist.

 

14. Wrist: Measure the wrist circumference over the wrist bone.

 

15. Thigh: Measure around thigh (parallel to floor), below crotch.

 

16. Knee: With the leg straight, measure the knee circumference over the knee cap and parallel to the floor.

 

17. Calf: Measure the circumference of the largest part of the power leg approximately half way between the knee and ankle and parallel to the floor.

 

18. Outseam: Measure along the outside of the leg from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem of just below the ankle bone. OR - lay garment flat, measure along outseam from top of band to bottom of hem.

 

19. Over arm: With arms at the sides, measure around the broadest part of the shoulders and upper arms, keeping the tape level at all times. If over-arm measurement is 7" larger than chest measurement, go up one size.

Hot sale CVC Fire retardant fabrics in EU Market

CP245AS is a high quality poly-cotton fabric with high content of cotton, improved by addition of polyester and 8mm weft antistatic yarn stripe. It is developed for workers of Oil and Gas industries and it suits well both for rig-chiefs jackets and trousers and for oil-pipeline workers uniforms. The fabric with modern 2/2 twill weave is very comfortable to wear, has much better then pure cotton tear resistance and has excellent antistatic properties. An optional Multi-Risk treatment, makes it water repellent and also resistant to the influence of acids, alkali, grease and oil.

 

 

CP245AS can meet EN11611,EN11612,EN14116,EN1149-3/5 at the same time and is very popular among European workers.

 

 

Drotex flame retardant fabrics are export to countries all over the world and get highly reputation around the world.Drotex will always do our best to lead you to safety.