VOL. 10 - Red Kap Work Clothes, Uniforms, & Coveralls

introduction to fr apparel
and standards
treated fibers treated fabric
BLENDS OF TREATED &
INHERENTLY FR FIBERS
Is there a need for Flame-Resistant
protective garments?
All fabrics made of untreated natural fibers and most synthetic
fibers are combustible. It is normal and expected that
they will ignite and continue to burn when exposed to an
ignition source such as flame or electric arc. Because clothing
constructed from these normal fabrics meets flammability
requirements established by 16 CFR Part 1610, it is generally
accepted as having no unusual burning characteristics.
Resistance to ignition and burning is an abnormal condition
of wearing apparel. When work environments or occupations
pose a risk of garment ignition and burning, flameresistant
apparel should be considered and selected.
How do normal fabrics react to ignition?
Normal fabrics and garments will burn away from the point
of ignition with an increasing rate of flame spread and continue
to burn after removal of the ignition source. Normal
fabrics will continue to burn until they are extinguished or
all flammable material is consumed.
How do FR fabrics react to ignition?
Flame-resistant (FR) fabrics and garments are intended
to resist ignition, prevent the spread of flames away from
the immediate area of high heat impingement, and to selfextinguish
almost immediately upon removal of the ignition
source.
Do FR garments prevent burn injury?
FR garments will not provide significant protection from
burn injury in the immediate area of contact with the
ignition source. However, flame-resistant garments do
provide protection against clothing ignition and sustained
flame spread.
What type undergarments should be worn?
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E Standard
for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, states that non melting,
flammable fiber undergarments may be used in conjunction
with FR garments. Flame-resistant t-shirts, Henleys and
base layer garments can provide additional wearer protection.
Are FR garments still effective if
contaminated with flammable substances?
Flammable substances on FR garments will ignite and
continue to burn on the surface of the FR garment. Flameresistant
garments should be immediately removed and
replaced with clean FR apparel if they become fouled with
flammable material. If laundering or dry cleaning cannot
remove flammable contaminants, the contaminated garments
should be removed from service.
Is 100% cotton fabric “flame-resistant”?
There is a common perception that untreated 100% cotton
fabric is somehow “flame-resistant”. This is simply not
true. While heavyweight untreated 100% cotton fabrics
may be more difficult to ignite, they can and will ignite
and continue to burn if exposed to an ignition source.
» FAST FACTS
quilted lining systems INHERENTLY FR FIBERS
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Flame-resistant fabrics and garments provide protection
against clothing ignition and sustained flame spread.
FR fabrics and garments self-extinguish almost
immediately upon removal of ignition source.
Always wear cotton or natural fiber undergarments. FR
undergarments provide additional wearer protection.
Remove FR garments at once if contaminated with
flammable materials.
Regardless of their weight, untreated 100% cotton
fabrics are not flame-resistant.
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