What is Flame Resistant Clothing?
Every day in the United States, hundreds of workplace fires occur. Although fire-related injuries can range from minor to severe, the most serious and fatal burn injuries occur as a result of workers’ clothing catching fire and continuing to burn. So if your job places you at risk for such hazards, it’s crucial that you wear flame resistant clothing (FRC).
Flame resistant clothing is any garment that has the ability to self-extinguish when it is removed from an ignition source. Flame resistant clothing is important to worker safety because it also:
- Reduces burn injury
- Will not melt onto the skin
- Provides thermal protection
Selecting the Proper FRC
Your FRC must be properly fitted. You’ll need measurements for your chest, waist, sleeve length, inseam, and height. If you need assistance with selecting the right flame resistant garments, your FRC provider can give you a guide based upon the garment manufacturer. Fit is typically determined by trying on several sizes until the fit feels right.
Next, you must wear FRC correctly. Garments must completely cover the exposed areas of your skin. Secure all buttons, zippers, and snaps. Sleeves should not be rolled up, and shirts should be tucked into the pants.
Regulatory Requirements
When you’re deciding which FRC is appropriate for the job, it’s important to know the regulatory requirements. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards for FRC that require workers to be trained in the potential hazards associated with electric arc and flash fires.
Also, the NFPA has a standard on flame resistant garments for the protection of industrial personnel again flash fire. This standard, NFPA 2112, sets the guidelines for the performance and construction of flame resistant fabrics. And NFPA 2113 is the standard on the selection, care, use, and maintenance of flame resistant garments. Finally, NFPA Standard 70E addresses the safety-related work practices for work sites that may expose employees to electrical hazards.
FRC Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your flame resistant clothing by caring for it properly. First, ensure that your flame resistant garments are kept clean. If you work in an environment that exposes you to flammable contaminants, it’s possible for residue to remain on the clothing.
Always be sure to follow the correct FRC laundering procedures. And always store your FRC in a safe place to avoid damage from moisture, dust, or other deteriorating agents.
Before each use, you must inspect your flame resistant clothing for contamination or damage. If you inspect the garments and find that they are contaminated or damaged in a way that could inhibit their protective qualities, then they cannot be used for work.
Demo Moxie’s Flame Resistant Clothing Course for Free!
Want to see firsthand how our Flame Resistant Clothing course can keep your personnel safe from fire hazards that may be encountered on the job? Request a free demo of our FRC training course!
For questions or inquiries, please contact us online or give us a call at 504-733-6907. You can find more OSHA Safety Training in our full course library.
This program focuses on the protective qualities of flame resistant clothing (FRC) and how it can help to keep workers safe on the job.