Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in countless industries, from oil and gas to electrical utilities. Designed to self-extinguish and resist ignition, FR garments provide a critical barrier against thermal hazards. However, the protective properties of these specialized fabrics can be significantly compromised by improper care.
Just like any other vital safety equipment, your FR clothing requires diligent attention to ensure it continues to perform as intended. This article will provide comprehensive guidelines for washing, drying, storing, and repairing your FR garments, helping you maximize their longevity and maintain their life-saving protection.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets the benchmark for FR clothing care with NFPA 2113: Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire. This standard is your go-to reference for best practices and underscores the importance of following manufacturer recommendations. Always check the care label on your specific FR garment, as practices can vary slightly depending on the fabric blend and construction.
Proper washing is paramount to maintaining the integrity of your FR clothing.
Do's:
Wash Separately: To prevent contamination from non-FR garments and lint, wash FR clothing in its own load. This also prevents contamination OF non-FR garments with any potential chemicals from FR garments from the worksite.
Use Soft Water: Hard water can leave mineral deposits that interfere with FR properties. If you have hard water, consider using a water softener or a detergent specifically formulated for hard water.
Use Mild, Non-Chlorine Detergent: Opt for liquid detergents that are free of chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and fabric softeners.
Warm Water (Max 140°F/60°C): Wash in warm water to effectively remove contaminants without degrading the fabric.
Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all detergent is completely rinsed from the garments. Residue can attract contaminants and affect FR performance.
Inspect Before Washing: Check for heavily soiled areas, stains, or damage before washing.
Don'ts:
NEVER Use Chlorine Bleach: Chlorine bleach is a catastrophic enemy of FR fabric (ever notice there aren't many - if any - completely white FR garments?). It attacks the molecular structure of the flame-resistant fibers, permanently destroying their protective qualities.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners leave a residue on the fabric that can be flammable, negating the FR properties. They can also mask soiling and reduce the fabric's ability to wick moisture.
Do Not Use Starch: Starch can create a fuel source on the garment, compromising its FR properties. In addition; using either Fabric Softener or Starch on an FR garment simply “coats” the garment, so washing the garment again effectively removes them as a hazard and makes the garment's FR properties protective again.
Don't Overload the Washer: Give garments enough room to move freely and get thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
Avoid Abrasive Washing: Harsh scrubbing or aggressive washing can damage the fabric fibers over time.
The drying process also plays a role in garment longevity.
Do's:
Tumble Dry on Low Heat or Air Dry: High heat can cause excessive shrinkage and wear. Low heat or even air drying is preferred.
Remove Promptly: As soon as the drying cycle is complete, remove garments to prevent unnecessary wrinkling.
Don'ts:
Avoid High Heat: Just like washing, excessive heat in the dryer can be detrimental to FR fabrics.
Do Not Over-Dry: Over-drying can make fabrics brittle and prone to damage.
Stains are a common occurrence in industrial environments, but it's crucial to handle them correctly on FR garments.
Address Stains Promptly: The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove.
Pre-Treat with FR-Safe Detergent: For stubborn stains, pre-treat the area with the same FR-safe liquid detergent you use for washing. Gently work it into the stain.
Heavy Contamination: If a garment is heavily contaminated with flammable substances (e.g., oil, grease, paint), it may be impossible to restore its FR properties safely. In such cases, the garment should be removed from service and replaced. NFPA 2113 emphasizes that garments contaminated with flammable materials pose a significant hazard.
Minor repairs can extend the life of your FR clothing, but only if done correctly.
Use FR-Compliant Materials: Any patches, thread, or replacement components must also be flame-resistant and comply with the original garment's FR standard. Using non-FR thread, for example, could create a path for flame propagation.
Professional Repair: For significant tears or damage, consider having the garment professionally repaired by a facility specializing in FR garment maintenance. They will have access to the correct materials and expertise.
When to Retire: Tears, holes, or worn-thin areas that cannot be properly repaired compromise the protective barrier of the garment. If the integrity is severely compromised, the garment should be retired and replaced.
Proper storage helps maintain garment cleanliness and prevents damage.
Clean and Dry: Ensure garments are completely clean and dry before storing to prevent mildew and degradation.
Cool, Dry Place: Store FR clothing in a cool, dry, and clean environment, away from direct sunlight and corrosive chemicals.
Hang or Fold Neatly: Store garments neatly to avoid unnecessary wrinkles and creases that can lead to premature wear.
Your FR clothing is an investment in your safety. By diligently following these care and maintenance guidelines, you not only extend the lifespan of your garments but, more importantly, ensure they continue to provide the critical protection you rely on. Regularly inspect your FR clothing, adhere to manufacturer's instructions and NFPA 2113, and never compromise on care when it comes to your personal protection. For clarification, NFPA 2112 applies to manufacturers, with certain standards regarding how to make the garments, while 2113 applies to the employer/wearer as to how to properly wear and care for them.
Stay safe out there!
Always consult the latest NFPA guidelines, along with your company's specific safety protocols and a qualified safety professional, for precise guidance on FR garment care.
For more comprehensive information on Arc-Rated and FR Clothing, including garment selection & care, garment layering, FR optimization in diverse environments, and other related topics please CLICK HERE.
goSafe offers a wide variety of Arc Flash Clothing and Equipment, as well as a complete line of customizable FR clothing and gear. We also maintain a constant, ready-to-ship supply of FR Clothing and Safety Footwear in our 'Core FR' department. For more information on these products or any of our other safety and PPE products, please contact us at sales@gosafe.com.
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