Sponsored by Bulwark

It’s likely you know a thing or two about flame-resistant clothing. You know that it protects your workers against severe burn injuries and even death as a result of thermal incidents on the job. You know it’s also required by law in many different industries, under many different regulations. But all FR is not created equal. Do you know all the factors to consider when making your FR purchase?

To help you make this important decision, the FR experts here at Bulwark have put together a list of their top 10 things to consider when buying FR. Read on to ensure the FR clothing you choose will keep your workers safe and compliant, no matter what the job throws at them.

Protection

Your number-one priority should always be ensuring that your FR clothing offers the correct level of protection against your hazard, whether it’s electric arc, flash fire, or combustible dust.

Guarantee

Your FR clothing’s stated protection level should be guaranteed for the life of the garment. No exceptions.

Compliance

Your FR clothing must meet, or better yet exceed, the safety and performance standards required by your industry, such as ASTM F1506 for the electrical industry and NFPA 2112 for the oil and gas industry.

Comfort

Your selected FR clothing should be comfortable to wear (cool, lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable, properly fitted) so it doesn’t interfere with job performance or cause additional safety concerns.

Moisture Management

To avoid discomfort, FR clothing should be made from fabrics that provide moisture control, with sweat-wicking and fast-drying properties.

Fit Retention

Your FR clothing should retain its size, shape, and fit with minimal shrinking when laundered.

Fabric Durability

Your FR clothing should be made with durable fabric that is strong enough to resist tears, rips, and holes.

Garment Strength

The construction of your FR clothing should be sound, including strong seams and reinforced fabric in high-stress areas.

Color Retention

Your FR garments should not lose their color after laundering.

Vendor Support

FR safety regulations are complicated. The company you buy from should offer the tools you need to better understand FR, navigate changing industry standards, build your business, and—above all else—create a culture of compliance.