Your flame-resistant gear is more than a uniform—it’s PPE. The last barrier between you and a life-changing burn. One careless wash could strip away that protection.
Flame-Resistant (FR) and Arc-Rated (AR) clothing is essential for protecting workers from thermal hazards such as arc flash, flash fire, and combustible dust explosions. These garments are a significant investment in workplace safety, and their protective performance depends on proper care, maintenance, and storage.
Inspecting theses garments matter.
Check the garments before and after use, for holes, frayed seams, broken closures, or fabric degradation. These defects can compromise protection. Below is a quick checklist:
- Visible Damage: Check for tears, cuts, abrasions, or any other physical damage that could put the wearer at risk. Even small defects can greatly reduce an FR garment’s protective performance, so prompt identification and repair are essential.
- Seam Integrity: Examine all seams for fraying, splitting, or signs of weakness. Damaged seams can create openings that compromise safety and reduce overall protection.
- Hardware Functionality: Ensure that zippers, buttons, snaps, and other fasteners work properly. Faulty hardware can leave gaps in coverage, increasing the risk of exposure to hazards.
It is also recommend a thorough monthly inspection.
It is important to know whether the FR garment is inherent or treated. Inherent fabrics maintain their flame-resistant qualities for the life of the garment, whereas treated fabrics lose some protection over time, often after about 50 washes. This affects how often items should be inspected and when they may need to be retired from service.
Whether inherited or treated, proper care and handling can help with the longevity of the garment.
Laundering Best Practices:
- Always refer and follow the manufacture’s recommendations.
- Use mild detergent. Avoid additives such as fabric softeners, starch, and insect repellents. These can accumulate over time and weaken FR performance.
- Never use bleach or peroxides. These substances compromise the flame-resistant properties of the fabric.
- Avoid washing in hard water. Mineral deposits build up over multiple washes and can negate the FR qualities.
- Always wash FR/AR garments separately from regular laundry to avoid contamination.
- Turn garments inside out before washing to preserve colour and appearance.
- A low temperature wash is often recommended.
- If tumble drying is allowed, use a low heat setting and avoid over drying.
- Only repair Flame Retardant garments with flame-resistant thread, patches, and materials approved by the manufacturer. ASTM F1449 provides guidance on returning FR clothing to service. Repairs and adjustments with affect the garments warranty.
It is recommended to dry and store away from sunlight, chemicals, and sharp objects that will compromise garment life. Over time, even with careful care, garments will need to be replaced due to wear, staining, or reduced protection.
It is a imperative to always carefully read the care labels on your FR/AR clothing. Misinterpreting or overlooking these instructions can lead to improper care that reduces the garment’s efficacy and lifespan. Following the recommended care procedures ensures that the FR garment continues to protect you from the hazards it was designed to guard against.
