When Does FR Not Mean Fire Resistant? FeurySafety Tells How
Not all work apparel claiming to be flame-resistant is appropriate for for Oil and Gas workers. So what are the standards and how does workwear protect workers?
New Haven, CT, May 17, 2012 --(PR.com)-- A recent newsletter from Bulwark explained that there have been numerous reports of products claiming to be flame-resistant that are not appropriate for the Oil and Gas market.
"Some garments are labeled FR because they are utilizing other standards not applicable to the Oil and Gas market," the newsletter says. "These garments state that they meet the NFPA 701 standard... a flammability test that applies to curtains, draperies, and window treatments. The purpose of NFPA 701 is to determine a fabric's rate of flammability when subject to certain ignition sources, not for Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel against Flash Fire."
Potentially dangerous misinformation
"There are synthetic materials that utilize this limited FR treatment and are correctly labeled but are not intended to be used in the Oil and Gas Market – these products can be very hazardous to the wearer if exposed to a Flash Fire."
So what standards are used for workers exposed to Flash Fire Hazards?
The NFPA® 2112 Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire and its companion standard, NFPA 2113 on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of these garments specify design, performance, certification requirements and test methods for flame-resistant garments for use in areas at risk from flash fires. Third party certification of garments is also required.
In addition to third-party certifications of garments, flame resistance of each fabric layer is required to be tested as received and after 100 cycles of washing and drying and/or dry cleaning. (see laundry care)
• The Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) must be tested and a minimum TPP rating of 6.0 is required for “spaced” and 3.0 for “contact.”
• Finally, coveralls made to a standard pattern from candidate fabrics are tested for overall flash fire exposure on an instrumented mannequin in accordance with ASTM Test Method F1930. The exposure heat flux is 84 kW/m² (2.02 cal/cm²/sec) with an exposure time of 3.0 seconds. The average total predicted body burn must not exceed 50%.
Our most popular overall, overall
FeurySafety is proud to feature several products designed specifically for the Oil & Gas market, many of them have been certified by Underwriters Laboratories to meet the requirements of NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire, 2007 edition. Among the most popular is CLD4, Deluxe Coverall. It features angled chest pockets with zipper closures that were created to keep objects in their place while you work. That means if you're in a tight spot or in an awkward position, you won't risk losing your tools or belongings. If it isn't already in your workwear wardrobe, perhaps it should be.
DressSafe, WorkSafe. FeurySafety
FeurySafety is a leading provider workplace safety apparel in North America. Our garments provide flame-resistant protection, high visibility, comfort, and durability for workers in industries such as chemical, oil, gas, mining and petrochemical; electrical utilities, aviation, manufacturing, construction and security. DressSafe, WorkSafe.
Content design and creation for FeurySafety provided by FeuryImageGroup.
"Some garments are labeled FR because they are utilizing other standards not applicable to the Oil and Gas market," the newsletter says. "These garments state that they meet the NFPA 701 standard... a flammability test that applies to curtains, draperies, and window treatments. The purpose of NFPA 701 is to determine a fabric's rate of flammability when subject to certain ignition sources, not for Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel against Flash Fire."
Potentially dangerous misinformation
"There are synthetic materials that utilize this limited FR treatment and are correctly labeled but are not intended to be used in the Oil and Gas Market – these products can be very hazardous to the wearer if exposed to a Flash Fire."
So what standards are used for workers exposed to Flash Fire Hazards?
The NFPA® 2112 Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire and its companion standard, NFPA 2113 on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of these garments specify design, performance, certification requirements and test methods for flame-resistant garments for use in areas at risk from flash fires. Third party certification of garments is also required.
In addition to third-party certifications of garments, flame resistance of each fabric layer is required to be tested as received and after 100 cycles of washing and drying and/or dry cleaning. (see laundry care)
• The Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) must be tested and a minimum TPP rating of 6.0 is required for “spaced” and 3.0 for “contact.”
• Finally, coveralls made to a standard pattern from candidate fabrics are tested for overall flash fire exposure on an instrumented mannequin in accordance with ASTM Test Method F1930. The exposure heat flux is 84 kW/m² (2.02 cal/cm²/sec) with an exposure time of 3.0 seconds. The average total predicted body burn must not exceed 50%.
Our most popular overall, overall
FeurySafety is proud to feature several products designed specifically for the Oil & Gas market, many of them have been certified by Underwriters Laboratories to meet the requirements of NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire, 2007 edition. Among the most popular is CLD4, Deluxe Coverall. It features angled chest pockets with zipper closures that were created to keep objects in their place while you work. That means if you're in a tight spot or in an awkward position, you won't risk losing your tools or belongings. If it isn't already in your workwear wardrobe, perhaps it should be.
DressSafe, WorkSafe. FeurySafety
FeurySafety is a leading provider workplace safety apparel in North America. Our garments provide flame-resistant protection, high visibility, comfort, and durability for workers in industries such as chemical, oil, gas, mining and petrochemical; electrical utilities, aviation, manufacturing, construction and security. DressSafe, WorkSafe.
Content design and creation for FeurySafety provided by FeuryImageGroup.
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FeurySafety
Brian Feury
800-879-4343
feurysafety.com
Brian Feury
800-879-4343
feurysafety.com
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