What Is Flame Retardant Clothing?
Flame retardant workwear is any form of clothing that is designed to protect the individual from open flames, fire, or hot objects such as molten metal. It offers protection from high temperatures, thermal conditions, and intermittent flames. The fire retardant workwear is made from bespoke fabrics with special coatings. Therefore, making them able to withstand ignition or have the ability to self-extinguish. Parts of the workwear, such as buttons and zips, will not melt or conduct electricity or heat. Flame-resistant workwear gives you valuable seconds. It can be the difference between being severely injured and burnt and escaping unscathed. Workwear rental includes flame retardant work trousers, flameproof overalls, and jackets.
EN Standards For Flame Retardant Clothing
There are several EN standards, that flame retardant workwear in the UK should comply with. Here are some of the basic standards:
- EN11612 – Protective Clothing Against Flame/Heat
- EN11611 EN470 – Welding Protection Clothing
- EN14116 EN533 – Flame Protection Clothing
- Other EN standards you may find are related to the high visibility side of these items:
- EN471 – High Visibility Clothing
- EN20471 – High Visibility Properties
- GO/RT 3279 Railway Group Standard
Each standard is designed for the different uses of flame-resistant clothing. Therefore, when renting or purchasing you need to be aware of exactly the purpose of the clothing.
Who Should Wear Flame Resistant Clothing?
All workplaces will have an individual who is in charge of health and safety. An individual who works in an environment where heat, fire, or electrical injury is a possibility should be wearing flame-resistant clothing. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all workers are sufficiently protected against the variety of hazards that may exist on site.
Workers should ask themselves a series of questions including:
- Do I work around open flames?
- Do I work around high temperatures?
- Do I work around welders?
- Do I work in a place where I would need to be more visible?
- Do I work on railways?
- Do I work around combustible dust or chemicals?
If any of the above questions are a yes, then you should be equipped with PPE.
How Does Flame Resistant Clothing Work?
It allows workers to complete tasks using heat or flame in potentially hazardous locations without greatly increasing their risk of injury. Though, no flame-resistant clothing is guaranteed to prevent every injury, every time, in every scenario. However, the risk is greatly reduced compared to wearing unsuitable items. The clothes are designed to resist igniting, therefore, preventing the fire from spreading if it does and quickly burning itself out. It is these self-extinguishing properties that protect the individual, giving them time to react.
Lindström Flame Retardant Workwear Rental
Washing flame retardant workwear at home is a huge risk to your employee’s safety. Additionally, it can affect employee well-being by giving them the responsibility of taking care of their own workwear safety.
Our fireproof clothing rental service takes care of your worker’s workwear by always meeting the highest standards and requirements of the industry. Gives you peace of mind and saves you time buying, maintaining, and storing workwear.
We help you assess your workwear needs and deliver the right amount of personal protective clothing straight to the workwear lockers of each employee. Our service is easily adjustable and flexible to your needs.
To find out how our fireproof clothing rental solution can help your business, contact us today.