Fire-resistant clothing can be made from fibers and threads of a material that self-extinguishes. Another way is directly treating the fabric with a chemical that delivers the same results. FR(flame-resistant) is the term that is widely used to designate these properties.
Flame-Resistant vs Flame-Retardant
While both of these words use FR as a sign for fighting off fire damage, they are different in definition. Flame-resistant refers to clothing that is made up of material that is naturally fire-resistant. Flame-retardant, on the other hand, uses a separate chemical coating on material that resists fire. Both work in equally effective ways.
The major differences between flame-resistant and flame-retardant clothing are the length of wearability, the price, and the protection level. Clothing that has been treated with a chemical coating (flame-retardant) will eventually lose its ability to protect the fiber from fire. Repeated washing will eventually remove the chemical barrier and leave the clothing susceptible to fire. Flame-resistant clothing is made from fibers and threads that will keep their protection status until the material wears out.
Because flame-resistant material lasts longer than treated flame retardant, it is more expensive. Both are approximately the same cost in the end due to the length of life.
There is a way to check on the amount of protection that fire-resistant clothing offers. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) created a chart that measures the degree of fire resistance that clothing can have. Categories begin at 1 and 2. 3 is a higher risk category for maintenance personnel that works in the gas or electrical fields.
History of Flame-Resistant Clothing
FR clothing can be traced back to 1821 when Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac, a French chemist, discovered that ammonium phosphates and borax could prevent textiles from burning. It was not until the 1970s that industries, such as petroleum refining and chemical processing companies started taking a serious look at fire prevention measures. When a rapidly spreading fire hit the air and was further mixed with cotton or polyester clothing, burn injuries increased dramatically. Industries went to work to decrease the burn rate of fiber.
Type of Fabric Used in FR Wear
It is a misconception that cotton and wool are fire-resistant. While these materials may deter better than polyester, nylon, rayon or acetate, none can be considered fire-resistant. 3 major man-made fibers work well in combination with other specific fibers.
Modacrylic fibers are a common and popular type of FR. When blended in with other fibers, they can stand up to FR regulations.
Nomex is another type of fiber that possesses flame-resistant qualities. Unlike modacrylic fibers, Nomex does not have to be mixed with other FR fibers to be fire-retardant.
Kevlar is a high strength of the flame-resistant fiber. It can be manufactured alone or blended with Nomex or other FR blends.
Leaders of FR Clothing
Hot uncomfortable overalls were used at the beginning of the FR era. This made for limited movement and heat stroke. Companies like DuPont, Westex, and Milliken were key in introducing lightweight and breathable jeans and shirts with this same flame-resistant property. Today, industries that are sensitive to high heats and fire are able to offer employees better choices in being safe and comfortable in the work environment.