Flame-resistant vs heat-resistant​ clothing: What's the difference?

Flame-resistant and flame-retardant clothing both provide worker protection against burns, but they achieve this in slightly different ways. Whilst flame-resistant work clothes are made from fire-resistant fibres, flame-retardant garments are treated with chemicals that interfere with combustion. This means that they can resist ignition and quickly self-extinguish in the rare event they do catch fire. 

However, since flame-retardant clothing relies on this chemical coating, it can become less effective over time as the coating wears away – especially if it’s frequently washed or improperly washed according care instructions. Therefore, you may find that flame-resistant clothing is a more long-lasting investment because its flame-resistant properties are inherent to the material itself. Even if flame-resistant options are initially more expensive than flame-retardant ones, they may end up being more cost-effective if they need to be replaced less frequently.

In environments where workers are exposed to flames, sparks, extreme temperatures and molten metal, the benefits of flame-resistant clothing are pretty clear. They include:

• A reduced risk of burns as fire is less likely to ignite and spread.
• Less severe burns if someone does catch fire, due to the rapidly self-extinguishing properties of these flame-resistant materials.
• Increased survival rates in major fire-related incidents.
• Reduced property damage as the spread of fires is prevented or minimised.
• Improved worker confidence and morale.
• Reduced risk of legal trouble for the employer.
• Less time, money and productivity lost due to fewer health and safety incidents.

Fire-resistant clothing doesn’t eliminate the risk of common welding injuries or other fire-related injuries in the workplace, so it’s important to not become complacent. Your workplace will still need strict safety procedures and regular risk assessments, and PPE must be inspected as part of these assessments to ensure it remains fit for purpose. 

In addition, the thickness of these flame-resistant garments and the necessity of covering all parts of the body exposed to flames can mean that some workers find this PPE difficult to move in. This lack of flexibility and breathability could be a safety risk in itself, as unrestricted movement is needed for workers to complete their tasks properly and quickly remove themselves from an area if a hazard arises.

This is why alsico considers both fire safety and worker comfort when designing and manufacturing flame-resistant and welding PPE. Our ergonomic designs and breathable, durable fabrics allow total ease of movement during long shifts, whilst also meeting and exceeding flame-resistant clothing standards (EN ISO 11611:2015 and EN ISO 11612:2015) for maximum worker protection.

Like flame-resistant clothing, heat-resistant cloth is made from materials that are designed to resist very high temperatures, but it doesn’t have the same ability to resist ignition and prevent the spread of fires. Therefore, if your workplace is assessed as having fire risks, you need flame-resistant PPE rather than just heat-resistant PPE. Alternatively, you may need to supplement heat-resistant clothing with some flame-resistant items.

However, if the main risk associated with your workplace is severe heat rather than fire, heat-resistant clothing material will be required. This type of protective work clothing will provide insulation from heat to ensure that workers can remain in these conditions for long periods of time without experiencing burns or excessive discomfort. For example, if workers regularly come into contact with very hot materials and surfaces, PPE such as heat-resistant gloves will be required to prevent burns and allow workers to carry out their duties safely and efficiently. 

Thanks to the low thermal conductivity and very high melting point of these heat-resistant fabrics, they are excellent at preventing heat transfer to the wearer’s skin. This means that workers in very hot conditions can work efficiently and comfortably, reducing the risk of burns, fatigue and stress.

However, like with fire-resistant clothing, heat-resistant clothing can sometimes be limited by its bulkiness, as this can restrict movement and potentially create hazards and inefficiencies as a result. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to choose your workwear and PPE supplier carefully to ensure breathability, flexibility, safety and comfort.

This entirely depends on the risks within your workplace, which should be highlighted by your workplace risk assessments. Heat-resistant clothing is needed for any workers exposed to very high temperatures or required to handle very hot materials. However, if there is any risk of open flame, sparks or ignition, flame-resistant clothing is required instead to cover all parts of the body that may be exposed. For workers in dangerous environments like welding workshops, flame-resistant PPE is needed for the whole body (e.g., coveralls, boots, gloves, hoods and face shields) to minimise the risk of burns and prevent fires from spreading out of control. 

To remain compliant with PPE regulations, you must conduct regular workplace risk assessments and PPE inspections. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure protective workwear is washed, stored and repaired correctly. Some items may lose their heat-resistant, flame-resistant or flame-retardant properties if they are washed or handled incorrectly, putting workers at risk. Replace PPE if you notice signs of damage or wear and tear. 

Finally, you should also consider whether you need high-visibility flame-resistant clothing. High-visibility clothing is essential in dimly lit environments and/or work sites where workers will be in close proximity to large moving vehicles. If workers are exposed to these risks plus fire hazards, flame-resistant hi-vis clothing will be required. 

Discover our bespoke design services for unique, tailored solutions for multi-hazard environments.