10 February 2025
Flame-resistant workwear explained
In industries where workers may be exposed to fire, molten metals, sparks and very high temperatures – such as the petrochemical, welding, electrical and manufacturing industries – flame-resistant workwear is an essential part of standard PPE (personal protective equipment). This type of protective workwear is designed to either self-extinguish when ignited and/or to resist ignition in the first place, with the aim of preventing and minimising burn injuries. But what exactly is flame-resistant workwear, and how does it work?
what is flame-resistant clothing?
Flame-resistant (FR) work clothing is constructed from fabric that is either inherently resistant to ignition or has been treated with chemicals to resist ignition or self-extinguish. In addition to preventing ignition and the spread of flames, these garments work by creating a barrier to slow down heat transfer to the skin, which reduces the risk of severe burns. Regular clothing will continue burning and eventually melt onto the wearer’s skin when ignited, which is how severe burn injuries occur. Flame-resistant clothing, on the other hand, will resist melting due to its high melting point, and once the source of ignition is removed, the fabric is able to self-extinguish to prevent the spread of fire and make it easier for workers to focus on extinguishing the source.
Flame-resistant clothing and welding PPE suppliers like alsico can manufacture a wide range of FR workwear to suit a variety of professions and environments, including:
- Coveralls
- Trousers
- Jackets
- Gloves
- Face shields
- Balaclavas
- … And more!
Don’t forget to also consider FR undergarments to be worn underneath trousers, coveralls and jackets. If the outer PPE manages to ignite, the high heat could cause clothing underneath to melt onto the skin, resulting in severe burns. Therefore, in addition to providing FR coveralls, employers may also have to provide suitable undergarments. Synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester should never be worn – even as a base layer – when working in an environment with fire hazards
Flame-resistant vs flame-retardant clothing
Sometimes, the terms flame-resistant and flame-retardant are used interchangeably, but there’s actually a subtle difference. Flame-resistant work clothes are made from inherently flame-resistant fibres that resist ignition, such as Nomex, Kevlar, Aramids and Modacrylic. Flame-retardant clothes are made by treating regular fabrics with chemical solutions that interfere with combustion, such as Proban and Pyrovatex. This allows them to resist ignition and quickly self-extinguish once the combustion source is removed in the rare event they do catch fire.
Since flame-retardant clothing relies on this chemical coating, it can become less effective over time as the coating wears away. This is especially true if the flame-retardant clothing is frequently washed or improperly washed according to clothing care instructions, since some detergents can strip away this chemical coating. Therefore, following care instructions is extremely important for FR treated fabrics.
Flame-resistant vs heat-resistant clothing
There’s also a subtle difference between flame-resistant clothing and heat-resistant clothing. Unlike flame-resistant clothing, heat-resistant clothing isn’t designed to resist ignition. Instead, heat-resistant workwear is designed for environments where severe heat is the main concern, such as workplaces where employees will come into contact with extremely hot surfaces. This protective workwear provides insulation to ensure that workers can remain in these conditions for long periods of time without experiencing burns or excessive discomfort.
Heat-resistant clothing works due to its low thermal conductivity and very high melting point. This means it can prevent heat transfer to the wearer’s skin to reduce the risk of burns, fatigue and stress.
However, if a workplace is assessed as having fire risks, heat-resistant PPE is not sufficient on its own. It will either need to be supplemented with or replaced by flame-resistant PPE that can actually resist ignition or self-extinguish.
benefits of FR workwear
The benefits of flame-resistant PPE and workwear are clear:
- The risk of burns is reduced because fire is less likely to ignite and spread.
- Even if a fire does occur, employees will experience less severe injuries due to the rapidly self-extinguishing properties of these flame-resistant materials. The threat of life-threatening injuries is therefore reduced.
- A reduced risk of injury improves worker morale and confidence. In turn, this will improve productivity and employee retention.
- For the employer, there’s a reduced risk of legal action from injured employees, as well as less money, time and productivity lost due to preventable fire incidents.
- There is a lower risk of property damage when the spread of flames is prevented or minimised.
who needs flame-resistant workwear?
Any employee exposed to a potential fire risk in the workplace must be provided with flame-resistant PPE. These fire risks should be identified during regular workplace risk assessments.
Depending on the level of risk experienced by individual employees, workers may need full head-to-toe PPE or specific PPE items such as FR or heat-resistant gloves (i.e., if they come into contact with very hot surfaces). Industries where some or all workers commonly need FR clothing include:
- Aviation
- Manufacturing
- Welding
- Petrochemical
- Offshore energy
- Electrical
- Fuel transport
who is responsible for providing flame-resistant PPE?
The employer is always responsible for ensuring that high-quality, fit-for-purpose PPE is provided for all employees that need it, and for ensuring that employees are wearing their PPE correctly when on site. Employers should also be mindful of the different sizes of PPE required, as employees of all body types and genders should have properly fitting PPE for their own safety and comfort. The consequences of PPE non-compliance can be devastating for both employers and employees, so paying attention to PPE requirements is a must.
flame-resistant clothing standards
In order to comply with PPE regulations, employers must ensure that their flame-resistant PPE meets relevant standards. These standards include:
- EN ISO 11612:2015 – This international standard specifies performance requirements for protective clothing made from flexible materials which are designed to protect the wearer’s body against heat and/or flame. This is the key standard used when evaluating flame-resistant PPE, although it doesn’t cover PPE for the hands.
- EN ISO 14116:2015 – This standard specifies performance requirements for the limited flame spread properties of materials. Clothing assessed by this standard is suitable for occasional and brief contact with small flames.
- EN ISO 11611:2024 – This standard specifies minimum safety standards and test methods for protective clothing to be worn during welding and allied processes with comparable risks (such as hoods, aprons and sleeves). PPE assessed with this standard must protect against molten metal spatter, harmful optical radiation and electrical shock.
IEC 61482 – This standard assesses protective clothing’s effectiveness against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. IEC 61482-1-1:2019 specifies test methods for determining the arc rating of flame-resistant clothing materials.
Some flame-resistant garments are also arc-rated to show that they can also protect the wearer from arc flash injuries. However, not all FR workwear will have an arc-flash rating, so if you specifically need arc flash PPE, make sure you choose garments that have been certified according to the relevant standards. Regular flame-resistant PPE would not be sufficient in workplaces with arc flash hazards.
Some flame-resistant clothes are very thick and bulky, which means that workers can find this PPE uncomfortable and difficult to move in. Not only is this an issue for employee comfort and morale, but this lack of flexibility and breathability could be an additional safety risk if workers cannot move around the workplace properly.
This is why we consider both fire safety and worker comfort when designing and manufacturing flame-resistant welding PPE here at alsico. Our breathable fabrics and wide range of ergonomic features allow total ease of movement during long shifts, whilst also meeting and exceeding flame-resistant clothing standards for maximum worker protection.
Plus, we offer bespoke design and embroidery services that don’t compromise the effectiveness of your flame-resistant workwear. We use flame-resistant Nomex threads to embroider company logos onto our bespoke workwear, ensuring that the comprehensive protection offered by the clothing is fully maintained. Get in touch today to learn more about our flame-resistant PPE.
learn about the different environments of wearer protection we cater for
electricity and arc flash
Our clothing, tailored to specific risk levels, offers significant protection, enhancing safety in industries where Arc Flash incidents are prevalent, minimising the risk of serious burns and injuries.
heat, flame, and welding
Burning hot embers, sparks and fire should never touch the skin of a human, our high-performance, FR and Welding protection garments are essential for workers in these environments.
visibility
Stay seen and secure with our high-visibility solutions, designed to keep workers visible and protected in environments such as railways, roads, docks, airports, and construction.
anti-static / ESD
Industries where electrostatic discharge poses a threat require anti-static/ESD garments. These specialized garments prevent static electricity buildup during sensitive operations, providing a crucial line of defense for worker safety.
molten metals
Protective solutions to ensure your team's safety from molten metal hazards, ensuring maximum-level protection against various metals, including zinc, nickel, and lead, ensuring your team's safety.
chemical
Chemical-resistant attire is necessary for protecting workers from hazardous substances in various industries. Alsico's reliable protective clothing creates a secure barrier against potentially harmful chemicals, prioritizing workplace safety.
rain and cold
Rain and cold weather workwear is pivotal in ensuring safety and comfort in challenging conditions, ensuring workers across diverse industries can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
contact us
