What is the difference between flame retardant and flame resistant workwear?
Flame retardant and flame resistant workwear are two types of protective clothing designed to safeguard workers from hazards like flames, sparks, and heat in high risk environments. Both types of workwear offer significant protection, but they differ in their material composition, how they protect the wearer, and their suitability for different work environments.
What is flame retardant workwear?
Flame retardant workwear is made from materials that have been treated with a range of chemical compounds that inhibit the spread of fire. These chemicals work by slowing down or interrupting the combustion process when the fabric comes into contact with flames, limiting the amount of oxygen available to fuel the fire.
As a result, flame retardant workwear is less likely to ignite or sustain flames and, when exposed to fire, is designed to self extinguish.
The main advantage of flame retardant workwear is that it is cost effective and generally more affordable than flame resistant workwear. It is also widely available and is often the preferred option in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and forestry, where the risk of fires and explosions is high.
However, it's important to note that flame retardant workwear can lose its efficacy over time or after multiple washings, which may make it less effective at protecting the wearer.
What is flame resistant workwear?
Flame resistant workwear, on the other hand, is made from inherently fire resistant materials that are designed to withstand exposure to flames and heat without igniting or melting. Materials like aramid, modacrylic, and certain blends of polyester and cotton are typically used in flame resistant workwear, offering excellent protection against open flames, sparks, and heat.
The main advantage of flame resistant workwear is that it is generally more durable and longer lasting than flame retardant workwear, and its fire resistant properties do not deteriorate over time, making it a better investment in the long run.
In terms of suitability for different work environments, flame resistant workwear is preferred in industries like welding, electrical, and chemical manufacturing, where workers are exposed to high levels of heat and flame on a daily basis.
In these environments, the greater durability and long term protection of flame resistant workwear can provide added peace of mind to both workers and employers.
Key differences
Flame retardant workwear:
Contains chemicals that are added during the manufacturing process to slow down or prevent the spread of flames.
The effectiveness of the flame retardant properties may diminish over time or after repeated washing.
Flame retardant workwear can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, nylon, and polyester.
The clothing may not necessarily be designed to resist melting or dripping in the event of a fire.
Made from materials that are naturally resistant to flames, such as treated cotton, wool, or synthetic blends.
The material itself resists ignition, and if it does catch fire, it will not continue to burn once the ignition source is removed.
Flame resistant workwear is designed to withstand high heat and flame exposure without melting or dripping, which can further contribute to burn injuries.
The protective properties of the clothing are inherent to the material and do not wash out or diminish over time.
Flame resistant workwear is typically more expensive than flame retardant workwear due to the specialized materials used.
Conclusion
In summary, while flame retardant and flame resistant workwear are similar in their purpose, they differ in how they provide protection to the wearer. When choosing between the two types of workwear, it's important to consider the specific hazards of the work environment and select the appropriate type based on the level of protection required.
Proper care and maintenance of workwear is also important to ensure that the protective properties are maintained over time.
OAKEYS safety suggests that having flame resistant clothing in most cases is the best option, when looking to buy flame resistant workwear in the UK, OAKEYS has a wide range of FR workwear at the best prices online from the best known brands such as Portwest, 3M, Honeywell etc. Here is a link to our online shop if you have any workwear needs!
At OAKEYS Safety Ltd, we take pride in providing high quality workwear solutions that prioritize the safety and well being of workers across various industries. We understand that not all work environments require high visibility clothing, which is why we have developed a comprehensive range of non-high visibility workwear. Our innovative product line offers unparalleled protection, comfort, and durability, ensuring that your workforce remains safe and productive, even in challenging conditions.
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