nikola
It is quite basic as well as mandatory to know that FR clothing is a must while operating in areas with high chances of fire hazards or electrical hazards. In this scenario, Flame-Retardant clothes are made from materials that are chemically treated to self-extinguish fire.
Whereas on the contrary, fire resistant clothes are made with threads and fibers that itself have the capabilities of extinguishing the fire. So, through this article, we will discuss whether all other clothes that we use in general lifestyle can be flame retardant or not.
Flame Resistant Coverall:
Coverall is heavily favored for working in an environment full of heatwaves and electrical arcs. Coveralls are made commonly with two kinds of FR fabrics, i.e. with 100% cotton or with a blend of 88% cotton/12% nylon, these materials can guarantee up to a lifetime of fire resistance. The coverall also comes with Pyrvotex and Nomex materials. These fire-resistant coveralls carry an ATPV rating of 8.6 or 15.
Flame Resistant Pants:
Pants that are made with synthetic blends hold a tendency to meltdown in the skin more rapidly during a fire which thereby increases the chance of injuries. However, these days pants are made up of fire-resistant clothing, i.e. 100% cotton twill and with the 7ounce or 5.6-ounce FR fabric that makes the pants lightweight.
Most of the CAT rating of pants or denim ranges from 1 or 2, and they provide an average ATPV rating of 8.7cal/cm2 and can also range up to 15. The pants are made with Nomex threads sewn into it; they also have a moisture management finish that can provide the feeling of dry clothes even in hot temperature.
Flame Resistant Shirts:
Shirts are one of the most comfortable options to wear at your workplace, which might be both in a warm environment or with high heat splash or areas with high chances of being electrocuted. The fabrics and knits of the FR shirts vary from your budgets, but mostly there are cotton inherently aramid sewed threads with durable FR fabric or with Ultralight inherent stellar weave fabric as both of these do the job of providing comfort with protection.
Both the Arc rating and CAT level also vary from shirt to shirt, i.e. an Arc rating of 5.5 cal/cm2 can provide the basic fire protection whereas arc rating of 12cal/cm2 provides better protection. Shirts also come with various CAT levels, i.e. with 1 or 2 or 3, which describe the protection the shirt provides. The shirts come either with 100% cotton fabric or with 88% and 12% high-tenacity nylon FR twill, but both have the prime objective of protecting against fire.
Flame Resistant T-Shirts:
FR T-shirts have come into a trend because apart from it being effective in resistance against fire, it is also soft, cozy to wear, with superior strength and it also absorbs moisture on hot environments. Most of the T-shirts are made up of either high-performance interlock knit or tabular knits that mar the problems of itchy side seams. Most of the T-shirts are sold in the market with the CAT2 logo over them. These are used to justify the category of protection of the T-Shirt.
These types of T-shirts are manufactured mostly with 6.5oz FR fabric or other FR fabrics which make them light-weighted, and also most t-shirts come with an ATPV rating of about 12 Cal/cm² which can outstand and protect against heavy fire splash or even electrical arc. The t-shirts are manufactured with fast drying and anti-odor technology.
Conclusion:
But, the longevity of Flame retardant clothes depends on how effectively you follow the guidelines that are mentioned. So, to conclude, yes, some popular type of garments does have flame retardant capabilities that will protect you along with maintaining the style statement.
