Flame Retardant Clothing is a Key Factor in Preventing Burn Injuries

It takes only seconds for a sudden electric arc, flash fire, or molten metal splash to engulf a worker in searing temperatures. The most severe burn injuries and fatalities involve non-fire retardant clothing igniting and continuing to burn. Many times, the only thing standing between a worker and serious injury is protective clothing. Using fire retardant or flame resistant apparel helps in 5 important ways:

1. It resists ignition;
2. It provides thermal protection to shield the wearer at the point of exposure; 
3. It self-extinguishes while non-flame resistant work clothes continue to burn even after the source of ignition is no longer present;
4. It does not melt onto the skin; and  
5. It resists breaking open and exposing skin

These factors can mean the difference between a minor accident and a devastating fatality so selecting the proper flame retardant clothing is a crucial first step when working with potential heat/fire hazards.