FR garments are made from special fabrics and coatings designed to withstand high temperatures and resist ignition from combustible materials. Common materials used include:
FR clothing is crucial for worker safety in industries with high risks of injury or death from fires or thermal transfer. In these environments, FR garments are often not just recommended, but also legally required.
Requires employers to ensure workers wear FR clothing and other essential PPE to protect against hazards like flash fires and arc flashes.
Example: Taken from Alberta OHS Laws regarding use of flame resistant clothing:
232(1) If a worker may be exposed to a flash fire or electrical equipment flashover, an employer must ensure that the worker wears personal protective equipment that includes flame resistant outerwear and uses other personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard.
232(2) A worker must ensure that clothing worn beneath flame resistant outerwear and against the skin is made of flame resistant fabrics or natural fibres that will not melt when exposed to heat.
A Canadian General Standards Board standard that mandates FR clothing pass specific tests and meet minimum safety requirements against hydrocarbon flash fires, steam, and extremely hot fluids.
Some provinces and territories have their own regulations governing FR clothing use for protection against flash fires, molten metal, welding, and other thermal hazards.
Industries where FR clothing is essential due to burning hazards from electrical arc flashes, welding, molten metal, and flash fires include:
Important Note:
This list is not complete. If you’re unsure about the type of PPE that you require, consulting a safety professional can help determine the necessary PPE. Always practice due diligence and refer to standards and regulations in the jurisdiction that you are working in to ensure your PPE list is comprehensive.
