Fire

Fire Resistant Clothing: What Is It and Should You Be Wearing It?

It’s early in the morning. Work orders have been given. You’ve been assigned to a region who is experiencing a power outage. 

It’s going to be a long day.

But, that’s the least of your worries. You will be outside in the elements dealing with high occupational risks. Are you prepared?

Do you work around electricity, high temperatures, or hot gases? If so, you need to know about fire resistant clothing. What is it and should you be wearing it?

Know Your Occupational Risks

The first step to staying safe in the workplace is knowing your occupational risks. Are you working around fire hazards or high-voltage materials? If so, you need fire resistant clothing. 

Electric arcs, high temperatures, hot gasses, and intense pressure are just a few of the hazards a worker can be exposed to daily. This is where FR clothing comes in. 

In order for a garment to be considered flame resistant, it must:

• Not melt onto the skin
• Resists ignition
• Provide thermal insulation
• Resist breaking open
• Reduce burns
• Increase the chances of survival

Unfortunately, wearing fire resistant clothing won’t prevent injuries, but it will help reduce the severity of the injuries and allow for escape time.

What Makes Fire Resistant Clothing Fire Resistant?

First, let’s talk about what fire resistant clothing isn’t. Fire resistant clothing is not made of any synthetic material such as acetate, nylon, polyester, or rayon. Basically, any of your athletic wear wouldn’t make the cut as fire resistant clothing. These types of materials can melt into your skin causing the injuries to be even worse.

Clothing made of 100% cotton or 100% wool is usually acceptable if it has the right weight. 

Not sure where to look? Companies such as froutlet.com have 100% cotton FR clothing that exceeds any industry guidelines and will provide the best protection.

There are different ratings that are applied to fire resistant clothing. These ratings are based on the protection provided. If the garment you are using is insufficient to your needs, there will be negative consequences.

On the other hand, if you are wearing fire resistant clothing that is rated higher than your needs, then you can be uncomfortable and spend more money than needed.

How to Implement Fire Resistant Clothing

If you have a job that exposes you to high risks, you will need a plan to implement fire resistant clothing into your workplace. 

First, determine the level of protection needed. Then find the right clothing that fits both the protection and comfort levels needed to be effective on the job.

Second, Ask your employer if clothing is available. If employees are required to buy certain garments, the employer may offer them. Or find an industrial laundering company who will rent them out.

Safety First

The main reason for fire resistant clothing is to keep everyone safe in the workplace. It’s impossible to know when an accident will happen, so make it a habit to wear fire resistant clothing and know how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

We’re here to give you all the tips you need to be successful and safe. 

5 Fire Extinguisher Types You Should Know

In 2015, 1,345,000 fires were reported in the U.S.

Each year, fires cause billions of dollars in property damage. To protect yourself from unintentional fires, a working fire alarm system is a must.

However, you should also invest in a fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers can save property — and lives. They can be used to contain small fires.

If a fire broke out in your home or office, would you know which kind of fire extinguisher to use? Did you know that there are several fire extinguisher types?

Keep reading for information about the most common fire extinguisher types.

5 Must-Know Fire Extinguisher Types

There are five classes of fire, and accordingly there are five different fire extinguisher types. You can check the label on the fire extinguisher to determine which type it is.

In homes and offices, you’ll often find a multi-purpose extinguisher.

Knowing which material caused the fire is useful when choosing the appropriate extinguisher.

Here are the five fire extinguisher types.

1. Type A – Ordinary Combustibles

Type A extinguishers have an “A” on the label inside of a green triangle. These extinguishers work on combustible fires caused by:

• Wood
• Paper
• Trash
• Cloth
• Rubber
• Plastics

The primary chemical used is monoammonium phosphate, which will smother the fire.

2. Type B – Flammable Liquids

These extinguishers are marked with a “B” inside of a red box. Dealing with a fire caused by a flammable liquid? If so, you’ll need a type B extinguisher.

Fires that have ignited because of oil, gasoline, paint or tar require two ingredients to put out. Type B extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate to smother the fire. Then, they use sodium bicarbonate to extinguish it.

3. Type C – Electrical Equipment

Extinguishers with a C inside of a blue box are for electrical equipment fires. This type of fire can be caused by:

• Machinery
• Faulty appliance
• Wiring
• Circuit breakers
• Fuse boxes

Because these items have electricity running through them, non-conductive materials are a must. Type C extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate.

4. Type D – Combustible Metals

Type D extinguishers are identified by their marking of a “D” inside of a yellow star. Combustible metals pose a different fire threat.

Use a Type D extinguisher to put out fires involving:

• Titanium
• Zirconium
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Lithium

Because these metals are combustible, a dry powder material must be used. These extinguishers are ineffective on other fire classes.

5. Type K – Combustible Cooking

Type K fire extinguishers are labeled with a black “K.”

This handle fires that involve large amounts of grease, including animal and plant-based fat. This type of most often used in kitchen fires.

Do you require more heavy-duty fire suppression items? If so, contact a professional company such as Cold Fire Tactical.

How Else Can You Protect Your Family?

Of course, having the right fire extinguisher on hand is just one of the steps you need to take when it comes to emergency preparedness.

Sign up for an account with us to learn more about the best ways to protect yourself and the ones you love during any disaster. You’ll feel better knowing you’re prepared for anything.