Fire Clothing
How to Make Fire Retardant Clothes Safe and Comfortable
By Stephanie Youker
Making a safety plan is not just about coming up with rules; it must also consider practicality as well. Personal protective equipment must not only protect a worker against danger, but it must be comfortable. Without comfort in fire retardant clothes, workers may become unhappy and irritable simply due to discomfort.
The Comfort of Fire Retardant Clothes
Workers operating in a dangerous environment like an oil refinery may need to wear flame resistant uniforms to protect against the chance of injuries in a fire. However, workers shouldn’t feel like they have to sweat under their coveralls or protective suits. Wearing a moisture wicking and fast drying t-shirt or base layer allows air to move thereby allowing workers to effectively do their jobs.
The term flame retardant clothing often makes people think of the bulky gear worn by firefighters. However, modern fabrics are used in today’s designs that are both comfortable and fire resistant. They are light and some workers report they feel better than traditional FR treated uniforms because they aren’t stiff or scratchy and their protection is permanent.
Managing Moisture
Clothing that doesn’t effectively deal with perspiration is uncomfortable. The fabric used in these garments manages moisture problems by focusing on wicking and breathability.
Perspiration can better evaporate with breathable fabrics that allow air to flow through. Evaporation doesn’t only remove moisture. It also cools and allows for simple temperature regulation. Non-breathable fabric feels confining and the moisture trapped inside can become a problem fast.
Wicking fabrics permit evaporation by pulling moisture away from the skin into this quick drying fabric as it evaporates easily. This material makes fire retardant clothes feel a lot cooler than clothing made with traditional FR fabrics.
Protected Workers
The protection workers receive from fire retardant clothes provides important seconds during a serious industrial fire. While overall safety is crucial in the workplace, these materials also provide a daily benefit.
Although accidents are rare, workers want to feel safe. The overall goal of a safe workplace is making sure a worker never experiences a situation that requires the necessity of fire retardant clothes. However, wearing protective gear can give workers the peace of mind they need to keep from worrying about their safety.
Awkward and bulky gear can quickly become burdensome and annoying. With accidents being rare, this type of equipment just becomes a job irritation.
However, when fire resistant clothing feels comfortable, workers get an environment that is safe and comfortable. When employees feel comfortable, they can relax and focus on their job, allowing them to do great work.
Stephanie Youker is the author for DRIFIRE, developers and manufacturers of fire resistant clothing that combines safety with comfort and moisture management. They are dedicated to protecting our firefighters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel from the dangers of their jobs with flame resistant uniforms.
The Top 5 Fire Clothing Online Retailers As Ranked By World Fire Departments
- Fire Authority
- Reynolds Manufacturing
- National Firefighter Corp.
- Bergeron Protective Clothing
- VIKING-LIFE
If you are a retailer of protective fire fighting clothing, please contact us via e-mail to be considered for our list of retailers.
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