Care and Washing Instructions for a longer life of FR Apparel

Fire Resistant clothing is important for worker safety as the number of accidents increases due to Fire. FRC clothing will protect them from fire hazards and give them sufficient time to escape from the places where the accident has occurred. Some of the most common industries that require FR clothing are oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, military and law enforcement facilities, and electrical.

FRC clothing is one of the most crucial elements of personal protective equipment as it protects the workers from the risks of flash fire, heat, and electric arcs. However, to maintain their effectiveness and safety, FR clothes require the utmost care and to be washed with the proper technique.

Understanding Fire-Resistant Clothing

Before proceeding further, let us first understand what Fire-resistant clothing is. 

FRC clothing is designed to provide protection against the thermal hazards of flames, heat, and electrical arcs. It works by preventing ignition, combustion, and heat transfer to the skin, reducing the risk of burn injuries. The most common materials used for fire-resistant clothing are cotton, Nomex, Kevlar, and other synthetic fibers with inherent or treated flame resistance. The choice of FR fabric depends on the type of hazard and work environment as well as the standards and regulations set by the government, such as

NFPA: National Fire Protection Association

ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials

These standards protect workers from flash fire exposures, minimizing the risk of injury where there is a chance of a flash fire hazard. They also specify the testing methods and procedures for evaluating the fabric's properties, labelling, and documentation requirements.

Do you want to know about the benefits of FR clothing? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Click here to read more. 

Things to know before washing Fire Resistant Clothing

Let's understand with an example that you are washing Fire Resistant (FR) shirt. So before washing, we must inspect it first and then prepare it for the washing process.

Inspecting your FR shirt involves the following:

• Checking for any damages
• Stains on the shirt
• Contaminants

Inspection can be helpful if done properly as it helps identify any potential issues that may affect the Fire resistance properties of the FR Shirt. For instance, if there are any damages or contaminants on the FR shirt, washing it may not be enough to restore its flame resistant properties.

Therefore, it's important for us to inspect the FR clothing thoroughly before washing and take appropriate measures to address any issues that are identified. This will help to ensure that the clothing continues to provide the necessary protection against fire hazards.

The 7 best ways to wash your FR clothing for high durability

While washing your Fire Resistant clothing, you must follow specific guidelines and techniques to avoid damaging the fabric and compromising its protective properties.

Here are some best practices for washing your flame Resistant clothing:

• Use a mild or liquid detergent that does not contain bleach, fabric softener, or other additives that can reduce the Fire resistant properties of FRC clothing.
• Wash your FR clothing separately from other garments, preferably in a front-loading washer that does not have an agitator. Agitators can cause excessive rubbing and mechanical stress on FR clothes over time.
• Avoid using high water temperatures, which can cause excessive shrinkage to your Fire Resistant clothing.
• Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the garment's care label.
• Avoid using bleach or other chemicals that can degrade the flame resistant properties of the FR fabric.
• Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets, which can leave a residue that reduces the fabric's flame resistance.
• If possible, air dry your Fire resistant clothing away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as it can cause shrinkage or damage to the fabric.

Things to keep in mind for more sustainability for your FR Clothing 

Here are a few additional care tips to ensure that your fire resistant clothing stays in excellent condition:

• Store Properly- Store your FR clothing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Inspect Regularly- Regularly inspect your FR clothing for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any rips or tears, have them repaired immediately.
• Avoid Alterations- Do not alter your FR clothing as it can compromise its protective properties.
• Replace When Necessary- Replace your FR clothing when it becomes worn out or damaged beyond repair.

Conclusion 

To conclude the above, we can say that Fire Resistant clothing is one of the safest clothing for anyone working in Fire prone areas, and to give it more durability and long life, we must follow the above care and wash instructions! 

The above instructions clearly state that to increase the durability of your FR apparel, you should avoid alterations and wash your FRC clothing with utmost care. 

To avoid any risk of injury, you must also check regularly, and if there is any wear and tear, you must replace it immediately. Also, all body parts must be covered with FR clothing to minimize the risk of injury from Fire or spark. 

For the safety of the wearer, it is very important to follow all the above instructions, and this would help you to maintain a longer life of your Fire resistant clothing and also have the ultimate protection from Fire