Keys to Evaluating an Fire Retardant Clothing Programme

When creating a Flame Resistant Clothing Program there are three main criteria to evaluate when selecting flame resistant fabrics: Protection, Comfort & Value.

 

Keys to Evaluating Protection

The first step in evaluating a protective clothing program is to identify the potential hazard. Exposures such as a flash fire and electric arc flash are unique hazards with vastly different characteristics. It is important to note that test results from flash fire and electric arc exposures do not directly correlate to each other and results should not be substituted when evaluating performance to these specific hazards.

 

The second step is to identify industry consensus standards for the exposure. Fortunately, new industry standards have recently been developed to standardized methods for flash fire and electric arc testing and some also provide minimum performance requirements.

 

Finally, testing should be performed at independent laboratories to ensure unbiased and scientifically valid results.

 

Keys to Evaluating Comfort

Comfort is inherently subjective; cannot currently be quantified-too many variables; fit, style, fiber, fabric, hand, drape, breathability, moisture management, weight, color, personal psychology, etc.

Weight does not equal comfort except within a fiber/fabric type

Never make comfort decisions from graphs, data, office samples or appearance.

There is no substitution for a Wear Trial. A wear trial is the only real way to evaluate the comfort between the flame resistant fabrics that meet the protective requirements established. A wear trial also allows for employee involvement and buy-in on a protective clothing program.

 

Keys to Evaluating Value

Value expresses the cost to own over the life cycle (initial cost x durability)

Also should involve wearer acceptance, protection & out-of-service replacement cost.

Can involve lease, rental and services

The target: relatively low initial cost, good durability, wearer acceptance, excellent protection & multiple threat (if relevant)