When working in environments where exposure to flames, chemical splashes, or electrical arcs is possible, wearing the correct protective workwear is important. Flame-retardant overalls, fireproof overalls, and hi-visibility workwear provide essential protection, reducing the risk of injury in hazardous conditions.
This blog outlines the importance of using specialised garments & workwear laundry services to clean, repair and maintain the workwear to a good condition and safe standard.
The Importance of Protective Workwear in Hazardous Environments
Flame-retardant overalls and fireproof overalls are designed to shield workers from intense heat, flames, and electrical arcs, which are common in industries like oil and gas, chemical plants, and fabrication work.
Hi-visibility workwear enhances visibility, such as road construction sites or manufacturing plants, reducing the risk of accidents.
Chemical splash protection is critical in laboratories or chemical processing facilities, ensuring corrosive substances do not come into contact with the skin.
Materials Used in Flame-Retardant Overalls and Arc-Resistant Workwear
FR (Flame Resistant) Coverings: FR workwear includes specialised coatings or finishes that improve resistance to flames, chemical splashes, or other environmental hazards.
Treated cotton: Cotton that has been chemically treated to provide flame resistance while maintaining breathability and comfort.
Aramid fibres (e.g., Kevlar, Nomex): Known for high durability, heat resistance, and flame-retardant properties. These fibres are often used in both flame-retardant overalls and electric arc-resistant overalls.
Modacrylic fibres: A flame-resistant synthetic material commonly used in workwear for its ability to self-extinguish when ignited.
Why Flame-Retardant, Chemical Splash & Hi-Visibility Workwear is Required
Protection from heat and flame: Flame-retardant overalls prevent flames from spreading across the garment and protect workers from severe burns.
Chemical splash protection: Certain materials in workwear can resist harmful substances, providing a block between the skin and hazardous chemicals.
Hi-visibility in hazardous environments: Hi-visibility workwear ensures that workers can be easily spotted in low-light or high-risk sites, helping prevent collisions & accidents.
Maintaining Your Flame-Retardant and Electric Arc Workwear
To ensure the continued efficiency of your flame-retardant overalls and arc-resistant workwear, regular maintenance and garment care are paramount.
How to keep your fireproof overalls and chemical splash protection workwear in top condition:
- It is advised to assign a specialised workwear rental laundry like Rocliff Workwear Rental to manage and maintain your workwear garments.
- Your dedicated workwear laundry will inspect your workwear weekly as your garments come through the wash process and check for tears, holes, or signs of wear that could compromise the garment’s integrity.
- If your garment is damaged beyond repair, your workwear laundry will be in contact with options to replace any damaged garments.
- Your dedicated workwear laundry selects a bespoke wash process for your garments to ensure that the structure integrity and safety properties are maintained.
- Chemical splash protection garments require re-proofing at Rocliff we have the ability to create bespoke wash programs to ensure this happens in every load.
Flame-retardant overalls, fireproof overalls, chemical splash-resistant, and arc-resistant workwear are essential factors of a safe working environment. Ensuring these garments are made from durable, high-quality materials by quality garment manufacturers and are properly maintained will help protect workers from heat, flames, electrical arcs, and chemicals.
By understanding the importance of these safety measures, industries can significantly reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
For information about our workwear rental services speak with a member of our team at Rocliff Workwear today on: 01743 442121 or email: sales@rocliff.co.uk