Exposure to heat, flame, sparks, molten metal — along with other flammable, combustible or explosive materials, can put workers at substantial risk of injury, necessitating the provision of suitable protective garments made from flame retardant fabrics.
Thermal events are largely unpredictable; they happen quickly and without warning. In most cases, the real threat is not the original hazard, but the potential for injury arising when non-flame retardant clothing catches fire and continues to burn until extinguished. In these incidents, every second of contact between the fabric and its wearer has a significant impact on the severity of subsequent injuries.
Some industries, such as oil and gas, utilities, metal fabrication, welding and petrochemical, will additionally expose workers to liquid splashes and sprays. In these applications, the best defence is a multifaceted workwear selection approach. Incorporating a combination of suitable thermal protective workwear, supplemented by appropriate outerwear designed specifically to deliver protection from liquid chemicals, will deliver a superior flame protection solution.