Flame & Cut Resistant Clothing Explained

Flame Resistant Clothing

Flame Resistant (FR) garments are made from durable fabric that self-extinguishes and provides thermal insulation to the wearer and are designed to protect workers against extreme temperatures in the case of arc or flash fires. FR fabric does not ignite, burn, melt or drip when exposed to a flame. Although FR clothing will resist flame, it is important to note that FR clothing is fire resistant, not fireproof.

Understanding ENA NENS 09-2014

The Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) NENS 09-2014 is an Australian national guideline for the selection, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment for electrical arc hazards. Although it is not an Australian Standard, and therefore full compliance is not required, it provides a comprehensive guide to minimum levels of personal protective equipment required to protect workers against electrical hazards. NENS 09-2014 explains apparel design and features, material performance requirements and testing methods and compliance requirements for FR garments.

Environments that Require Flame Resistant Clothing

Workers should wear FR clothing if they are to be exposed to the risk of hazards such as arc flashes (electricians, electric utility lineman, etc.), flash fires (refinery, chemical and pharmaceutical workers, etc.), or combustible dust (workers in food processing, paint, and many more industries). Plus workers who come in contact with energised electrical equipment or radiant heat.

Arc flashes occur when an electrical current leaves its path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, causing an explosion. An arc flash can occur from accidental contact with electrical systems, build-up of conductive dust, corrosion, dropped tools, or improper work procedures. Exposure to an arc flash can result in serious burn injuries or even death.

A flash fire occurs when air combines with a flammable substance and ignites. Flash fires have extremely high heat, a short duration and a rapidly moving flame. Flash fires are often catastrophic, causing extreme damage, injury and in some cases, death.

Thermal Performance Value

Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is the minimum arc rating of the clothing, measured in calories per cm² (cal/cm²). The higher the value, the more insulated the garment is, therefore providing greater protection to the wearer.

Hazard Risk Categories (HRC)

Employers should conduct a Hazard Risk Assessment to determine the level of protection employees need to wear to stay safe when performing a task. HRC levels are determined by testing electrical equipment to assess the potential of an explosion or ARC flash. Like ARC ratings, this is also measured in cal/cm². The equipment is then rated with a HRC to ensure that the worker is wearing higher protection that the potential energy that could be outputted in the case of an explosion or ARC flash.

Hazard/Risk Category 1

Arc-rated FR shirt and FR pants or FR Coverall (1 layer).

Min Arc Rating REQUIRED (cal/cm2): 4

Hazard/Risk Category 2

Arc-rated FR shirt and FR pants or FR Coverall (1 or 2 layers).

Min Arc Rating REQUIRED (cal/cm2): 8

Hazard/Risk Category 3

Arc-rated FR shirt and FR pants or FR Coverall and arc flash suit selected so that the system arc rating meets the required minimum (2 or 3 layers).

Min Arc Rating REQUIRED (cal/cm2): 25

Hazard/Risk Category 4

Arc-rated FR shirt and FR pants or FR Coverall and arc flash suit selected so that the system arc rating meets the required minimum (3 or more layers).

Min Arc Rating REQUIRED (cal/cm2): 40

Caring for Flame Resistant Clothing

It is best to allow FR clothing to be laundered by professionals. Chlorine bleach and other hydrogen peroxides can be found in some detergents which can degrade the FR properties of the garment. Furthermore, industrial launders should remove all potentially flammable materials that can build up on the surface of a garment.

Bisley Premium Flame Resistant Clothing

ATOM has chosen to partner with Bisley as their primary FR clothing supplier due to Bisley’s premium product. Bisley FR clothing is made using TenCate fabrics, the world leaders in FR fabric production. TenCate fabric utilises the highest quality branded fibres and is made in the USA. They test to safety standards in the USA and Europe that exceed our Australian Standards and are UL Certified, one of the highest certifications a mill can have.

Cuts and open wounds are the third most common workplace injury. According to Safe Work Australia over 35% of all serious claims in 2019-2020 came from upper limb claims with the most coming from hand injuries. Most of these injuries come from sharp objects.

Browse the Bisley Premium Flame Resistant Range

Cut Resistant Clothing

Cut resistant clothing is made out of dense fabric that is able to withstand sharp objects. This is very helpful for workers who operate near sharp, heavy objects like drills, knives and saws. These types of clothing are an important safety measures to take in the case of an accident near sharp objects. It is important to remember that it is cut resistant, not cut proof. We have a range of cut resistant clothing including pants, gloves and sleeves.

Standards For Cut Resistant Fabrics

There are three main standards world wide: The American (ANSI/ISEA 105-2011), the International (ISO 13997) and the European (EN388:2003) which Australia (AS/NZS 2161.3) has adopted. Australia follows the European testing by having 40mm diameter blade rotate back and forth under a fixed load until a cut is made. The damage is then compared to one made on a cotton canvas to scale in between 1-5. Click here to check out our EN 388 Glove post

The results will allow it to receive certification from CEN (European Committee from Standardisation) and its 'CE Mark' which confirms that is has been tested successfully.

As Australian follows the European Standard, the CE Mark can be found on many Australian products. EN388 is however, only a recommendation. As such, the standards are self-regulated and get away with un-substantiated cut resistant products.

ATOM can help you pick out accurately tested cut resistant products. We offer a wide range of gloves, sleeves and pants to suit your workplace.

When Are Cut Resistant Clothes Useful?

Cut resistant clothing can be used in many different situations such as using any knives & blades

Contact ATOM Safety today to find out how Bisley’s FR clothing and cut resistant clothing can make your workplace safer.

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