INDUSTRY DATA

GENERAL GARMENT FLAMMABILITY STANDARD

Do everyday wearing apparel and normal work clothes have the same fammability characteristics?

All are required to meet the same federal fammability standard: 16 CFR Part 1610.

The standard, administered by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, was originally adopted in 1954 as CS 191-53, the Flammable Fabrics Act. The purpose of the standard is to reduce the danger of injury and loss of life by providing, on a national basis, standard methods of testing and rating the fammability of textiles for clothing use. The standard measures two fabric attributes: ease of ignition and speed of flame spread. A specimen mounted at a 45° angle is exposed to a one second ignition. If the specimen ignites, flame spread, or the time to burn five inches in length is recorded. The Act establishes three classes of flammability based on ease of ignition and flame spread time.

What are the three classes of fabric flammability?

Class

Flame Spread Time
Class 1 Normal Flammability 4 seconds or more.
Class 2 Intermediate Flammability 4 to 7 seconds and the base fabric ignites.
(Applies to fabrics having a raised fiber surface/nap.)
Class 3 Rapid, Intense Burning Less than 4 seconds.
Dangerously flammable.
Unsuitable for clothing.

What class must garments manufactured or sold in the U.S. meet?

All wearing apparel sold in the U.S. must be made of fabric from Class 1 or 2.

No wearing apparel can be made of fabric rated Class 3.

Everyday wearing apparel will ignite and continue to burn if exposed to an ignition source. It is not currently possible to produce fashionable and affordable everyday wearing apparel that is flame resistant. Normal work apparel is made from a range of fabrics similar to those offered as everyday wearing apparel. Just like everyday apparel, normal work apparel will ignite and continue to burn if exposed to an ignition source.

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GENERAL FLAME RESISTANT GARMENT INFORMATION

Is there a need for Flame Resistant protective garments?

All fabrics made of untreated natural fibers and most synthetic fibers are combustible. It is normal and expected that they will ignite and continue to burn when exposed to an ignition source such as flame or electric arc exposure. Because clothing constructed from these normal fabrics meets flammability requirements established by 16 CFR Part 1610, it is generally accepted by the trade as having no unusual burning characteristics.

Resistance to ignition and burning is an abnormal condition of wearing apparel. When work environments or occupations pose a risk of garment ignition and burning, flame resistant apparel should be considered and selected.

How do NORMAL fabrics react to ignition?

Normal fabrics and garments will burn away from the point of ignition with increasing flame spread and continue to burn after removal of the ignition source. Normal fabrics will continue to burn until they are extinguished or all flammable material is consumed.

How do FR Fabrics react to ignition?

Flame resistant (FR) fabrics and garments are intended to resist ignition, prevent the spread of flames away from the immediate area of high heat impingement, and to self-extinguish almost immediately upon removal of the ignition source.

Do FR garments prevent burn injury?

FR garments will not provide significant protection from burn injury in the immediate area of contact with the ignition source. However, flame resistant garments do provide protection against clothing ignition and sustained flame spread. Always wear cotton or natural fiber undergarments to prevent possible injury from melting of synthetic fabrics.

Are FR garments still effective if contaminated with flammable substances?

Flame resistant garments should be removed immediately and replaced with clean FR apparel if they become fouled with flammable material. If laundering or dry cleaning cannot remove flammable contaminants, the contaminated garments should be removed from service.

Is 100% cotton fabric “Flame Resistant”?

There is a common perception that untreated 100% cotton fabric is somehow “Flame Resistant” simply not true. Untreated 100% cotton fabric can and will ignite and continue to burn if it is exposed to an ignition source.

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RECOGNIZING HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE

What are the common causes of ignition and burning of work apparel?

  1. Ignition of flammable liquids and/or other flammable soils on the garment.
  2. Contact with, or close proximity to, molten metals.
  3. Contact with sparks and slag from flame cutting or welding.
  4. Contact with open flames.
  5. High energy electrical discharges or other electric arc events.
  6. Explosion of vapors from volatile liquids or from certain gases.
  7. Ignition of combustible dusts.

Where any risk of ignition exists in the workplace, there is a need for flame resistant garments.

What is the employer’s responsibility?
Under paragraph 5a1, the General Duty clause of the federal OSHA Act, it is the employer’s responsibility to identify risks and hazards in the workplace and seek out appropriate protective garments and equipment for the protection of workers. The employer, in making this hazard assessment, must consider the risks present and the most appropriate means of addressing t (test)hose risks. Where ignition risks are present, flame resistant protective apparel can become a prudent part of an action plan to address these concerns.

How do I choose the correct flame resistant garments?
Any flame and thermal protective fabric must provide the wearer with the expected degree of protection for the useful life of the garment. Garments are specified based on the employer’s evaluation of workplace hazards. Protective garments, which function as wearing apparel for normal work activities, must be comfortable and durable while achieving appearance that is acceptable to both the employer and the wearer. In addition to these general considerations, there may be other hazards present such as chemical or molten substance exposure. Finally, these multi-use garments must be able to withstand laundering to remove soils and flammable contaminants and be returned to service without excessive color loss, fuzzing/pilling (surface appearance change) or excessive shrinkage.

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INDUSTRY TERMS

Flame Resistant - The characteristic of a fabric to resist ignition and to self extinguish if ignited.

Flame Retardant - A chemical substance used to impart flame resistance.

Primary Protective Clothing* - Clothing designed for activities where significant exposure to molten substance splash, radiant heat, or flame is likely to occur. Secondary protective garments, like Bulwark’s FR protective work apparel, would be worn under primary garments.

Secondary Protective Clothing* - Clothing designed for continuous wear in areas where intermittent exposure to molten substance splash, radiant heat, and/or flame is possible. FR work apparel, since it is designed for continuous wear, is considered to be secondary protection. The protection afforded by any secondary protective FR garment can be negated by an overwhelming exposure.

Chemical Resistance - As used in this Update, “Chemical Resistance” relates only to the ability of fabrics to withstand exposure to various chemicals without affecting their physical properties or flame resistance. With the exception of Bulwark Excel FR disposable/limited use garments and rainwear, none of the fabrics discussed offer personal protection from chemical exposure. They will either become wet and transfer chemicals to the wearer, or they are porous enough to allow chemicals to pass through. Chemically protective barrier garments are specialized kinds of primary protective clothing.

Reusable Protective Clothing - Garments which are capable of withstanding a maintenance procedure to remove soil and other contaminants, yet retain the garment’s protective characteristic.

FR Disposable/Limited Use Protective Clothing - FR garments which generally cannot be cleaned; usually provided for supplemental protection from a specific hazard or to prevent soiling expensive reusable garments. Note: Limited use FR disposables will burn in the presence of an ignition source, but will self-extinguish when the ignition source is removed. They must be worn over suitable FR apparel, and not used alone for FR protection. Non-FR disposable garments should never be worn over FR garments.

Stoll Curve - A plot of thermal energy and time predicted to cause a pain sensation, or a second degree burn, in human tissue.

*As defined by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) in Standard F1002

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TESTS AND STANDARDS FOR FR CLOTHING

In order to serve the market for flame resistant protective garments, there must be a continuing focus on the customer’s requirements based on their evaluation of existing hazards in the workplace and applicable regulations and standards.

Important considerations in any flame resistant protective apparel program are testing and standards
requirements. Outside of military specifications, the primary existing and proposed tests and standards for the civilian clothing market in the United States are as follow:

Category Identification Sponsoring Organization Gov’t Level Mandating Description of Textiles Covered
General Wearing Apparel
 D1230 (test) ASTM None Clothing and textiles intended for clothing.
16 CFR 1610 (Standard) CPSC Federal Clothing and textiles intended for clothing except hats, gloves, interlining fabrics.
16 CFR 1616 (Standard) CPSC Federal Children’s sleepwear; 7-14 (FF 5-74).
Protective Clothing D 4108-87** (test) ASTM None Fabric that is intended for use as clothing for protection against to open flames.
D 6413 ASTM None Any textile (Note: ASTM version of 5903.1)
F 1506 (Standard) ASTM None Material for clothing for use by electrical utility workers.
F 1891 (Standard) ASTM None Rainwear for employees exposed to the hazard of flames or electric
F 1930 (test) ASTM None Simulated flash fire exposure test using a mannequin.
F 1958 (test) ASTM None Ignitability of clothing by electric arc exposure using a mannequin.
F 1959 ASTM None Determining Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) of flame resistant materials for clothing by electric arc exposure using instrumental sensor panels.
FTMS 191A; 5903.1 (test) GSA Federal Any textile.
NFPA 70E (Standard) NFPA None* Clothing for employees working in areas with possible electrical hazards.
NFPA 702 (test) NFPA None* Clothing except hats, gloves, footwear, and interlinings.
NFPA 1971 (Standard) NFPA None* All fabrics used in protective clothing for structural fire fighting
NFPA 1975 (Standard) NFPA None* All fabrics used in station and work uniforms for fire fighters.
29 CFR 1910.269 OSHA Federal Clothing for employees exposed to the hazards of flames or electric (Standard)
ASTM = American Society for Testing and Materials
GSA = General Services Administration, Office of Federal Supply
CPSC = Consumer Products Safety Commission
NFPA = National Fire Protection Association
FTMS = Federal Test Method Standard
0SHA = 0ccupational Safety and Health Administration, Department
* NFPA documents may be cited by any government level and therefore take on the force of law
** No longer current

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FLAME RESISTANT FABRIC & GARMENT TESTING

What test is most commonly used to measure flame resistance?
The most commonly used test for measuring flame resistant fabrics is Method 5903.1 of Federal Test Standard 191A (Flame Resistance of Cloth: Vertical). The ASTM version of this test is designated D 6413.

How is the test “Flame Resistance of Cloth: Vertical” conducted?
In an enclosed cabinet, 12-inch long specimens of fabric are suspended vertically in a holder with the fabric restrained on three sides. A controlled flame is impinged on the bottom cut edge of the fabric for 12 seconds.

What results are recorded from this test?
Upon removing the flame at the end of 12 seconds, three sets of data are recorded:

Afterflame: The number of seconds (in tenths of seconds) during which there is a visible flame remaining on the fabric.

Afterglow: The number of seconds (in tenths of seconds) during which there is a visible glow remaining on the fabric. (Reported, but not part of most performance standards.)

Char Length: The length of fabric (in tenths of inches) destroyed by the flame that will readily tear by application of a standard weight. Five specimens cut in each fabric direction (length and width) are tested. The individual results of the

Five specimens are averaged and reported as the test result.

Does the vertical flame resistance test method establish a standard for performance requirements?
No. Federal Test Method 5903.1 establishes a test method only with no pass/fail criteria.

What performance standards do garment manufacturers use?
Various specifications and performance requirements have been established based on FTM 5903.1 testing. For example, California OSHA specifies a maximum of 2.0 seconds Afterflame and 6.0 inches Char Length for professional fire fighters barracks uniforms. Both the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) require a maximum of 2.0 seconds Afterflame and 4.0 inches (100mm) Char Length for protection against hydrocarbon flash fires.

What standards are used for workers exposed to flash fire hazards?
The NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire and its companion standard, NFPA 2113 on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of these garments were issued to specify design, performance, certification requirements, and test methods for flame resistant garments for use in areas at risk from flash fires. As has become expected in NFPA standards, third party certification of garments is required. In addition to the usual performance requirements for flame resistance, heat resistance and thermal shrinkage this standard introduces some new requirements and revises some old ones.

  1. Flame resistance of each fabric layer is required to be tested as received and after 100 cycles of washing and drying and/or dry cleaning.
  2. Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) must be tested both with the fabric specimen in contact with the sensor assembly and separated from the sensor by a 1⁄4“ spacer. A minimum TPP rating of 6.0 is required for “spaced” and 3.0 for “contact”.
  3. Specimen garments are tested for overall flash fire exposure on an instrumented mannequin in accordance with ASTM Test Method F 1930. The exposure heat flux is 84 kW/m 2 (2.02 cal/cm 2/sec) with an exposure time of 3.0 seconds. The average predicted body burn must not exceed 50%.

NFPA 2113 provides guidance in the selection and specification of flame resistant garments including workplace hazard assessment. Other sections cover use and care and maintenance recommendations. There is extensive appendix material that amplifies and explains many of the issues including an explanation of the meaning and application of the testing required in NFPA 2112.

What standards are used for professional fire fighters station wear?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard - NFPA 1975 - establishes minimum performance and certification requirements for textiles and other materials used in the construction of station/work uniforms for fire and emergency services personnel. Since the inception of this standard, flame resistance of the fabrics used has been a requirement. However, in the 1999 edition this was replaced with a flexible requirement.

The revised standard maintains the requirements for product certification by a third party listing organization and for heat and thermal shrinkage resistance, seam strength, and label durability. Requirements that were added include:

  1. Manufacturers may not claim compliance with a portion of the requirements of the standard and may not use the name of the standard in any statements about their products unless the product is certified to the standard.
  2. Manufacturers must be registered to ISO 9001 and all elements of the garment must be assembled in a facility registered at least to ISO 9002.
  3. Uniforms may be constructed either from ?ame resistant fabrics or from 100% cotton or wool fabrics.

What standards are used for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution?
OSHA’s Final Rule on Electrical Protective Equipment (OSHA 1910.269) prohibits clothing that, when exposed to flames or arcs, could increase the extent of wearer injury. Employers must determine appropriate clothing based on an evaluation of potential hazards in the work environment. Clothing made from flame resistant materials is acceptable under the Rule. 11.0 oz. or heavier untreated cotton or wool fabrics are acceptable under limited conditions identified by OSHA.(1.)

1.) Arc conditions in the Duke Power Company videotape, which was the primary basis OSHA’s determination, were an 3800 ampere, 12 inch (approx) electric arc that was 12 inches from the material. The arc lasted for 10 cycles or 0.167 seconds.

What are the electrical safety requirements for the workplace?
The NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety requirements for Employee Workplaces, addresses those electrical safety requirements for employee workplaces that are necessary to safeguard employees in the pursuit of gainful employment.
It covers electric conductors and equipment installed within or on buildings, conductors that connect the installations to a supply of electricity, and other outside conductors on the premises. Effective February 11, 2000 the NFPA issued a revision to 70E. Part II of this standard addresseselectrical safety-related work practices and procedures for employees who work on or near exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. These employees must be qualified to do the work and be trained to understand the specific hazards associated with electrical energy.

Before approaching exposed electrical parts, the employer must conduct a flash hazard analysis to determine the flash protection boundary distance. When an employee is working within the flash protection boundary, he/she must wear flame resistant protective clothing wherever there is possible exposure to an electrical arc flash. Such apparel is required to conform to the requirements of ASTM F-1506, and must have an appropriate Arc Rating (Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV), or Energy of Breakopen Threshold (EBT). ATPV requirements are determined by the incident energy associated with the task being performed.

What are the garment performance requirements for workers exposed to electric arcs?
The ASTM F 1506 Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electrical Arc and related thermal hazards covers performance properties of textile materials to be used for wearing apparel by electrical workers exposed to electric arcs. These materials must meet the following performance requirements:

  1. A general requirement that thread, findings, and closures used in garment construction not contribute to the severity of wearer injuries in the event of an electric arc exposure.
  2. A set of minimum performance specifications for either knit or woven fabrics.
  3. The fabric must not melt, drip, or have more than 2.0 seconds afterflame or 6.0 inches char length when tested as received and after 25 launderings or dry cleanings. Testing for flame resistance is in accordance with ASTM Test Method D 6413.
  4. The fabric may not have more than 5.0 seconds afterflame time when tested as received in accordance with ASTM Test Method F 1959. The arc rating is reported as either the arc rating ATPV or E BT (if the ATPV cannot be calculated because of fabric breakopen). The arc rating is reported as guidance on the performance of the fabric in arc exposure testing. There is no minimum required value for arc rating.

Garments conforming to the requirements of F 1506 must be labeled with a tracking code, a statement that the garments meets the requirements of F 1506, the manufacturer’s name, size information, care instructions and fiber content, and the Arc Rating (ATPV) or (E BT).
When garments are made with a different number of fabric layers in different areas; e.g., double layer front panels, the arc rating for each area must be designated. Pockets, trim, closures, seams, etc. are not considered extra layers.

How are protective garments for workers exposed to electric arc tested?
Two standards relating to performance of textile materials intended for use as protective clothing for workers exposed to electric arcs have been issued by ASTM:

  1. F 1958, Standard Test Method for Determining Ignitability of Non-Flame Resistant Material for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using
    Mannequins: This test method exposes a material to heat energy from an electric arc and determines the incident exposure energy that causes ignition, and the probability that ignition will occur. Material performance is determined by the ignitability of the specimen(s). Materials that meet the flame resistance requirements of Specification F 1506 do not require testing by this method unless they meet these requirements by melting to escape from the flame. Textile materials, either in single or multiple layers, are fabricated as shirts and exposed to an electric arc while mounted on at least two mannequins. The mannequins are arranged in a circle centered around the arc. Results are reported as a probability of ignition at various incident exposure energy levels at a specified amperage and distance. Multiple tests are required to assure statistical significance.
  2. F 1959, Standard Test Method for Determining the Arc Thermal Performance Value for Materials for Clothing: This test method is used to measure the arc thermal performance value (ATPV) of materials intended for use as flame resistant clothing for workers exposed to electric arcs that would generate heat flux rates from 2 to 600 cal/cm 2/second. It is not intended for non-flame resistant materials. Textile materials in the form of flat specimens mounted on three two-sensor panels are exposed to an electric arc. The panels are arranged in circle around the arc spaced at 120°. Arc conditions are 8 +/- 1-kA arc current, 12-inch electrode gap, stainless steel electrodes, 12-inch distance between the arc centerline and the test specimen surface.

The amount of heat energy transferred by the textile materials is measured by copper calorimeters mounted in the sensor panels. From the heat transfer data, the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is calculated as the minimum incident energy causing the onset of a second-degree burn burn. This is determined based on the Stoll Curve, a curve produced from data on human tissue tolerance to heat that is used as an overlay for the plot of the sensor responses. The Heat Attenuation Factor (HAF) is the percentage of total energy the fabric has prevented from reaching the panel sensors. A minimum of 20 data points is required for data analysis, of which 20% must be above the Stoll curve without causing breakopen. If the required 20% of the data above the Stoll curve cannot be generated without breakopen, an Energy of Breakopen Threshold (E BT) is calculated
from the five highest incident energy values below the Stoll curve that do not exhibit breakopen.

Are there special requirements for arc and flame resistant raiwear?
ASTM Standard Specification F1891, Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear, establishes applicable test methods, minimum physical and thermal performance requirements, a suggested sizing guide, and suggested purchasing information for rainwear for use by workers who may be exposed to thermal hazards of electrical arcs and open flames.

This standard establishes a requirement that the body fabric have a trapezoidal tear resistance greater than 6 pounds, withstand 30 PSIG water pressure without leaking, and seams must demonstrate a hydrostatic resistance of 3 psi for 2 minutes. All fabrics, trim, and findings used to manufacture rainwear must be electrically non-conductive. If electrically conductive items, such as fasteners or zipper tape, are used, they must be covered with a layer of material. Markings and reflective trim attached to rainwear must not degrade the performance of the rainwear.

The rainwear material must not melt, drip, or have
more than 2.0 seconds Afterflame or 6.0 inches Char Length when tested as received and after 5 cleanings by the manufacturer’s care instructions. Testing for flame resistance is in accordance with FTM 191A, Test Method 5903.1. Rainwear fabric is tested for thermal resistance to an electric arc by ASTM Test Method.

1959 to establish the Arc Thermal Value (ATPV), or breakthrough threshold energy (EBT) if the ATPV cannot be determined due to breakopen, and the Heat Attenuation Factor (HAF). Because melting and ignition hazards may occur when a rainwear material breaks open, another value is determined known as the Breakopen Threshold Energy Above Stoll (E BTAS). The EBTAS is the average of the five highest incident energy measurements that did not cause material breakopen regardless of whether the sensor temperature rise exceeded the Stoll curve or not. The EBT or EBTAS must be equal to or greater than 5.0 cal/cm 2. Garments conforming to the requirements of F 1891 must be labeled with a statement that the garments conform to this specification, the manufacturer’s name, style designation, size information, care instructions and fiber content, and the arc rating (ATPV) or (E BT) of the base material.

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FLAME AND THERMAL RESISTANT FIBERS AND FABRICS

What is the difference between Inherent Flame Resistance and Treatments?

Flame and thermal resistant fibers and fabrics can
generally be divided into two groups: those that are inherently flame resistant, and those that achieve flame resistance through special treatments.

Inherently flame resistant fibers/fabrics - Flame resistance is an essential characteristic of the fiber from which textiles are made.

Treated fibers/fabrics - Have an applied chemical
treatment to change the original level of a specific
property or properties, in this instance flame resistance.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC

How long have FR garments been available?
From earliest times, exposure to fire has been a concern. For more than 300 years, various combinations of ammonium salts of sulfuric, hydrochloric, or phosphoric acid have been used to impart flame resistance to cotton textiles. THPC (sold as ROXEL ® or FR2 ® ) was the original commercially successful flame resistant treatment for cotton work apparel. These fabrics had many shortcomings and the treatment was not durable for the life of the garment. This prompted the industry to develop improved treatments for cotton. Today, flame retardant finishes for 100% cotton and cotton blend fabrics are available with varying levels of durability, including finishes guaranteed for the life of the garment.

Synthetic flame resistant fibers were developed in the 1950’s. Inherently flame resistant, the first fiber introduced was NOMEX ® from DuPont. As with the development of FR cotton, new finishes and additional fibers have been produced to address identified shortcomings. Currently, various blends and finishes are available for a variety of end uses.

What is the best FR Fiber and/or fabric?
There is no perfect flame resistant garment system that meets all needs. Each FR fiber or treated fabric has certain properties that, depending on end use requirements, can be either benefits or shortcomings. Blending different fibers attempts to balance these properties for maximum fabric performance. It is important to be aware of these properties so garments may be selected to meet the specific requirements of a given application.

What key points should I consider when choosing FR garments?
Your review of fabrics should consider thermal protection, static resistance, comfort, durability, stability, employee acceptance, appearance, ease of laundry maintenance, color availability, and relative cost. You also need to be aware of any special circumstances, such as electric arc, molten substance, or chemical hazards.

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FIBERS USED IN FLAME RESISTANT WORK APPAREL FABRICS

In order to serve the market for flame resistant protective garments, there must be a continuing focus on the customer’s requirements based on their evaluation of existing hazards in the workplace and applicable regulations and standards.

Important considerations in any flame resistant protective apparel program are testing and standards
requirements. Outside of military specifications, the primary existing and proposed tests and standards for the civilian clothing market in the United States are as follow:

Generic Name Fiber Manufacturer Moisture Regain* Tenacity g/den** Comments
Aramid (meta) NOMEX Conex® DuPont
Teijin (Japan)		 5.5 4.0-5.3
  • Long chain synthetic polyamide fiber.
  • Excellent thermal stability not melt and drip
  • Excellent chemical and abrasion resistance.
  • Colorfastness to laundering and light exposure.
    • Aramid (para) Technora® KEVLAR® DuPont
    Teijin (Japan)    		 4.3 21-27
  • Long chain synthetic polyamide fiber
  • Blended for fabric with fabric Nomex integrity in high temperature
    • TWARON® Teijin (Japan) 4.0 22.6
  • Fair abrasion resistance.
  • Sensitive to chlorine bleach, light, and strong mineral acids.
    • Polyamide imide KERMEL® KERMEL® (France) 3.4 4.0-4.5
  • Long chain synthetic polyamide fiber. Excellent thermal stability not melt and drip.
  • Excellent chemical and abrasion resistance. colorfastness to laundering and light exposure.
    • Basofil BASOFIL® McKinnon 5.0 2.0
  • A melamine fiber formed when methylol compounds react to Land-Moran three dimensional structure of methylene ether and methylene
  • Resistant to many solvents and alkalis. Moderately resistant
  • Will not shrink, melt or drip when exposed to a flame.
    • Modacrylic Protex® Kaneka (Japan) 2.5 1.7-2.6
  • Long chain synthetic polymer fiber containing acrylonitrile units fled with flame retardants.
  • Excellent chemical resistance.
  • Fair resistance.
  • High thermal shrinkage.
    • FR Acrylic Super Valzer® Kanebo Lufnen (Japan) 2.5 1.7-2.6
  • Long chain synthetic polymer fiber containing acrylonitrile units fled with flame retardants
  • Excellent chemical resistance.
  • Fair resistance.
  • High thermal shrinkage.
    • PBI PBI Gold® Celanese 15.0 2.8
  • Polymer is a sulfonated poly (2,2-m-phenylene-5,5 bibenzimidazole). Will not ignite, does not melt.
  • Excellent chemical resistance.
  • Dyeable in dark shades only.
    • Polyimide P84® Inspec Fibres (Austria) 3.0 4.3
  • Long chain synthetic polyimide fiber.
  • High thermal shrinkage.
  • Thermal properties inferior to Nomex
    • FR Viscose Lenzing® FRLenzing (Austria) 10.0 2.6 - 3.0
  • Man-made cellulosic, properties similar to cotton.
  • Fiber contains flame retardants.
    • FR Cotton FR Cotton Natural Fiber 8.0 2.4 - 2.9
  • Flame retardant treated in fabric form. Poor resistance to acids. Relatively poor abrasion resistance.
  • Relatively poor colorfastness laundering and light exposure.
  • Wear properties similar to untreated cotton.
    • Vinal VINEX® FR9B® Westex 3.0 3.0
  • Fabric blended of 85% Vinal/15% rayon.
  • Fiber composed of alcohol units with acetal crosslinks.
  • Sheds aluminum splash. sensitive to shrinkage from wet and dry heat.
    • FR Polyester AVORA® FR Polyester KoSa 0.4 4.5
  • Polyester with proprietary organic phosphorus compound incorporated into the polymer chain.
  • Properties similar to regular polyester as modified by flame retardants.
  • Melt point 9°C lower than regular polyester.
    • Polyamide Nylon DuPont Monsanto 4.5 6.0 - 8.0
  • Long chain synthetic polyamide in which less than 85% of the aramide linkages are attached.
  • Blended with FR cotton to improve abrasion resistance. Wear properties significantly better than cotton.
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    * A measure of ability to absorb moisture. (Percent by weight of moisture gained from a bone dry) state at 65% relative humidity
    ** A measure of strength and durability (Tenacity is defined as force per unit linear density to break a known unit of fiber.)

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    DALE ANTIFLAME 100% COTTON

    Dale Antiflame® is a Dale North America, Inc. trademark for a line of 100% cotton fabrics treated with a heat-cured dialkylphosphonamide flame retardant. In this process Pyrovatex CP New ® chemicals from Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation become chemical residents of the cotton fiber. Cotton is soft and widely viewed as the most comfortable fiber.

    The flame resistant process has only a minor affect on either fabric hand or performance characteristics.

    Applications
    Utilities, petrochemical, and chemical, oil, gas, military applications, wildland fire fighting. Nearly all areas involving ferrous metals such as foundries, flame cutting, welding, etc.

    Not Recommended For
    Use around molten “white metals”, such as aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, or for use in critical static control operations.

    Flame Resistance
    The durability of the FR finish is guaranteed for an indefinite number of washings by the fabric supplier, providing that users follow wash and care instructions. Durability of this finish to home laundering is good. However, standard North American industrial laundry practices will destroy the FR properties of the fabric.

    Colors
    Dyeable in a wide range of colors. Colorfastness is variable and similar to untreated cotton. Effects of Acids and Alkalis Cotton is resistant to alkalis and most solvents, but many acids will completely destroy cotton, both FR and non-FR. The fabric does not provide personal chemical protection to the wearer. Where chemical exposure is a hazard, appropriate specialized barrier garments should be selected.

    Effects of Acids and Alkalis
    Cotton is resistant to alkalis and most solvents, but many acids will completely destroy cotton, both FR and non-FR. The fabric does not provide personal chemical protection to the wearer. Where chemical exposure is a hazard, appropriate specialized barrier garments should be selected.

    Effect of Bleaches and Solvents
    Bleach resistance deserves special comment. Cotton itself is unaffected by chlorine bleach if it is properly used (correct temperature and pH ranges). However, repeated chlorine bleach launderings will destroy the flame retardant polymer in treated cotton fabric. Chlorine bleach must not be used on flame retardant treated cotton fabrics.

    Effect of Mildew, Aging, Sunlight and Abrasion
    Cotton has relatively poor resistance to mildew, aging, and sunlight. Abrasion resistance is also relatively poor.

    Thermal Stability
    FR cotton has good resistance to dry heat and is a natural insulator. Cotton fabrics treated with flame retardants containing phosphorus cannot be used around molten white metals such as aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. Because of the low surface tension of these substances in liquid form, they will stick to FR cotton. See the sections on VINEX ® , FR-9B ® , Wool/Rayon Blends, and FR8 ® coated aluminum splash fabrics for information on fabrics appropriate for use around white metals.

    Moisture Regain/Static Control
    Moisture regain of cotton is excellent which results in low static propensity. However, since static control depends on ambient relative humidity, the fabric should not be considered for applications where critical static control is required. It is especially important that garments not be donned or removed in a hazardous area.

    Processing
    Dale North America, Inc. provides recommended laundry instructions, but generally speaking Antiflame® garments can be laundered by normal procedures used for any 100% cotton garment. However, acid sour rinse alters the pH level of Dale Antiflame ® and may affect its flame resistance.
    DO NOT USE ACID SOUR RINSE.
    Laundry shrinkage is reported to be minimal, although exposure to excessive dryer temperatures will result in higher than expected shrinkage.
    DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH.
    Do not use natural soaps, starch, or fabric softeners as these may mask flame resistance.

    Garment Cost
    Antiflame® garments cost about 30% more than durable FR cotton and about 30% less than 6.0 oz. NOMEX ® .

    Garment Life
    Garment life under normal conditions should be about the same as regular, untreated 100% cotton garments of the same fabric weight.

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    INDURA ULTRA-SOFT FR 100% Cotton

    Durable FR 100% Cotton
    Fabrics are produced with the gaseous ammonia or THPOH-NH3 reaction. This process forms a high molecular weight polymer within the cotton itself. Cotton is soft and widely viewed as the most comfortable fiber. The ammonia cure flame resistant process has only a minor affect on either fabric hand or performance characteristics. Durable FR 100% cotton fabrics produced with the ammonia cure process include, but are not limited to, INDURA® by Westex, Inc. and Banox Certified® by ITEX.

    Applications
    Utilities, petrochemical, chemical, oil, gas, military applications, wildland fire fighting. Nearly all areas involving ferrous metals such as foundries, flame cutting, welding, etc.

    Not Recommended For
    Use around molten “white metals” such as aluminum, magnesium, or zinc or for use in critical static control operations. Garments made from durable FR 100% cotton fabrics should not be worn in chemical operations where contact with strong oxidizers (e.g., >10% sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl) or reducing agents (e.g., sodium hydrosulfite, Na2 S2 O4) is a consideration.

    Flame Resistance
    Durable FR 100% cotton fabrics are guaranteed flame resistant for the life of the garment by the fabric manufacturer.

    Colors
    Dyeable in a wide range of colors. Colorfastness to laundering is variable and similar to untreated cotton.

    Effect of Acids and Alkalis
    Cotton is resistant to alkalis and most solvents, but many acids will completely destroy cotton, both FR and non-FR. The fabric does not provide personal chemical protection to the wearer. Where chemical exposure is a hazard, appropriate specialized barrier garments should be selected.

    Effect of Bleaches and Solvents
    Bleach resistance deserves special comment. Cotton itself is unaffected by chlorine bleach if it is properly used (correct temperature and pH ranges). However, repeated chlorine bleach launderings will destroy the flame retardant polymer in treated cotton fabric. Chlorine bleach must not be used on flame retardant treated cotton fabrics. Detergents containing bleach alternatives (sodium perborate) are acceptable for home laundering, but industrial laundry detergents containing hydrogen peroxide must not be used.

    Effect of Mildew, Aging, Sunlight and Abrasion
    Cotton has relatively poor resistance to mildew, aging, and sunlight. Abrasion resistance is also relatively poor. Direct exposure to ultraviolet rays in welding can result in fabric damage, including strength and color loss, caused by actinic degradation.

    Thermal Stability
    FR cotton fabric has good resistance to dry heat and is a natural insulator. Phosphorus treated 100% cotton cannot be used around molten white metals such as aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. Because of the low surface tension of these substances in liquid form, they will stick to FR cotton. See the sections on VINEX®, FR- 9B®, Wool/Rayon Blends, and coated aluminum splash fabrics for information on fabrics appropriate for use around white metals.

    Moisture Regain/Static Control
    Moisture regain of cotton is excellent which results in low static propensity. However, since static control depends on ambient relative humidity, the fabric should not be considered for applications where critical static control is required. It is especially important that these garments not be donned or removed in a hazardous area.

    Processing
    Durable FR 100% cotton garments can be laundered by normal procedures used for any 100% cotton garments. Laundry shrinkage of up to 5% can be expected, although exposure to excessive dryer temperatures will result in much higher shrinkage. Starches, fabric softeners, and other laundry additives should be avoided.
    DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH. DO NOT USE INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY DETERGENTS OR OTHER CHEMICALS CONTAINING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.
    Detergents containing bleach alternatives (sodium perborate) are acceptable for home laundering. The fabric can be tunnel finished up to 280°F fabric temperature or pressed at normal utility press temperatures (300°F). See Red Kap Technical Bulletin RK-55 for specific processing recommendations.

    Garment Cost
    Garments of durable FR 100% cotton fabrics treated with the ammonia cure process cost about twice as much as conventional 65% polyester/35% cotton, or about 1⁄2 the cost of NOMEX®.

    Garment Life
    Garment life under normal wear conditions is the same as regular 100% cotton, about 1⁄2 to 2⁄3 that of 65% polyester/ 35% cotton, and perhaps 1⁄3 of NOMEX®.

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    INDURA ULTRA-SOFT FR
    Cotton Blends 88% COTTON / 12% NYLON

    Durable FR Cotton Blends
    88% COTTON/12% NYLON
    Fabrics are made from a blend of cotton and nylon fibers. These fabrics are constructed with a 75% cotton/ 25% nylon warp and a 100% cotton fill. The resulting overall blend level is 88% cotton/12% nylon. The fabrics are finished with the ammonia cure process and are designed to provide increased abrasion resistance compared to durable FR 100% cotton. Durable FR cotton blends include, but are not limited to INDURA® Ultra Soft® by Westex, Inc. and Banwear® by ITEX Inc.

    Applications
    Utilities, petrochemical, chemical, oil, gas, military applications, wildland fire fighting. Nearly all areas involving ferrous metals such as foundries, flame cutting, welding, etc

    Not Recommended For
    Use around molten “white metals” such as aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, or for use in critical static control operations. Use of phosphorus containing flame resistant cotton is not recommended in chemical operations where contact with strong oxidizers (e.g., >10% sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl) or reducing agents (e.g., sodium hydrosulfite, Na2 S2 O4) are a consideration.

    Flame Resistance
    Durable FR cotton blend fabrics are guaranteed flame resistant for the life of the garment by the fabric manufacturer.

    Colors
    Dyeable in a wide range of colors. Colorfastness to laundering is variable and similar to untreated cotton.

    Effect of Acids and Alkalis
    Resistant to alkalis and most solvents, but many acids will completely destroy cotton, both FR and non-FR. The fabrics do not provide personal chemical protection to the wearer. Where chemical exposure is a hazard, appropriate specialized barrier garments should be selected.

    Effect of Bleaches and Solvents
    Bleach resistance deserves a special comment. Cotton itself is unaffected by chlorine bleach if it is properly used (correct temperature and pH ranges). However, repeated chlorine bleach launderings will destroy the flame-retardant polymer in treated cotton fabric. Chlorine bleach must not be used on flame retardant treated durable FR cotton blend fabrics. Detergents containing bleach alternatives (sodium perborate) are acceptable for home laundering, but industrial laundry detergents containing hydrogen peroxide must
    not be used.

    Effect of Mildew, Aging, Sunlight and Abrasion
    Cotton has relatively poor resistance to mildew, aging, and sunlight. Abrasion resistance is also relatively poor. Nylon is added to the blend to improve abrasion resistance. Direct exposure to ultraviolet rays in welding can result in fabric damage, including strength and color loss, caused by actinic degradation.

    Thermal Stability
    Durable FR cotton blend fabrics have good resistance to dry heat and are natural insulators. In a thermal exposure, the nylon portion of the 88% cotton/12% nylon blend is completely absorbed by the majority cotton fiber. It does not flow or lead to skin contact. These fabrics are acceptable for use against electric arc exposures. Phosphorus-treated cotton blends cannot be used around molten white metals such as aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. Because of the low surface tension of these substances in liquid form, they will stick to FR cotton blends. See the sections on VINEX®, FR-9B®, Wool/Rayon Blends, and coated aluminum splash fabrics for information on fabrics appropriate for use around white metals.

    Moisture Regain/Static Control
    Moisture regain of durable FR cotton blends is excellent which results in low static propensity. The addition of a small amount of nylon and the use of the ammonia cure flame resistant process have only a minor affect on moisture regain. However, since static control depends on ambient relative humidity, the fabric should not be considered for applications where critical static control is required. It is especially important that these garments not be donned or removed in a hazardous area.

    Processing
    Durable FR cotton/nylon blend garments can be laundered by normal procedures used for any 100% cotton garments. Laundry shrinkage of up to 5% can be expected, although exposure to excessive dryer temperatures will result in much higher shrinkage. Starches, fabric softeners, and other laundry additives should be avoided.
    DO NOT USE CHLORINE
    BLEACH DO NOT USE INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY
    DETERGENTS OR OTHER CHEMICALS CONTAINING
    HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.
    Detergents containing bleach alternatives (sodium perborate) are acceptable for home laundering. The fabric can be tunnel finished up to 280°F fabric temperature or pressed at normal utility press temperature (300°F). See Red Kap Technical Bulletin RK-55 for specific processing recommendations.

    Garment Cost
    Durable FR cotton/nylon blend garments cost about 20% more than durable FR 100% cotton.

    Garment Life
    Under normal wear conditions. About 50-60% more than durable FR 100% cotton fabric, and perhaps 1⁄2 that of NOMEX®.

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