Fire-resistant (FR) clothing is essential for those on worksites. They protect against hazards and limit exposure to extreme temperatures. Individuals across a wide variety of industries need to prepare for potential emergencies with adequate PPE.
It’s essential to have the right equipment for the job. Wearing clothing rated for high temperatures, arc flashes, and burns will keep you safe when the unexpected happens. Here are 10 industries that require fire-resistant clothing.
Construction
Construction crews are constantly exposed to hazards. Dirt and debris, falling objects, and loose electrical wires are just some of the things that they have to watch out for. Workers often must operate in uncomfortable conditions and extreme weather, making FR clothing the perfect gear for the job.
Whether working on a residential, commercial, or public site, you’ll need the proper gear to stay safe. Luckily, there are strict requirements in place designed to do just that. OSHA considers construction a high-hazard industry, so employers must provide you with the necessary safety training and materials before you start.
Electrical and Utilities
Line workers face severe consequences if they aren’t prepared for the worst. They regularly work with or near high-voltage electrical equipment, which can be fatal if an accident happens. They’re also out in the sun all day, exposed to UVA and UVB light, increasing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
FR clothing covers your entire body, reducing exposure to the sun when you’re out all day. More importantly, it provides a layer of insulation that can resist arc flash and prevent the worst from an electric blast. However, they can’t protect you from electrical shock, so you must be careful.
Oil and Gas
Those in the oil and gas industry are at risk of ignition due to the existence of gas vapors and fumes on worksites. Leaks from wells, vehicles, and equipment can build up, leading to fires or explosions that put workers at risk.
Wearing FR clothing is essential in such environments. Properly rated pants, gloves, shirts, and socks provide a thermal barrier that can withstand high temperatures without melting. FR clothing minimizes heat and burns while keeping workers comfortable throughout the day.
Chemical Plants
Chemical manufacturing plants often use large volumes of toxic substances that can pose health risks to workers if they’re not adequately equipped. Skin irritation, corrosion, and burns are just a few physical hazards you need to protect yourself against.
When working with or around dangerous chemicals, employees should be aware of the possibility of accidental spills and leaks. However, it’s good to have reliable personal protective equipment (PPE) in an emergency. FR clothing offers an additional layer of protection for the skin in case it’s exposed to chemicals or fire.
Pulp and Paper Processing
Paper manufacturing is a high-risk environment due to dust, chemicals, and other flammable materials that can easily ignite during operations. The possibility of combustion means workers must know how to evacuate in case of flash fires.
Wearing FR clothing allows you to take emergency precautions and protects you if you need to evacuate the facility if it catches fire. Manufacturers must still take the necessary steps to secure the worksite. Properly storing chemicals drums will prevent the substances from spilling out and creating additional hazards.
Metals and Smelting
The process of smelting involves heating ores to extreme temperatures to refine the desired metal. This manufacturing environment means workers must deal with large vats of molten materials and excess radiant heat. There are also fumes, gases, and other combustible materials that pose additional risks to workers.
Different metals can react in unexpected ways, making it essential to have adequate protective equipment. A proper set of men’s or women’s FR clothes will ensure you stay comfortable while operating a furnace or smelter.
Pharmaceuticals
Manufacturing pharmaceuticals involves grinding, milling, and pressing various chemicals to produce active ingredients and convert them into consumable products. Creating drugs on an industrial level pose risks to workers due to the existence of flammable materials.
Workers in pharmaceutical plants need equipment to prevent burns and smoke inhalation in case of an emergency. FR clothing can also protect from biological hazards, but it needs to get disposed of if exposed to a toxic substance.
Emergency Services
Individuals working in emergency services face many potential dangers when responding to a scene. Physical, biological, and chemical hazards present unique risks they must know how to handle. However, having the correct PPE for the job is also essential.
Emergency workers are regularly exposed to threats, whether it’s a structure fire, vehicular accident, or chemical spill. With FR clothing, individuals can ensure they have a layer of protection that will keep them safe when assisting others.
Forestry Management
There are quite a few natural hazards in forestry management. Workers must prepare to deal with rough terrain, extreme weather, and exposure to fumes. Wild animals and insect bites also make the job especially treacherous.
Wearing rated PPE while using chainsaws and other types of heavy equipment can go a long way in protecting workers in the field. Mitigating potential injuries with FR clothing will ensure crews can complete their tasks without accidents or injuries.
Research Organizations
While it may not seem obvious, individuals conducting academic research can also face many of the dangers that are common in other industries. Researchers working in the field are often exposed to extremely hot and cold temperatures, risking hypothermia, heat stroke, and other physical injuries.
Gathering detailed information from the world's arctic, subarctic, and desert regions is dangerous. Wearing FR clothing provides a barrier that will protect researchers from the elements and prevent them from problems such as heat rash and frostbite.
FR Clothing Protects You in Many Situations
FR clothing is specially designed to withstand the heat, but it can do much more than that. It keeps you warm in cold weather and provides a thermal barrier in case of electrical shock. FR clothing is a must for workers in various fields that ensures they stay safe from harm.
Knowing the proper handling and safety procedures when working in dangerous environments is essential. However, some situations are out of your control. If you’re working in any industries that require fire-resistant clothing, ensure you and everyone around you are adequately equipped at all times to avoid injury.
