Wearing protective clothing is essential on worksites. Minimizing exposure to hazards such as cuts, electrocution, and burns will help you stay safe, no matter what dangers you face.
When your fire-resistant clothing starts to wear down, you may be tempted to fix it yourself. Is mending FR clothing a good idea or a bad one?
Get the Right Information
Whether or not you can repair FR clothing depends on the state of the fabric and how comfortable you are with mending it yourself. Knowing what to watch out for in your PPE will allow you to make the best decision when rotating items out of everyday use.
Check if the fabric is worn down or torn to ensure no skin is exposed. Make sure all zippers, buttons, and other fasteners function correctly. Everything should fit properly so you aren’t uncomfortable while working.
Use the Right Fabric
Never wash your FR clothing with other fabrics. In many cases, you can wash FR clothing in an industrial machine to remove the buildup of dirt and debris. You’ll need to get suitable fabric to repair extensive damage.
If the clothing is too far gone, it may be time to purchase something new. Fire-resistant shirts for men offer excellent quality, protection, and comfort for the price, so repairs may not be necessary for some garments.
Send It Back to the Manufacturer
You may not have to repair your FR clothing yourself. Some manufacturers will repair clothing for you if you send it to them. Contact them, describe the damage, and supply a photo if possible, so they can determine if the garment is worth repairing.
This approach can be costly, so get a cost estimate before sending your items. Remember, any FR clothing with stains that don’t wash out should be considered potentially hazardous. You never know what types of chemicals the fabrics have absorbed.
Check Your PPE Regularly for Maximum Safety
Crews have to manage many types of PPE during their day. It’s better to be safe than sorry with FR clothing. Exposure to extreme temperatures isn’t something to take lightly.
Whether mending FR clothing is a good or bad idea depends entirely on the state of the gear and the availability of information and materials for appropriate repairs.