In 2023, fire-related incidents saw a concerning rise in England, with fire rescue services attending over 178,000 fires—a 17% increase from the previous year. Notably, primary fires, which pose significant threats to life and property, accounted for a large portion of these incidents. This uptick emphasises the critical need for safety measures, especially in high-risk professions.
With thousands of lives impacted annually by such incidents, the importance of flame retardant clothing and gear cannot be overstated. For professionals exposed to fire hazards, wearing protective gear isn’t just an option; it’s an essential safeguard that could make the difference between life and death. For employers, this is a moral and legal obligation they cannot afford to overlook.
Hidden Dangers Of Workplace Fire
Fire can occur in any type of workplace, but people working in field sites, such as construction, manufacturing, mines, utilities, and waste management face particularly elevated risks. Flammable materials sparks from machinery and electrical faults are common ignition sources in these environments, posing serious threats to workers. Some of the common causes of workplace fires include:
Electrical Faults
Wiring issues, frayed cables, and overloaded circuits are among the primary reasons for electrical faults. Workers in industries that rely heavily on electrical equipment are at higher risk. This is why regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems are vital to reduce the occurrence of this hazard.
Hot Work Activities
Welding, grinding, and other hot work can easily ignite flammable materials like oils, dust, and gases. As such, hot work permits that outline safety precautions are critical for controlling these risks.
Improper Storage of Flammable Materials
Flammable liquids and gases must be stored properly in designated areas with adequate ventilation and safety controls. Failure to do so can lead to leaks and spills that become ignition sources.
As an employer, you have the power to make a meaningful difference by ensuring your team has access to appropriate protective equipment. These garments are designed to protect, slow, or stop the spread of flames and provide more time for evacuation.
Understanding Flame Retardant Clothing
Flame-retardant materials play a vital role in industries where fire risks are present, offering various levels of protection depending on the fabric used. Here’s a breakdown of some key types available:
- Treated Flame-Retardant Fabrics – These are common in industries like manufacturing and construction. Fabrics such as cotton are chemically treated to enhance their fire-resistant properties. The treatment slows down ignition time and limits flame spread.
- Inherent Flame-Resistant Fabrics – Fabrics like aramids (e.g., Nomex) and modacrylics are inherently flame-resistant because their molecular structure prevents them from igniting. These materials don’t lose their protective abilities over time and are popular in sectors like firefighting, oil, and gas.
- Blends – Many flame-retardant garments are made of blended materials, combining the best of different fibres. For example, cotton blends can include materials like nylon for added durability and fire resistance.
Each material has its strengths, so selecting the right one depends on the specific risks faced in your industry. Proper gear can offer critical protection, minimising fire hazards while ensuring worker comfort.
Examples of Fire Retardant Clothing
There is a wide range of flame retardant garments on the market these days, but it’s important to be aware of their key differences and benefits. Here are a few examples for your reference:
- Blaklader Shirt: This shirt offers essential protection against flames, heat, and static discharge. Certified to EN 1149-5, ISO 11612 (A1, A2, B1, C1, E1), and IEC 61482-2 Class 1, it’s perfect for high-risk industries. Made from a 98% cotton, 2% antistatic blend, the shirt features hidden metal push buttons, chest pockets, adjustable sleeves, and durable fabric for industrial washing.
- Blaklader Pique Polo Shirt: Combining comfort with safety, this shirt features a fabric blend of 59% Modacrylic, 39% Cotton, and 2% antistatic fibres at 220gsm. It offers flame and heat protection certified to EN11612 (A1 B1 C1) and EN1149-5 for antistatic properties. The shirt’s flame-reactive fabric and fitted cuffs ensure a lightweight, snug fit, ideal for professionals needing reliable protection without compromising comfort.
- Blaklader Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Built to keep you safe from flames, this shirt offers protection against fire, heat, and electrical hazards. With certifications such as EN ISO 11612 (A1, B1, C1, E1, F1) and IEC 61482-2, class 1, it’s perfect for high-risk industries where arc flash and heat exposure are common. The fabric blend of 48% modacrylic, 42% cotton, 5% aramid, 3% polyamide, and 2% antistatic fibres at 250gsm provides excellent durability and comfort.
- Wenaas Offshore Coverall: Providing robust flame protection, this coverall is certified to EN ISO 11612 (A1, A2, B1, C1). Made from a durable 75% cotton / 25% polyester blend at 290gsm, this garment ensures comfort and safety in high-risk environments. The design features a concealed two-way front zipper and 50 mm reflective tape on the shoulders, arms, and legs for increased visibility. For practicality, the coverall includes an adjustable waist, two chest pockets, two side pockets with access to undergarments, two back pockets, and dedicated ruler and knee pockets.
- Wenaas Offshore Winter Coverall: Designed for harsh offshore environments, this winter garment offers comprehensive protection from flames, static, and water. Made from 99% polyester and 1% antistatic fibre, it’s waterproof and breathable, ensuring comfort in cold, wet conditions. It features a two-way front zip concealed by a flap and reflective tape for added visibility.
The Vital Role of Fire Resistant Garments
Investing in quality fireproof clothing and gear is crucial for workers in high-risk environments. What makes it extremely crucial? Here are the answers:
Protection Against Fire Hazards
Flame-resistant clothing provides essential protection for employees working in hazardous environments by slowing the spread of flames and giving them valuable time to escape during emergencies. The flame-resistant fabrics used in these garments undergo special treatments or contain inherent flame-resistant fibres that help prevent ignition, reduce flammability, and minimise the spread of flames.
When exposed to heat or fire, these fabrics char and form an insulating barrier rather than melting, while releasing less heat and smoke. As a result, the clothing does not sustain combustion and helps shield the wearer’s body from burn injuries, buying employees precious minutes to safely evacuate the area in the event of a fire or flash fire.
Corporate Uniform Policies
Corporate uniform policies play a key role in mandating fire-retardant clothing for employees working in hazardous environments. Official dress codes that require fire-resistant garments ensure that all staff have the necessary protection while on duty.
This helps minimise the risk of injuries and fatalities from fire incidents by guaranteeing that every worker is outfitted in appropriate flame-resistant apparel. Requiring fire retardant uniforms also demonstrates the company’s commitment to prioritising the health and safety of its employees.
Industry-Specific Requirements
Many industries have strict legal requirements mandating that employees wear fire-retardant clothing and equipment. Businesses that fail to provide appropriate flame-resistant gear expose themselves to serious legal consequences, including fines, lawsuits, and criminal charges in the event of a fire-related injury or fatality.
In the UK, failing to comply with fire retardant clothing regulations can result in substantial fines and legal actions. For instance, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their employees, which includes providing adequate protective clothing. Breaching these regulations may lead to penalties imposed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which can reach up to £20,000 for each violation, and, in severe cases, imprisonment may also be considered.
Protect Your Employees with Flame Resistant Workwear
Protecting your employees is a wise investment that will pay dividends in productivity, safety and reputation. You’ll reduce absenteeism from burn injuries and improve morale by showing you care about their wellbeing. And you’ll demonstrate your commitment to health and safety compliance to regulators, customers and the public.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Investing in quality fire resistant gear requires an upfront cost but can result in considerable long-term savings. Workers are less likely to suffer serious burns and other fire-related injuries, which means lower medical costs and lost productivity.
In addition, employees appreciate employers prioritising their safety and well-being. This results in higher morale, engagement and retention, a more productive workforce, and a better reputation.
Partner with Quality Suppliers
Partnering with reputable, high-quality suppliers of flameproof garments is essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of your workforce. Ensure to partner with suppliers who can provide clothing that meets all relevant safety standards. They must use proper fire retardant chemistries and rigorous quality control testing.
By partnering with suppliers who have a proven track record and commitment to safety, you can be confident your workforce is outfitted in clothing that will perform as intended and protect them from fire hazards on the job.
The Bottomline
Investing in quality flame-resistant gear for your employees is essential for their safety and compliance. Failure to do so can expose your organisation to substantial risks, costs and reputational damage. You should partner with reputable suppliers of fire resistant clothing to outfit your workforce in gear that will perform as intended and protect them from fire hazards on the job.
Ensure worker safety by choosing high-quality workwear from Mammoth. Our flame retardant clothing is certified to major industry safety standards and undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee performance. Outfit your team with high-quality protective clothing today and keep them safe on the job.