The safety of the worker is of utmost importance in any case, but especially in some of the most high risk contexts. Fire-retardant clothing serves as an additional layer of safety for workers in some of the most high risk industries such as oil and gas, electrical, or manufacturing. These clothes are made with special fabric that helps to start very little fires while also reducing burn injury. This makes it possible for the employee to carry out his or her duties. The aim of this article is to shed light on the importance of fire retardant clothing, the science behind it, and the impacts of it on employees and employers.
In every industry that deals with flames, extreme heat, or even electric shocks, every worker should be equipped with the right fire-retardant clothing. Clothes are an integral part of life, and a well-designed avert a person from suffering severe burns or injuries. Take the example of getting caught in a fire; fire-retardant clothing will do a great job in self-extinguishing itself, thus reducing the amount of flames and, most importantly, protecting a person's skin from being burnt. On the other hand, regular clothes will catch ablaze the moment they are exposed to fire. There is no guarantee that such clothes will save a person from being set ablaze.
Over the years, the technology behind fire retardant clothing has greatly improved. Nowadays fire resistant clothing is made out of specific fibers that are naturally flame resistant. Such materials are thoroughly scrutinized and tested to guarantee they comply with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) minimum standards. It is these tests that guarantee the clothing’s effectiveness against heat and flames, making them particularly important for dangerous profession employers.
In addition to safety, there are other advantageous considerations with respect to fire retardant clothes for these workers. These specific garments are designed in a way that they can be worn comfortably and freely for vigorous movements. Most manufacturers incorporate moisture wicking fabric into their designs so that workers are comfortable and dry even under extreme conditions. Moreover, these garments are constructed to survive the rigors of daily use, thus the garments do not need to frequently be substituted and in the end save employers money.
The company is ethically bound to ensure the safety of their workers. The provision of fire-resistant clothing both protects the workers and boosts productivity. Workers are able to focus on their responsibilities, which helps improve the overall company culture. Al in all, this will lead to lower costs of insurance as well as liability in case of workplace injuries.
As long as technology and design of clothing materials improves, the market for fire-resistant clothing will continue to grow. With the advancement of the industry, safety measures are becoming more relevant. Because of this, employers are forced to comply with changing laws, regulations, and technologies to ensure the safety of their employees. Further development of Fire retarda