How does Flame resistant clothing apply to the Welding industry?
The discussion about how flame resistant clothing related to the welding industry is an interesting one, from which numerous questions may arise. There are certain aspects that one needs to understand when looking into this area. Protection is a primary concern for welders as their job often includes some risks and possible flame/burn injuries. With this in mind, it is pertinent to review possible safety wear such as flame resistant clothing.
Can FR garments work for welders?
The fabrics used to make flame resistant garments have properties governed by the ASTM F2302 standards which defines the concept of flame resistance. It does not necessarily mean that total burn protection will be offered, but provides protection with material that is flame resistant and will prevent severe burns. The fabric mitigates against ignition and burning when exposed to a flame. This important element helps to minimize the possibility of burn injuries to the person wearing the garments.
With this in mind, people in the welding industry may opt for more specific fabrics tailored for that profession. Flame resistant clothing helps to resist direct ignition sources and exposure to sparks.
Additionally, most FR clothing are tailored with a printed warning inside that indicates that the clothing offers only a certain level of protection and continuous exposure to open flames should be minimized. In welding, this may refer to the continuous exposure to sparks which may stay on the clothing for an extended period of time.
Welding Standards
The welding industry does have an established standard which also speaks of protective clothing. This is found in the ANSI Z49 standard which instructs users to select clothing to minimize the risk of ignition when exposed to the elements of the trade. It also specifies that the clothing should be made of appropriate materials that will curtail the risk of skin burns that are caused by sparks, spatter or radiation. In addition, it also discusses that an apron must be worn when extra protection is necessary. It is important to note that in the welding standards they also refer to minimizing burns and not total prevention.
Conclusion
The companies that make the FR clothing are aware of the fact that users in various industries will try to justify the use of their garments. It is with this in mind that a label is normally inserted to indemnify them and puts the responsibility of choosing the correct application to the end user.
Having highlighted the various properties of FR fabrics, one can conclude that it does aid in the welding profession but cannot be deemed the primary protection for the user. It will be imperative that additional protective clothing be employed to minimize the possibility of ignition and burns while enjoying their craft. Be sure to choose the most appropriate protection for your industry and maintain safety standards.
Terry Smeader
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Tags: flame resistant clothing, garments, welding
