High Visibility FR Arc Rated Clothing Under Garments
When it comes to what a person is required to wear as a base layer under their arc rated FR high visibility clothing such as vest, shirts and jackets I feel there is a need to inform.
In work conditions that are typically quite hot there is a tendency for workers to remove layers of clothing in work areas that do not require all the protective clothing required in other locations. For instance when having to wear high visibility arc rated vests and or shirts in one part of the work area and not in another there is a tendency to take off the outer layer of high vis clothing.
This can be done but special attention must be taken to what type of fabric is used in the under layer clothing.
For instance any material that is made out of polyester or a polyester blend cannot be used unless it is taken completely off before putting the FR clothing back on again. The reason for this is that only 100% cotton or an arc rated material can be worn as a base layer as polyester will melt at a rather low temperature and cause burns and possibly melting right into the skin causing severe damage.
Of course a person could wear an arc rated under garment such as a short sleeve FR t-shirt made of Flame resistant, 6.5 oz EXCEL® interlock 100% FR cotton from Bulwark which would take care of the problem. This way you would not have to worry having taking anything on or off and will be protected. Being made of a breathable cotton you will get the benefit of both feeling cooler and still being in compliance for your work hazard.
Terry Smeader
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Tags: arc rated, Flame Resistant, High Visibility Clothing, Regulations
