FR Protection 101 – A Guide to Flame-resistant Clothing for the Utilities Industry

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According to the American Burn Association, 486,000 people receive medical treatment for burns each year. Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics, 10 percent to 45 percent of all burns occur in the workplace and 40 percent of deaths caused by burns were related to workplace fires and explosions.
In the utilities industry, the potential for accidental arc flashes and flash fires contribute to the likelihood of burns. It is crucial, therefore, for employers to train their staff about preventing these safety hazards and provide them with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Role of FR Workwear

Flame-resistant (FR) workwear is made from fabrics that do not ignite and will not continue to burn when the flame/thermal source is removed. It also provides a barrier against flames and insulates the wearer from some of the heat. In work environments where arc flash and flash fire hazards are present, the use of FR clothing helps reduce the amount and severity of burn injuries and increases wearers’ chances of survival if such an accident occurs.

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