Understanding Flame-Retardant (FR) Clothing: Safety Standards, and Maintenance

What Is FR Clothing and When Should It Be Used?

In hazardous work environments, proper protective clothing is critical—but not all “FR” clothing offers the same level of protection. Understanding the difference between flame-retardant and flame-resistant (arc-rated) clothing is essential for worker safety and regulatory compliance.

⚠️ Important Safety Note

Flame-retardant (chemically treated) clothing should NEVER be used in environments where an arc flash or fire hazard is present.
In these conditions, workers must wear arc-rated, flame-resistant clothing that meets applicable NFPA standards.

Understanding FR Clothing and How It Works

What Is Flame-Resistant Clothing?

Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is designed to resist ignition, self-extinguish when the ignition source is removed, and reduce burn severity. Unlike everyday fabrics, FR garments do not continue to burn or melt when exposed to heat or flames, giving workers valuable time to escape hazardous conditions.

How FR Protection Is Achieved

There are two very different types of “FR” clothing, and confusing them can be dangerous:

1. Inherent Flame-Resistant Fabrics

These materials are naturally flame resistant, meaning the protection is built into the fiber itself and will not wash out over time.

• Flame resistance is permanent

• Suitable for fire and arc flash hazards

• Common materials include aramids and modacrylic blends

2. Chemically Treated Flame-Retardant Fabrics

These are standard fabrics treated with chemicals to slow ignition.

• Protection degrades over time and laundering

• NOT suitable for arc flash or flash fire exposure

• Intended only for low-risk, non-electrical environments

Flame-Retardant vs. Flame-Resistant Clothing

Who Needs Flame-Resistant (Arc-Rated) Clothing?

Workers in environments where fire, flash fire, or electrical arc hazards exist must wear arc-rated flame-resistant clothing, not chemically treated flame-retardant garments.

Industries that typically require arc-rated FR clothing include:

• Oil and gas extraction and refining

• Electrical utilities and power generation

• Welding and metal fabrication

• Manufacturing and chemical processing

• Construction and industrial maintenance

• Emergency response operations

If a job involves open flames, sparks, energized equipment, or flammable materials, arc-rated FR clothing is required.

Safety Standards & Compliance

Is FR Clothing OSHA Approved?

OSHA does not approve specific garments, but it requires employers to provide appropriate protective clothing under:

• OSHA 1910.132 – General PPE requirements

• OSHA 1910.269 – Electrical power generation and distribution

Employers must select clothing that matches the actual hazard exposure.

Key FR Clothing Standards

• NFPA 2112 – Flash fire protection

• NFPA 70E – Electrical arc flash protection

• ASTM F1506 – Arc-rated fabric testing

• ISO 11612 – Heat and flame protection

Only garments tested and labeled to these standards should be used in hazardous environments.

Arc Flash Protection & CAT Ratings

Do I Need FR Clothing for Arc Flash Protection?

Yes. Arc flash hazards require arc-rated flame-resistant clothing with a tested ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value).

CAT (Category) Ratings Explained

• CAT 1: 4 cal/cm²

• CAT 2: 8 cal/cm²

• CAT 3: 25 cal/cm²

• CAT 4: 40 cal/cm²

Higher CAT ratings provide greater protection against electrical arc energy.

Choosing the Right FR Gear

When selecting FR clothing, consider:

• The specific hazard (fire vs. arc flash)

• Required safety standards

• CAT rating and ATPV

• Comfort, fit, and durability

Slightly loose-fitting FR garments provide better insulation by creating an air gap between fabric and skin. Layering arc-rated FR clothing can also increase protection when done correctly.

Care & Maintenance

To preserve protection:

• Wash with mild detergent

• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners

• Wash separately from non-FR garments

• Follow manufacturer care instructions

Replace FR clothing if you notice thinning fabric, holes, excessive wear, or contamination that cannot be removed.

Final Takeaway

Flame-retardant (chemically treated) clothing is NOT appropriate for fire or arc flash hazards.
For these environments, workers must wear properly rated flame-resistant, arc-rated clothing that meets recognized safety standards.

Choosing the correct FR gear—and maintaining it properly—reduces injury risk, improves compliance, and protects lives.

Here at Inland Empire Safety, we provide different FR clothing,

We have FR Safety Vest

FR Shirts

FR Pants

Want to learn about safety compliances for Impact Gloves? Click here for more.