What Makes Clothing Fire Retardant?

Characteristics

• When exposed to high heat or flame for brief intervals, fire retardant clothing does not burn or melt and also protects the clothing worn beneath it from the heat. Fire retardant clothing is either made of fibers that do not burn or treated with a non-flammable coating. One example of a naturally flame resistant material is natural wool. Wool is not entirely non-flammable but tends to burn itself out quickly.
  
  

Other Properties

• Other than fire resistance, work clothing must often have additional characteristics to keep the worker safe. Some of these include chemical resistance, resistance to static charge or resistance to abrasion. Worker comfort is important so fire retardant clothing must cover well without adding too much bulk or heat for the wearer. Clothing worn beneath fire retardant apparel should be made of natural fibers that do not melt. Wool, silk and cotton work well but untreated polyesters, nylon or poly-cotton blends can negate the properties of the fire retardant clothing covering them.
  
  

Care of Fire Retardant Clothing

• If fire retardant clothing is soiled with oily residue and/or dirt, the fibers lose their effectiveness. Cleaning these articles should be done according to the manufacturer's recommendations as detergent, bleach and mineral deposits may also affect the fire retardant's effectiveness. Damage or tears should be promptly repaired using fire retardant patches and thread to maintain the integrity of the garment.
  
  

Proban for Cotton

• Fabrics made of 100 percent cotton are rendered fire retardant through the use of a chemical coating called Proban. Proban, made by Westex, causes the cotton to form a strong, solid char that immediately insulates the wearer from the heat. Testing has shown that Proban retains its effectiveness after 25 to 35 washings if laundered immediately after it is soiled. In order to avoid shrinkage, dry cleaning or washing in warm water is recommended.
  
  

Nomex

• Nomex, made by Dupont is in itself a flame resistant fiber. Nomex's protective qualities will not wash out. When exposed to flame, Nomex will char but not ignite. Nomex is not as breathable as Proban-treated cotton so may get hot in some factory environments. Nomex will experience less shrinkage if dry cleaned but can be washed at home or commercially as well. One particularly good characteristic of Nomex is that it is inherently antistatic. Nomex can reduce burns by 67 percent when compared to untreated cotton.
  
  

Firewear

• Firewear by Springs Protective Fabrics is a patented, engineered modacrylic that contains flame retardant chemicals. Firewear is blended with 45 percent cotton. When exposed to flame, Firewear releases non-flammable gases that smothers the fire and keeps the cotton from burning. Firewear will not wash out and may be home laundered, commercially cleaned or dry cleaned. Firewear is breathable and comfortable for the wearer.