Dirty Oil Based Substances On Flame Resistant Clothing
Many people we find just take it for granted that their flame resistant clothing will protect them as the FR fabric is made to self extinguish but that’s once it’s removed from the flame source.
However when a garment becomes so soiled in flammable substances like oil and gas the garment itself becomes a fuel source.
For those who are uninformed following is information that might just help save a life. Maybe yours.
The FR properties that make the clothing flame resistant comes from the fibre if it’s inherent or the treatment used but this only applies to clean flame resistant clothing.
If you think about the fabric it has become a base layer fabric once soiled extensively with oil, gas and assorted lubricants. The fuel source will burn on the outside creating just as much damage as though non FR clothing is being worn.
Removing the contaniments as soon as possible when they soil the garments is very important as the longer the fuel sources are left on the garments the better chance there is of degrading the fabric underneath. As the fabric becomes weaker and thinner it will tend to tear or makes holes so much easier.
What happens is that the fuel source is an attraction to a flame source and over time the more sparks and welding splatter (for instance) that comes in contact with the garments the more tiny fires that are created wear out the fabric underneath.
Eventually the fabric will get to the that there is so much oil and grease (fuel) that it is very flammable and the fabric being weak takes away any protective properties it might have.
It is my intent of this article to provide a better understanding to those exposed to flash fire or electric arc and the fact that the condition of their ppe is so, so important.
Terry Smeader
Safety Protection Warehouse
Ph: 888-440-4668
Terry Smeader
Safety Protection Warehouse
Ph: 888-440-4668
www.coverallsale.ca
Terry Smeader
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Tags: flame resistant clothing
