Work Safety: The Importance of Flame-Retardant Workwear

Flame retardant workwear refers to workwear that has been treated with chemicals to help prevent the spread of flames. While they can slow down the ignition process, they may still ignite and continue to burn when exposed to fire. Flame retardant workwear engineered to withstand direct exposure to flames, making it essential for workers in hazardous conditions, where the risk of fire is a significant concern. 

Similarly, flame-resistant clothing (also known as FR workwear) is specifically designed to protect workers from fire hazards and thermal risks in high-risk environments; its specialised apparel is made from materials that resist ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to flames, providing a higher level of protection compared to standard clothing.

The importance of flame retardant workwear lies in its ability to safeguard employee safety, reduce the severity of injuries in case of an incident, and ensure compliance with industry safety regulations. It falls under the category of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which encompasses various gear designed to protect individuals from injuries and hazards. PPE acts as a barrier between the wearer and potential dangers. Common examples of PPE include gloves, safety glasses, boots, helmets or hard hats, and protective clothing. In the realm of fire safety, PPE includes hi vis flame retardant overalls, flame retardant shirts, Men's Orange Flame Flame Overall, flame retardant pants, and more. You can scroll down to learn more, or browse WorkArmour’s flame retardant workwear here. 

In short, flame-retardant workwear shields workers from burns and injuries that are commonly incurred from flame exposure. Flame-retardant gear helps protect workers from such unpredictable hazards, and is therefore critical in work environments such as construction sites, factories, shipyards, manufacturing, and more. 

On construction sites, for example, fire-related dangers are common, from welding and electrical work to handling combustible materials. In fact, one-third of industrial fires happen during maintenance and repair, where sparks from grinding, cutting, and welding can ignite flammable materials. Working in such hazardous environments poses numerous risks, including burns, toxic fumes, heat stress, and arc flash. In industries dealing with flammable materials or ignition sources, flame-retardant clothing is nothing short of essential for the safety of all employees.

Identify Workplace Hazards: Start by assessing the specific risks in your work environment to select the right flame-resistant clothing. The WorkArmour provides detailed recommendations on appropriate clothing for various hazards.

Determine the Level of Protection: Identify the level of protection needed based on how often you face these hazards (ie. rarely, occasionally, or frequently). 

Choose Quality Brands: When selecting flame-retardant clothing, prioritise reputable brands like Syzmik and Flame Buster, known for high standards of quality and safety. Look for essential features and industry certifications, as investing in durable, well-made flame retardant workwear enhances long-term protection and value.

These Torrent HRC2 Cargo Pants are designed for high-risk environments, featuring fire-resistant reflective tape and crafted from a durable fabric blend of modacrylic, cotton, para-aramid, and nylon in a 240gsm ripstop weave. These pants NFPA 2112 standards, ensuring compliance as PPE for electrical arc hazards. They also include an all-plastic zipper on the fly for added safety. Available in both Men’s and Women’s. 

These Flame Retardant Overalls offer high visibility for both day and night with hoop-taped reflective strips, making them ideal for hazardous work environments. Constructed from breathable and soft MODATech fabric, they provide unmatched comfort and coolness. All components, including reflective tape, press studs, labels, threads, and buttons, are flame-retardant rated to ensure maximum safety.

The Men's Orange Hi Vis Flame Retardant Shirt combines high visibility with essential flame protection, offering 9.7 cal of inherent protection at a lightweight 250 gsm. Designed with hoop-taped reflective detailing, this HRC 2-rated shirt also features a gusset sleeve closure for added safety and flame-retardant buttons to enhance durability and security in high-risk environments.

The HRC2 Men's Hi Vis Closed Front FR Shirt is designed for day and night safety, featuring 50mm silver FR perforated reflective tape. It provides inherent HRC 2 protection with an ATPV rating of 8+ cal/cm² and boasts a UPF 50+ rating for sun protection. Built for durability, this shirt complies with AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 standards and is suitable for domestic washing. Gusseted sleeves enhance comfort and mobility, making it a practical choice for high-risk work environments.

HRC (Hazard Risk Category) ratings indicate the level of fire-resistant protection in clothing. Standard workwear typically falls under either HRC1, which provides basic protection, or HRC2, which offers greater protection. Specialised garments, such as arc flash jackets made from thicker or unique materials, may achieve higher HRC ratings due to their enhanced protective properties. While HRC2 clothing provides more robust protection, it often comes at a higher cost than HRC1-rated options. As such, selecting the appropriate HRC level from the start is essential to ensure adequate safety and cost-effectiveness. At WorkArmour, we prioritise customer safety above all else. Our HRC 2 collection is thoughtfully selected to ensure maximum protection. Here’s what makes our collection stand out:

Comfort-Focused Design: We recognize that effective protective gear must also be comfortable to wear.

Breathable Fabrics: Many of our flame-retardant garments are made from breathable materials that promote airflow, helping you stay cool and dry even in high-heat environments. This feature minimises heat stress while ensuring your comfort.

Sun Safety: Our collection offers inherent protection with an ATPV rating of 8+ cal/cm² and a UPF rating of 50+.

You can browse HRC2 pants here and HRC2 shirts here.

• Stand-Up Collar: Delivers enhanced protection for the neck against flames and heat.
• Heat-Resistant Button: The central front buttons are engineered to withstand heat, minimising the risk of burns.
• Safety Standards Compliance: Our flame-resistant products comply with key safety standards, including NFPA 70E-2018 for electrical safety and AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 for visibility and protection.
• Comfortable Fit: Designed for freedom of movement while providing comprehensive coverage.
• Multiple Pockets: Offers practical storage solutions for tools and essential items.
• PPE for Electrical Arc Hazards: Featured in products like the Men's HRC2 FR Cargo Work Pant with Bio-Motion FR Reflective Tape.

At Workarmour, we provide a selection of high-visibility flame-retardant workwear from leading brands like Syzmik and Flame Buster. Each product offers distinct quality features, safety standards, fabrics, and benefits. We encourage you to explore our complete product offerings, along with detailed product data sheets and feature descriptions for both our Hi Vis Flame Retardant and Flame Resistant Clothing categories. You can also head over to our homepage to browse our other workwear. For all inquiries, hit us up via our contact page.