How to choose FR apparel

Determining which fabric is right for your workforce can often be confusing. At ARAMARK Uniform Services, our specially trained FR team is available to guide you through the process every step of the way. The most effective way to determine your FR apparel needs is to complete an employer's Hazard Risk Analysis. This identifies the potential of incident energy in your work environment. The data should then be analyzed by your safety professional to determine the appropriate level of protection necessary to protect against potential dangers.

Comfort is Key

One of the best ways to ensure your workforce will embrace your FR apparel program is to make sure the garments are as comfortable as possible. It is important to take into consideration different factors such as climatic conditions when choosing the best FR clothing solutions for your employees. Luckily, there are a number of reliable, lightweight FR fabrics that are just as comfortable as non-protective clothing without sacrificing safety.

Finding the Perfect Fit

In many cases, a looser fit may offer better protection. The reason is that air is a very effective insulator and provides a great deal of thermal protection. That's why it's important to maintain an air gap between the clothing and skin. Garments should not be so loose that they pose a risk of getting caught in moving equipment and causing additional injury potential. Most FR garments will shrink as much as non-protective clothing after being laundered so it's important to have them sized accordingly.

What to Wear Underneath

The best clothing choices to wear underneath FR garments are non-melting fabrics such as 100% cotton. Not only do garments such as cotton t-shirts and underwear reduce the risk of additional burn injury, they can also create air gaps that provide additional thermal insulation.

What to Wear Over FR Apparel

The rule of thumb for any person wearing FR is that the outer most layer of clothing should always be flame resistant. Nylon jacket or parkas will quickly ignite and melt, creating an additional hazard, as the outer garment actually becomes the source of ignition potentially exposing workers to severe injuries. Even though the FR garment may not ignite, having a flammable fuel source that close to the skin can still burn the wearer through heat transfer.

The Importance of Properly Cleaning Your FR Garments

For your FR apparel program to be as effective as it is designed to be, it is essential that your FR garments are cleaned on a regular basis according to the recommended laundering instructions. Removing contaminants and other possible flammable substances is important in maintaining the full integrity of the FR garment.

Cleaning Options

Most FR garments can be laundered at home using some household detergents. However, many FR garments do prohibit the use of chlorine and hydrogen peroxide bleaches. It is also recommended to wash all FR garments separately from non-FR apparel. Improper wash temperatures and certain types of laundry soap can also compromise the garment's effectiveness. Be sure to check the fabric manufacturers care instructions on the garment label for specific information. ARAMARK Uniform Services provides laundering services for customers who choose to maintain consistent control over the care of their FR garments and relieve their employees from the responsibility.

Repairing FR Garments

FR garments should always be repaired with the proper FR materials consistent with the original fabrics and materials in the garment. Using non-FR thread or fabric to mend a garment can greatly compromise the garment's thermal protection and expose the wearer to potential injury. ARAMARK Uniform Services provides repair services for customers to ensure the proper care and maintenance of their garments.