| Those needing protection from the danger of fire | | | | comfort of the wearer. The material wicks away |
| don't all require the same level of protection. By | | | | moisture, helping to keep workers dry and cool as |
| choosing fire resistant clothing carefully and | | | | the perspiration from activities performed while |
| layering pieces, workers can achieve a maximum | | | | wearing heavy equipment is intense. |
| level of comfort while also increasing safety. | | | | Heavyweight Layer |
| Lightweight Layer | | | | Using a heavier material in the making of fire |
| Fire resistant clothing can be lightweight and not | | | | resistant clothing serves two purposes. First, it |
| restrictive or bulky. Today's fabric provides a | | | | provides the maximum amount of fire protection |
| significant amount of fire protection, even when | | | | over lighter materials, but doesn't provide the bulk |
| worn in thin layers. The materials available are as | | | | of full firefighting gear. Many times, workers don't |
| comfortable as cotton and feel nice and soft up | | | | need full fireproofing and a heavyweight layer can |
| against your skin. | | | | keep them safe while providing full freedom of |
| Lightweight fire resistant clothing, also known as | | | | movement so their clothing doesn't interfere with |
| silkweight, is designed to be worn under other | | | | their jobs. A heavier weight garment also meets |
| types of flame retardant clothes, fire protection | | | | higher testing standards and is more equipped to |
| gear, or protective equipment like industrial hazard | | | | handle protection from Arc flash and heavy |
| suits and military body armor. Pieces can range | | | | flames. |
| from t-shirts and long pants to boxer shorts. In | | | | Secondly, heavyweight fire retardant clothes |
| addition to providing fire protection, these | | | | provide excellent protection against cold and |
| garments make other PPE even more | | | | freezing weather. A jacket made with a fire |
| comfortable because of the wicking material used. | | | | resistant fabric keeps the wearer warm while also |
| Midweight Layer | | | | providing fire safety. Since fire retardant fabric is |
| A little heavier in weight, midweight FR clothing | | | | fast drying, it provides extra protection against |
| feels much like normal, everyday clothing. It feels | | | | the cold. If a person gets wet when exposed to |
| and looks like an outfit you might buy in a regular | | | | cold, the clothing will wick away the moisture fast, |
| store at the mall, but with the additional benefit of | | | | ensuring the garment's insulation ability. |
| being made with fire resistant material. Many | | | | To provide the ultimate in safety, consider a full |
| companies use this weight material to design | | | | set of fire resistant clothing, from underwear to |
| flame resistant uniforms for guarding workers | | | | outer jacket. Even though a worker is fully |
| against fire while also being comfortable and | | | | protected through a number of fire resistant |
| pleasing to wear. | | | | layers, these garments look and function like |
| A midweight layer can also be used with other | | | | regular clothing. They are safe, comfortable, and |
| equipment like a bulletproof vest or a firefighter's | | | | allow a worker to effectively focus on their |
| turnout gear. The material is soft and it cushions | | | | important job. |
| heavy equipment that puts safety over the | | | | |