Workers who are constantly around energized circuits, working near molten metal, electrical arcs, or flammable substances, need to wear suitable personal protective equipment to ensure their safety on the jobsite. The type of clothing you wear in these positions is vital to fire and burn protection. You can better protect yourself and avoid injury by understanding how to properly wear your fire-resistant clothing.
Button Shirts Completely
When you wear a button-down in your daily life, you likely leave the top few buttons open to add style to your look. In the case of FR clothing, you cannot do this, or you’re risking exposure. This PPE can only protect the skin it covers; button your shirts completely so your neck isn’t exposed. Pro tip: try shirts with snap buttons so you can quickly remove the garment if a disaster transpires.
Avoid Baggy Clothes
How your FR clothing fits is important because an item that is overly baggy or too tight minimizes your protection from fire. For the perfect fit, there needs to be a small gap or layer of air between your undergarments and the fire-resistant clothing. This adds insulation to your clothes and allows for more breathability.
Tuck In Your Shirt
When you do not tuck in your shirt, an arc fire or flash can travel under your clothing and harm you. Tucking your shirt into your pants is essential to avoid this accident. Your skin may not be visible with an untucked shirt, but it still leaves you vulnerable to injury.
Keep Your Sleeves Down at All Times
It’s understandable that working conditions can become extremely hot and unbearable, but you would rather be sweaty and uncomfortable than on your way to the emergency room with severe burns. It’s tempting, but do not roll up your sleeves and leave your forearms exposed to the elements. If you do get too hot in the field, consider finding a more breathable material to wear that is still fire resistant.
As you can see, properly wearing your fire-resistant clothing is vital for protecting yourself from injury on the job. When you’re in the field, your outer layer of garments must be fire resistant to give you the most protection. Avoid the mistake of wearing your FR clothing incorrectly, and ensure you are finding attire from a reliable company you can trust.
