How do flame retardant coveralls work?
Flame retardant (FR) coveralls are designed to protect workers from two key hazards: flash fires and electric arc flashes
1. The science behind FR clothing is that when a fuel source is exposed to heat, it breaks down into gaseous components. Oxygen reacts with the gas that is formed, producing heat that breaks down more fuel into gases, and this cycle continues. FR clothing is designed to break this cycle by preventing combustion. It does this by self-extinguishing and by maintaining a stable barrier between the heat source and the skin
2. The coveralls are made of special fabrics that are inherently flame resistant or have been treated with a flame-retardant chemical. When exposed to heat or flame, the fibers of the fabric swell and become thicker, forming a protective barrier between the heat source and the skin. This barrier reduces the amount of heat that reaches the skin and gives the worker extra time to escape the hazard.