Iwas told at work that our uniforms are flame proof. uniform labels says 50% ployester and 50% cotton. does that sound as if an electrician should be using that?

If it is truly flame resistant (FR) fabric, there must be a label according to ASTM F 1506 standard stating what the arc rating is.

OSHA and the 70E specifically do not allow polyester alone or in blends unless that material has been tested and rated. You should have a label that states the ATPV of the material.

My guess is someone is pulling your leg.

Blends

Although the blend mixture does sound high, look for the rating as posted before. Most FR rated material do have a small amount of Nylon woven in for durability.

A really good article is in the June issue of Professional Safety magazine. It addresses Flame Resistant Clothing. It would answer most of your questions.

Nylon yes, polyester, not that I have ever seen.

Material Make Up



Yes, polyester is suspect.

You were told wrong, there is no such thing. Flame resistant, yes.

Most any material will burn, FR garments are not supposed to burn when subjected to the anticipated energy from an electrical arc flash.

FR Clothing

Hi Puckman

It is very unlikely that 50/50 Poly cotton is FR, this mix is used in standard workwear and I would be very suspicious if I were you. If cotton is used it will be made inherently flame retardent by bonding it with chemicals at either the yarn production stage or after the weaving stage. It may be mixed with other fibres (such as viscose) for comfort and durability.

Always look for a label that proves the garment meets the standard you require (I work CE standards so am not to au fait with US ones)

All clothing for protection against arc flash should show it's ATPV rating.

STEER WELL CLEAR OF THIS GARMENT UNLESS SOMEONE CAN PROVE TO YOU BEYOND DOUBT THAT IT WILL PROTECT AGAINST AND ARC INCIDENT

Regards

Chris Ross:

Thank you all for your replys. I was a little leary when told all the uniforms were fr even the non electrical workers.