I've seen some discussion regarding FR clothing vs Arc rated clothing, but this one puts a little bit of a new twist on it for me.My company plans to switch clothing suppliers and purchase only HRC 2 rated shirts and pants. To reduce costs, they plan to eliminate the purchase of what we call "welders jackets", which are the green jackets I think are pretty commonly used for light welding. (The tag inside the green jacket reads "Westex Proban/FR-7A").

So my question is, will any HRC2 rated clothing provide as good or better protection when welding or performing other hot work as the "welders jackets" we currently use?

For the description you've provided, yes. The major difference is that a lot of welder's greens have a coating which washes out over time (about 50 washings). Westex in particular sells an ammonia cured fabric (Indura Ultrasoft) which is permanent even after years of use and washing. I switched everything at my last employer (a foundry) with the exact same issue.

In general welding clothing is FR but not all FR is tested and rated for arc flash ratings. The major difference (other than the certifications) is time...welding PPE is designed not catch fire if it gets hit with slag which is a much lower temperature and will generally be exposed longer while arc rated PPE has to withstand radiant heat for a much shorter period of time. For 8 cal/cm^2 vs. "light duty" welding this difference is immaterial because they are the same. But as the arc flash rating and/or the fire retardancy goes up arc rated clothing adds multiple layers and insulation whereas welding gear goes towards thicker materials (leather, then aluminized) along with insulation.

For the description you've provided, yes. The major difference is that a lot of welder's greens have a coating which washes out over time (about 50 washings). Westex in particular sells an ammonia cured fabric (Indura Ultrasoft) which is permanent even after years of use and washing. I switched everything at my last employer (a foundry) with the exact same issue.

In general welding clothing is FR but not all FR is tested and rated for arc flash ratings. The major difference (other than the certifications) is time...welding PPE is designed not catch fire if it gets hit with slag which is a much lower temperature and will generally be exposed longer while arc rated PPE has to withstand radiant heat for a much shorter period of time. For 8 cal/cm^2 vs. "light duty" welding this difference is immaterial because they are the same. But as the arc flash rating and/or the fire retardancy goes up arc rated clothing adds multiple layers and insulation whereas welding gear goes towards thicker materials (leather, then aluminized) along with insulation.

Most products which are arc rated are more durable AND they have actually been tested for arc flash protection levels. I'm not against FR7A. It is quite good but less consistent in treating due to how it is treated.