If you put yourself in the line of fire while on the clock, you need personal protective equipment (PPE) you know you can trust to do its job. Putting on the right PPE for the job alone does not guarantee safety, however.
According to industry experts at Cable Organizer, caring for your FR workwear starts with keeping track of its age. It is recommended that you have five sets of arc flash clothing, washing and wearing each set only once per work week. When you follow this guideline, 100 percent cotton garments last 12 to 16 months, 88/12 cotton/nylon blends last 18 to 30 months and 93 percent Nomex blends last 2 1/2 to 4 years.
Your gear may take a beating from time to time. It’s important to remember that damages to your FR clothing can make them less effective. Part of the garment’s ability to protect you is simply the fabric providing a barrier from the thermal hazard. According to Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, the weight or mass of the fabric can make a difference in the level of thermal protection provided as well. Check your PPE regularly to repair or remove from service as necessary. Be sure to only make minor repairs that don’t affect the integrity of the garment, following basic guidelines.
Your hands need protecting too and that’s why it’s crucial to take great care of your insulating gloves. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that your gloves should be visually inspected and air tested for any possible defects (like, cuts, holes, tears, embedded objects, changes in texture) before each day’s use and whenever there is a reason to believe they may have been damaged. Gloves must also be electrically tested at least every six months.
Maintaining proper care of your PPE will help keep you safe of the job. At Working Person’s Store, we offer a wide variety of FR clothing from quality, trusted brands like Carhartt, Bulwark, DragonWear and many more.
