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Written by Bryan Haywood

Parent Category: Safety Info Posts

Category: Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

Published: 24 April 2014

In the past 20 years or so we have seen Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC) come a long way in its design, ability, and costs that is VERY MUCH in favor of the end user and businesses. However, we still see the use of FRC as a much-overlooked layer of protection in many facilities and in those facilities where it is utilized it is often times not managed properly. In fact, the vast majority of facilities we have worked at/with during our careers may have lacked formal hazard assessments, missed the inclusion of the FRC in formal written PPE programs, no FRC inspection program, and even some did not have training programs on the use, care, and limitations of their FRC. You will have to search high and low to find a bigger advocate of FRC than I and even though this layer of protection is our LAST LAYER, it is without a doubt worthy of our time and attention to ensure we are using and maintaining our FRC properly. This article is meant to provide some suggestions on what our FRC program should include. I use NFPA 2113, Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire as my guide as it is without a doubt the best guidance available! (PLEASE NOTE that when I discuss the use of FRC I am ALWAYS talking in terms of Flammable Vapor/Gas FLASH FIRE and NEVER in terms of “Arc Flash”. This is an IMPORTANT DISTINCT and one must understand the differences.)  Here are some items to consider:

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