“Inherent” and “treated” are words you’ll hear used when referring to flame-resistant (FR) material. However, not many people actually understand exactly what those terms mean when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE).
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But it’s crucial information when you’re the one in charge of buying reliable PPE for your crew. So what does each term stand for when it comes to PPE products?
Before we dive into the differences, let’s first look at the similarities. Knowing how FR clothing (inherent or treated) is defined in general will help us understand the specifics of each.
Although all fabrics will burn, some are naturally more resistant to fire than others. Flame-resistant (FR) fabrics are made to be difficult to ignite and will burn much slower if on fire than other fabrics.
Most importantly, FR fabrics will self-extinguish after removing the heat source.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), even clothing made from 100% cotton or wool may be an acceptable FR garment if adequately treated and its weight is appropriate for the conditions to which a worker could be exposed to fire hazards.
The amount of heat required to ignite FR materials depends upon a number of factors, including the material’s weight, texture, and weave.
There is a wide range of FR garments available, both inherent and treated. So, choosing the best one for your job requirements can be difficult. Knowing what each offer will help you make an informed decision.
The actual value of inherent FR fabrics, according to DuPont™, a major player in FR products, is that garments made from them keep their flame resistance for life. It’s FR protection that never washes out.
Inherent FR fabrics are made of fibers with naturally built-in FR properties that can never be worn away or laundered out. The actual structure of the fiber is non-flammable; therefore, the flame-resistant trait is permanent.
Inherent FR fabrics will also have a higher Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) score than treated FR fabrics.
According to Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), a garment’s TPP score is two times the number of seconds it takes for a second-degree burn to occur when exposed to a 2.0 cal/cm2 flame and radiant heat source. The higher the TPP rating, the higher the level of protection provided by the garment.
It’s important to note, though, that damage to the garment through even just regular wear and tear can diminish the FR properties.
The term “treated” when it comes to FR for PPE garments means a fabric has flame-resistant properties, which are only applied to the material’s surface. It still offers a layer of FR protection but will eventually wash out.
Treated FR fabrics are constructed by applying a flame-retardant chemical finish or by including chemical treatments to the fibers before they are woven or knitted into the fabric.
The chemicals form a strong bond with the long strings of small organic molecules that make up the fabric. The FR chemicals will last longer if the recommended laundering instructions are followed accurately.
Treated FR fabric has a lower TPP rating, and the FR protection will, over time, diminish. It is a much more affordable option when the level of FR protection required is appropriate.
For treated FR fabric, such as FR cotton/nylon blends, the most common way wearers will lose flame-resistant properties from their garments is by using regular chlorine bleach when washing them.
And unfortunately, the worker wearing it would not be able to tell that it no longer has flame resistance by merely looking at the PPE garment. Therefore, the use of chlorine bleach is never recommended.
The flame-resistant properties cannot be removed with inherent fabrics, even with bleach. But the garment can be damaged if improperly washed, which will make it less FR protective.
Generally, FR clothing is defined as clothing made from fabrics that self-extinguish once the ignition source is removed. However, the specific definition varies among industries.
From OSHA’s far-reaching General Duty Clause to specific FR clothing-related standards as laid out by ASTM International, employers must understand and comply to protect their employees from thermal injury when the work environment presents a threat. This includes hazards like exposure to an open flame and radiant heat.
The General Duty Clause is just that – very general. It was created as a base standard for all employees and requires employers to:
“…furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
OSHA’s .132 ruling is again quite general and addresses workers’ PPE costs:
“Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.”
However, OSHA gets more specific in its 29 CFR.269 rulings, which state:
“The employer shall ensure that each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs does not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arcs, could increase the extent of injury that would be sustained by the employee. This apparel standard applies to all apparel worn by an employee exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs.”
Because an electric arc flash is one of the most serious burn hazards to watch out for, OSHA addresses it specifically with the “269” standard.
The “269” standard (.269(l)(8)) prohibits workers from wearing clothing that, in the presence of an arc, can potentially increase the extent of injury; that is, if the clothing ignites and continues to burn or if it melts on the skin.
The “269” standard provides guidance for complying with the apparel requirements and gives information on the acceptable types of clothing permitted.
Clothing does not adhere to the standard if it ignites (and continues to burn) under an electric arc or flame exposure conditions common in some workplaces.
ASTM International uses its D/DM-15 test method to ensure compliance with the OSHA rulings as applied to FR products. It is a vertical flame test and one of the most commonly used tests on FR fabrics.
Outside of OSHA rulings and ASTM standards, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when selecting which FR garment is best for your needs.
Before choosing what type of FR equipment to purchase, look at the work requirements and how the clothing should perform to live up to them. Does your FR garment need to offer other safeguards like weather protection, hi-visibility, or static resistance, to name a few?
Other factors, including comfort, color, and overall appearance, are also important, as are costs. Ultimately, you want to select an FR garment that keeps your team safe without the additional expense of protections not required in your environment.
Liberty Safety offers treated FR products like raincoats and vests at competitive prices in a variety of styles to choose from. You can get more information on those products along with our entire collection of PPE by downloading your free copy of the Liberty Safety Complete Product Catalog.
Breathable. Durable. Certified.
FR Fabric Tech’s 100% cotton flame resistant fabric is engineered for safety and comfort. Designed for protective garments in high-risk industrial environments, it offers natural softness, high breathability, and certified flame protection that meets EN ISO , NFPA , and OEKO-TEX standards.
This FR fabric is ideal for uniforms, coveralls, and workwear used in sectors such as oil & gas, welding, utilities, and heavy industry. Custom GSM, color, width, and functional finishes like anti-static or water-repellent can be provided on request.
In the realm of industrial protection, flame retardant fabrics play a crucial role. Among these, Fire Retardant Cotton Fabrics, made of 100% cotton with inherent flame retardant properties, stand out as a popular choice. Widely utilized in the automotive, petrochemical, and power industries, these flame resistant cotton fabrics offer excellent protection and comfort, thanks to their natural fiber composition, ensuring softness, comfort, and remarkable perspiration and absorption properties.
100% Cotton Composition
Breathability: Made entirely of cotton, our fabric allows for excellent airflow, keeping users cool and comfortable.
Natural Material: Cotton is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for various applications.
Fireproof Retardant Properties
For more information, please visit Pure Cotton Flame Retardant Fabric.
Safety Standards Compliance: Our fabric is treated with a certified fire retardant that meets or exceeds industry safety regulations.
Flame Resistance: This fabric effectively slows down the spread of fire, providing extra time for evacuation and safety measures.
Durability
Long-lasting: Designed to withstand wear and tear, our fabric maintains its protective qualities over time.
Easy Maintenance: Machine washable and resistant to fading, it remains vibrant and effective after multiple washes.
Eco-Friendly
Sustainable Production: We prioritize environmentally friendly practices in our manufacturing processes.
Non-Toxic: Free from harmful chemicals, our fabric is safe for both users and the environment.
Fabric Composition100% cotton Flame Resistant FabricWeight170-500g/㎡Width57"/58"FinishXINXINGFR, THPC, PYROVATEX CPFunctionFR, FR+WRConstruction3/1twill, 2/1twill, 2/2 double twill, 4/1satin, 1/1canvas, 1/1 plain, ripstopWashing time50-100 washesShrinkage≤±3%MOQmeters/per colorColorcustom colorWashing fastness4-5 gradeMeet StandardsUL certificate, NFPA, ASTM F, ASTM F , ANSI 107, ENEN ISO , EN ISO, EN ISO, IEC -1-2CertificatedOeko-tex100, ISO, BSCI, UL, Aitex, BTTG, Arcwear, C-TPAT, SGS, TUV, MTL, etc.FeatureHigh quality cotton FR treatmentStand industrial washing above 50-100 timesHigh tear strength, tensile strengthXINXINGFR or THPC FR treatmentExtreme low content of formaldehydeBoth popular farbic in EU & USA marketFire retardant cotton fabrics find extensive use across various applications, proving their versatility and reliability. Some key uses include:
1. Uniforms and Workwear
Safety is of utmost importance in industrial settings, and these fabrics are ideal for manufacturing protective uniforms and workwear. Workers can perform their duties with peace of mind, knowing they are shielded from potential hazards.
2. Bags and Welding Caps
Fire Retardant Cotton Fabrics are also utilized in the creation of durable bags and welding caps. These accessories provide an added layer of protection in workplaces where sparks and flames are common.
3. Tents and Camping Furniture
Camping enthusiasts can rest easy in the great outdoors, thanks to the fire retardant properties of these fabrics used in tents and camping furniture. The fabrics ensure that safety is not compromised during adventurous escapades.
4. Panels and Modular Furniture
Incorporating these fabrics into the construction of panels and modular furniture enhances the safety quotient of buildings and offices. Fire hazards can be mitigated effectively with their reliable protection.
5. Hospital Partitions
In sensitive environments like hospitals, fire safety is paramount. Fire Retardant Cotton Fabrics find applications in creating hospital partitions, ensuring a safe and secure atmosphere for patients, staff, and visitors.
6. Various Other Applications
Apart from the mentioned applications, these fabrics are extensively employed in numerous other sectors, including the manufacturing of affordable fire-retardant clothing, curtains, and upholstery.
As a manufacturer of fire retardant cotton fabric, our primary focus is on ensuring the safety of the end-users who will be utilizing our product. We understand the importance of producing a fabric that is not only comfortable to wear but also provides a high level of protection against fire.
To achieve this, we utilize specialized chemicals during the production process that make the cotton fabric resistant to combustion. This means that when exposed to high temperatures or open flames, the cotton fabric will not ignite or continue to burn, potentially saving the wearer from serious harm or injury.
Our fire retardant cotton fabric is rigorously tested to ensure that it meets industry standards for flame resistance, durability, and comfort. We take great pride in producing a fire retardant cotton fabric that not only provides superior protection but is also comfortable to wear and easy to care for.
In addition to meeting safety standards, we also prioritize sustainability in our manufacturing process. Our fire retardant cotton fabric is produced with environmentally responsible methods, and we continually work to reduce our environmental impact through energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives.
Our fire retardant cotton fabric is a top-quality product that offers superior protection against fire and is produced with a focus on safety, comfort, and sustainability. We are committed to delivering a high-quality product that meets the needs of our customers and helps to ensure the safety of those who rely on our fabric in potentially dangerous situations.
Fire Retardant Cotton Fabric garments are very popular and best sellers worldwide. These Fire Retardant Cotton Fabric garments provide the necessary level of protection for almost all industries and retain their flame retardant properties after 100 washes and more. This means that Fire Retardant Cotton Fabric garments maintain their protective function throughout the life of the item.
100% in-house production & testing
ISO-certified & globally compliant
Decades of FR textile R&D experience
Quick sampling & on-time delivery
OEM & ODM support for global brands
For those seeking premium-quality fire retardant fabrics, Xinxiang Xinxing Special Fabric Co., Ltd. offers a compelling solution. Established in , the company is located in the High-tech Zone, Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, covering an extensive area of approximately 18,000m². With over two decades of experience, Xinxiang Xinxing Special Fabric Co., Ltd. is committed to providing top-notch functional protective fabrics for both domestic and international clients.
Their clientele spans various industries, including petroleum, chemical, electric welding, shipping, natural gas, electric power, smelting, military, police, machinery manufacturing, aviation, navigation, and more. The company's dedication to excellence ensures that customers receive fabrics that adhere to the highest safety standards.
Looking for a safe, breathable, and globally certified FR fabric for your uniforms or industrial garments? Contact us today to request a sample or speak with our textile engineers.
Please communicate with us if you have any questions: specifications, flame retardant performance, strength, color fastness, quality, price, service, etc.
Whether you’d like to get more info on what, why, and how we do what we do, need help with what you’re creating, Would like to partner up, or just say hi! ---we’d love to hear from you.
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Mob.: +86 135 (Ada)
Mob.: +86 158 (Rose)
Skype: adaxinxing
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Add.: South Fenghua Road, High-Tech Industrial Development of Xinxiang, Henan PC, China.
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