Protective Apparel


Having the right percentage mix and orientation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic within an FR fabric, combined with engineered breathability, is both the art and the science used to create high-performance next-to-skin clothing. (Polartec photo)

Comfort is the Key to FR Clothing Compliance

Employees should look professional in their work uniforms with clothing choices that offer the trifecta of good fit, good function, and that offer modern fashion so workers want to wear their FR clothing.

What matters most to the end user is the final product

Informed Workers Are Safer Workers: Science Is the Key to FR Technology

End users and wearers of flame-resistant garments should research FR fabrics and manufacturers to make sure they specify those fabrics from reputable suppliers that will meet their unique needs.

The primary objective of outerwear in cold weather is to provide warmth. However, sub-zero work have the potential for exposure to an electric arc or a flash fire event.

How to Stay Safe and Stay Warm This Winter

The primary objective of outerwear in cold weather is to provide warmth. However, many sub-zero temperature industrial workplaces also have the potential for exposure to electric arc or a flash fire event.

Once a fabric has been manufactured, it should be inspected and tested for quality assurance and to ensure that the fabric meets or exceeds the ASTM and NFPA standards for flame resistance. (Mount Vernon FR photo)

Vertical Manufacturing of Flame-Resistant Cotton and Cotton-Rich Fabrics

Wear trials can help guide you in selecting the right fabric by providing a more comprehensive evaluation of important factors such as performance, comfort, and applicability.

Public safety is one of the areas where the most advances in "smart fabrics" are taking place, the U.S. Department of Commerce said as it announced the April 2016 Smart Fabrics Summit.

Smart Fabrics Summit Scheduled for April 2016

The Department of Commerce reports that the smart fabric product development is being seen in the fields of defense, fitness, health, and public safety.

U.S. Exhibitors Have High Hopes

A+A 2015, the 30th safety trade fair in the series, kicked off Oct. 27 in the sprawling fairgrounds of Düsseldorf, Germany, with more than 1,800 exhibitors eagerly awaiting the crowds.

#NSCexpo Product Round-Up: Newcomers, Shiny New Products

Our time at the 2015 National Safety Congress & Expo was spent looking at a range of new products—both familiar and new.

OSHA Cites Refinery Contractor After Heat Exposure Fatality

JV Industrial Cos. Ltd. faces $7,000 in fines in fines, the maximum allowed for a serious violation.



Turning Down the Heat: Saving Money and Lives with the Right PPE Program

Workplace fires inflict major financial damages on companies and immeasurable impacts on burn victims and their families. Considering the total cost of a fire—in strict monetary terms, as well as in human suffering—all companies would do well to define and administer an effective employee safety program. Thoughtful, informed selection of protective garments should be a centerpiece of any such program.

FR Garment Comfort: Explaining the Mystery

When it comes to selecting flame-resistant (FR) garments, there are many variables to consider, including protection, comfort, durability, appearance, style, cost, and quality.

Milliken & Company Acquires Springfield LLC

"With this acquisition, we will further improve the user experience for industrial workers, first responders, and military personnel with performance-driven protective apparel that does not sacrifice comfort or safety," said Joe Salley, president and CEO of Milliken & Company.

MSA Buying Latchways plc, National Safety Apparel Acquires TECGEN

Two deals on the eve of the National Safety Council's Congress & Expo this month will give those companies' representatives plenty to talk about with attendees.

Employers must ensure that their workers are willing to consistently and appropriately wear their protective gear—and the better it feels, the more likely they are to do so.

Turning Down the Heat: Saving Money and Lives with the Right PPE Program

Appropriate PPE choices, along with a comprehensive safety program, can save lives, reduce injuries, and diminish long-term business costs.

New OSHA regulations in effect August 2015 are designed to keep utilities workers safe on the job with stricter regulations for PPE. (TECGEN FR photo)

Utility Workers: Staying Safe and Up to Date with Appropriate FR Attire

Special attention must be paid to remain in compliance with NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, and now OSHA 1910.269.

Comfort is made up of three components. You must keep the rain out, be able to release the heat that your body creates by working, and you must move the moisture your body creates in an attempt to cool itself. (NASCO Industries photo)

Selecting the Right FR Rainwear

The design and features of rainwear can have a significant impact on how functional it is and its overall user acceptance.

OSHA Cites Metallurgical Processing for Multiple Hazards

The agency has proposed $77.000 in penalties for 24 serious violations.

The 31st Annual National VPPPA Safety & Health Conference takes place at the Gaylord Texan Aug. 24-27, with the expo set for Aug. 24-26. (Gaylord Hotels photo)

Deep in the Heart: 31st Annual National VPPPA Conference Bound for Texas

Speakers include keynoter Jim Davidson, a veteran of many high-altitude climbs and rescues, and Closing General Session speaker Daryl "Moose" Johnston, a three-time Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys and "NFL on Fox" analyst.

OSHA Determines Open-Flame Heater Likely Cause of Coalgate Fire

The oil rig fire resulted in three deaths and two serious injuries.

More than 200 of OSHA

OSHA Expert Outlines Oilpatch Issues

The OSHA region that includes Texas accounted for the lion's share of inspections during 2012-2015, and most of those were unprogrammed -- triggered by complaints or by incidents, Mike Marshall reported June 9.

The Importance of Understanding Arc Flash Ratings Explained at Safety 2015

Scott Margolin of Westex gave an impassioned presentation regarding arc flash.

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