If your employees work around flash fires, electric arcs, or other thermal hazards, ordinary work clothes may put them at greater risk. Fabric can ignite and continue burning after the initial exposure. Flame-resistant workwear is designed to reduce that danger.

The terms flame-resistant and flame-retardant are related, but they describe different things. Flame-resistant describes how clothing performs when exposed to flame. Flame-retardant describes a chemical treatment applied to a material.

Man Wearing Bulwark Flame Retardant Workwear

Flame-resistant work clothes resist ignition and stop burning after the ignition source is removed. They can be made from inherently flame-resistant materials or fabrics treated with a flame retardant. “Flame-resistant” describes how the finished garment performs, while “flame-retardant” refers to the treatment applied to certain fabrics.

Flame-Resistant vs. Flame-Retardant

Here’s how the two terms compare:

 QuestionFlame-ResistantFlame-Retardant
What does it describe?How clothing performs when exposed to flameA chemical treatment applied to a material
What does it mean?The clothing resists ignition and stops burning after the ignition source is removedThe treatment helps the material resist ignition and continued burning
How are they related?FR clothing may be made with treated or untreated flame-resistant materialTreated fabric can be used to make flame-resistant clothing

OSHA recognizes that flame-resistant clothing can include both inherently flame-resistant clothing and clothing chemically treated with a flame retardant.

How Flame-Resistant Work Clothes Protect Workers

Ordinary clothing can become an additional source of injury during a flash fire or electric-arc incident. It may catch fire and keep burning after the original event ends. Some materials may also melt against the skin.

FR clothing is designed to resist ignition or self-extinguish after the ignition source is removed. Limiting flame spread and continued burning can reduce a worker’s exposure to burning fabric.

No FR garment is fireproof, and flame-resistant clothing cannot prevent every burn. Protection depends on the material, garment construction, rating, fit, coverage, condition, and proper use.

FR industrial work uniform options include shirts, pants, jeans, coveralls, and jackets. Learn more about how flame-resistant clothing protects workers and the industries that commonly use it.

Choosing and Caring for FR Workwear

FR clothing is not one-size-fits-all. The hazard, required protection level, working conditions, and job duties all influence when flame-resistant uniforms may be needed and which garments are appropriate.

When evaluating FR work apparel and uniforms:

  • Check the rating and certification. Confirm that each garment provides the required protection for the identified hazard.
  • Choose the correct fit. Clothing should provide adequate coverage without restricting normal movement.
  • Follow the care label. Use the washing and drying methods recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Inspect garments regularly. Look for holes, tears, damaged closures, heavy wear, and improper alterations.
  • Watch for contamination. Oil, grease, chemicals, and other flammable substances may affect garment performance.
  • Remove damaged clothing from service. Repair or replace garments that may no longer provide reliable protection.

Clear procedures for laundering, inspections, repairs, and replacements help keep unsuitable garments out of circulation. Employees should also know how to report poor fit, damage, or contamination promptly.

100% FR Cotton Flame Resistant Team Jacket

Manage Your FR Uniform Program With Prudential Overall Supply

Managing flame-resistant uniforms across an entire workforce takes time. Employers must keep track of sizes, garment condition, cleaning schedules, repairs, replacements, and employee turnover.

A work uniform rental program can bring these responsibilities into one managed service. Professional laundering also reduces the need for employees to wash specialized workwear at home.

Prudential flame-resistant clothing includes shirts, pants, jeans, jackets, and coveralls for demanding industrial environments. Prudential uniform services can support your business with:

  • Scheduled garment pickup and delivery
  • Professional laundering
  • Routine inspections
  • Repairs and replacements
  • Size and inventory management

This consistent service helps keep properly sized garments available and removes excessively worn items from circulation. It also gives employers a more dependable way to manage FR professional work uniforms across departments or locations.

Contact Prudential Overall Supply to discuss a managed flame-resistant uniform program for your workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Flame-resistant describes how a fabric or garment performs when exposed to flame. Flame-retardant describes a treatment used to help a material resist ignition and continued burning. Flame-resistant clothing can be made from inherently flame-resistant materials or fabrics treated with a flame retardant.

FR generally stands for flame-resistant. FR clothing may be made from fibers with flame-resistant properties or fabric treated with flame-retardant chemicals. Neither type is fireproof.

OSHA requires flame-resistant or arc-rated clothing for certain jobs and thermal hazards. The requirement depends on the work, the employee’s potential exposure, and the applicable OSHA standard.

Yes. FR clothing is considered personal protective equipment when it protects workers from flame or electric-arc hazards. PPE also includes items such as hard hats, gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility safety vests, depending on the hazards present.

Some FR clothing can be washed at home if the manufacturer’s care instructions allow it. Use the recommended washing and drying methods, and avoid products or contaminants that could affect the garment’s protective performance. Uniform supply companies often offer laundering service to help employers follow proper care procedures and keep damaged or contaminated garments out of circulation.

Replace FR clothing when it has holes, tears, excessive wear, damaged closures, improper alterations, or contamination that cannot be safely removed. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance when deciding if a garment can be repaired or must be removed from service. When you rent Prudential work uniforms, we routinely inspect garments and repair or replace items as needed.