Workplace safety regulations often reference flame-resistant (FR) standards like NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These standards protect workers from thermal hazards: NFPA 2112 covers flash fire risks, while NFPA 70E addresses arc flash protection.
Understanding how these standards apply—and how to comply with them—helps employers select the right FR apparel and avoid costly mistakes.
Below, we’ll break down the purpose and scope of each standard, show how they apply across industries, and explain how employers can ensure their FR uniform programs stay compliant.
Flash Fire Hazards vs. Arc Flash Hazards
Before diving into the standards, it’s important to understand the hazards they address.
A flash fire is a short-duration thermal event caused by the ignition of a flammable gas, vapor, or dust cloud. It produces intense heat and flame that can spread rapidly—often lasting three seconds or less.
An arc flash, on the other hand, is an electrical explosion that results from a sudden release of energy through the air when a fault occurs in an energized electrical system. Arc flashes can reach temperatures of up to 35,000°F and produce intense light, heat, pressure waves, and molten metal droplets.
While both events are high-risk and short in duration, they are caused by entirely different sources—fuel-based combustion vs. electrical failure—and require different types of protective garments.
What Is NFPA 2112?
NFPA 2112 sets minimum requirements for flame-resistant garments used to protect workers from short-duration thermal exposures caused by flash fires. It applies to high-risk environments like oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and petrochemical operations.
Key Components of NFPA 2112
- Garments must pass ASTM F1930 thermal manikin testing, simulating a three-second flash fire and limiting predicted body burn to 50% or less
- Fabric must resist ignition, not melt or drip, and meet shrinkage and heat resistance criteria
- Certification labels and third-party testing are required to verify compliance
- Additional tests cover fabric strength, seam construction, and component behavior during heat exposure
What Is NFPA 70E?
NFPA 70E provides requirements and guidance for protecting workers from electrical hazards—including arc flash, arc blast, and shock—in workplaces where electrical work is performed. It applies to energized equipment operating at 50 volts or more in industries like electrical utilities, manufacturing, data centers, and facilities that include cleanrooms or other controlled environments where energized electrical systems are present.
Key Components of NFPA 70E
- Employers must assess arc flash risk and determine the required arc rating for protective garments
- Garments must be arc-rated based on ASTM F1959 testing and provide protection equal to or greater than the identified energy level
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements are organized into categories (CAT 1 through CAT 4), with minimum arc ratings for each
What Is the Difference Between NFPA 2112 and 70E?
While both standards deal with FR apparel, they address fundamentally different hazards:
| Feature |
| NFPA 70E | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazard Addressed | Flash fire | Arc flash | |
| Industries | Oil & gas, chemical processing | Electrical utilities, manufacturing, data centers, and some cleanroom environments with energized systems | |
| Clothing Requirement | Must be flame-resistant and limit body burn | Must be arc-rated with sufficient protection for calculated incident energy | |
| Testing Criteria | ASTM F1930 (thermal manikin test), ignition resistance, heat shrinkage limits | ASTM F1959 (arc rating test) | |
| Application | Short-duration thermal exposure from flash fires involving flammable vapors | Short-duration exposure to electrical arc energy |
Wearing the wrong type of FR apparel for the hazard at hand can leave workers dangerously underprotected.
Ensuring Compliance and Protecting Workers
Employers are responsible for identifying fire and electrical hazards in the workplace and determining when flame-resistant (FR) clothing is required. Once hazards are identified, garments must be selected that are certified to the appropriate standard—NFPA 2112 for flash fire and NFPA 70E for arc flash risks.
This process follows OSHA fire retardant clothing requirements (29 CFR 1910.132), which include:
- Performing hazard assessments
- Providing appropriate FR clothing as required PPE
- Training employees on the proper use and limitations of FR garments
- Maintaining and replacing FR garments as part of general PPE responsibilities
OSHA also enforces industry-specific regulations. For example, workers in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution must follow arc-rated PPE regulations under 29 CFR 1910.269 and 29 CFR 1926.960.
Failure to comply can result in serious injuries, regulatory penalties, and legal exposure, while strong compliance practices reduce burn risk, build worker confidence, and strengthen safety culture.
Working with experienced suppliers and staying current on NFPA updates ensures continued compliance.
Choosing the Right FR Garments
When selecting FR clothing, keep the following in mind:
- Match Garments to Hazards: Use arc-rated gear for electrical work and flash-fire-rated gear for oil, gas, or chemical exposure.
- Check Certification Tags: Ensure garments are certified to the applicable NFPA standard.
- Consider Garment Features: Look for quality construction, durable closures, and comfort to encourage consistent wear.
- Partner With a Trusted Supplier: Choose vendors with a track record in FR compliance and inventory that meets your industry’s needs.
An FR uniform program can simplify compliance by providing properly rated clothing, tracking wear cycles, and replacing worn or damaged garments. For many employers, this ensures consistent protection and regulatory alignment without managing all the logistics internally.
FAQs
Stay Compliant With Prudential Overall Supply
FR compliance starts with the right apparel—and the right partner. Prudential Overall Supply offers FR uniforms that meet NFPA 2112 FR clothing and NFPA 70E FR clothing requirements. Our rental service eliminates the guesswork by providing certified garments, scheduled laundering, inspection, and repair or replacement when needed. You get consistent protection, proper documentation, and the support of an experienced safety partner.
With over 90 years of service, we’re trusted by businesses across high-risk industries to deliver dependable, code-compliant workwear. Our team works closely with safety managers to ensure uniforms meet your exact hazard requirements and quality standards.
Explore our FR offerings and learn how an FR uniform rental program can help your facility maintain NFPA compliance.