Each year over 2,000 workers are admitted to hospitals because of burn injuries caused by flash fire accidents, molten metal splash burns and electric arcs. One of the reasons for these injuries is the lack of correct personal equipment. When workers in the manufacturing or industrial workplaces do not wear proper PPE this ultimately increases the risk of workplace accidents. As a result the Regulatory Authorities have made it mandatory for companies to provide flame retardant garments to their workers in work environments where possibility of hazardous incidents is high.
When choosing a fire resistant fabric you will need to consider what the material will need to withstand. The environment in which the fabrics are to be used, should be considered closely so that the fabric not only provides the best protection but at the same time it also fulfills other needs such as flexibility.
Types of fire resistant fabrics
Uncoated Glass Fire Resistant Fabrics
These fabrics have a temperature resistance of up to 550ºC/1022ºF
Coated Glass Fibre Fabrics
Glass Fibre Fabrics have a high temperature resistance when combined with special coatings they can also provide protection against water, vapours, acids, abrasions. Special coatings can include neoprene, aluminised foil silicone and PTFE.
Specially treated Glass Fibre Fabrics
Special treatments give these industrial glass fibre fabrics higher temperature resistance from 600ºC/1112ºF up to 1000ºC/1832ºF. Our glass fibre fabrics are suitable for welding operations and fire cavity barriers.
Silica Fire Resistant Fabrics
Silica fabrics offer high temperature resistance up to 1000ºC/1832ºF with great flexibility and drapeability properties. This makes them suitable for welding blankets.
If you need assistance choosing the correct fire resistant fabric for your needs then IC International can help. They are an independent, professional company who have built up an undeniably excellent reputation over many years of successful manufacturing of fire related products. For more information please visit the IC International website.