Employees working in mining, manufacturing and other industrial environments may encounter a range of workplace hazards, from exposure to heat and flames to contact with chemicals. Choosing suitable protective workwear is therefore an important consideration for businesses operating in these industries.
However, not all protective fabrics serve the same purpose. Flame-retardant and acid-resistant materials have different properties, and understanding these differences can help employers make more informed decisions about their employees’ workwear.
Flame Retardant vs Acid Resistant Workwear: What’s the Difference?
Although flame-retardant and acid-resistant overalls may look similar to ordinary industrial workwear, the fabrics and finishes used can have different protective characteristics.
Flame-Retardant Fabrics
Flame-retardant fabrics are designed or treated to reduce their tendency to ignite or continue burning under specified conditions. Some materials have inherent flame-resistant properties, while others receive specialised chemical treatments or finishes to influence how they respond to flame exposure.
These treatments may be applied to fabrics used in industrial workwear, including conti suits and overalls. However, the level and type of protection depend on the fabric, treatment, garment construction and relevant performance specifications.
Importantly, a flame-retardant finish does not make clothing fireproof or automatically suitable for every heat-related hazard.
Protective performance should be assessed at finished-garment level where relevant, as fabric properties alone may not establish whether the garment is suitable for the intended workplace hazard.
Acid-Resistant Fabrics
Acid-resistant workwear is intended to provide a degree of resistance to certain chemical exposures. Depending on the material and treatment, specialised fabrics may help limit liquid penetration under particular conditions.
However, resistance varies according to the chemical involved, its concentration, exposure conditions and the garment’s specifications.
Acid-resistant fabrics should therefore not be considered universally resistant to all chemicals.
Learn more about acid-resistant garments and their applications.
Where Might Flame-Retardant or Acid-Resistant Workwear Be Needed?
Different industrial activities present different risks, even within the same workplace. Depending on the tasks performed and potential hazards involved, specialised protective workwear may be considered in industries such as:
- Mining and smelting: Employees may work around hot equipment, heated materials or chemicals that require particular protective considerations.
- Welding and metal fabrication: Sparks, hot particles and exposure to heat can influence the type of protective clothing required.
- Petrochemical and fuel handling: Certain activities may involve fire-related hazards that need to be considered when selecting workwear.
- Chemical processing and manufacturing: Operations involving acids or other chemicals may require fabrics with appropriate resistance properties.
However, the industry alone should not determine the type of garment selected. The specific tasks performed, substances handled and potential exposure conditions should guide the choice of protective clothing.
What Should You Check Before Choosing Protective Workwear?
Selecting suitable mining or industrial workwear starts with understanding the hazards employees may encounter. A workplace risk assessment can help identify the protective properties required, after which businesses can evaluate factors such as:
- Fabric properties: Consider whether the material’s stated protective characteristics are appropriate for the identified hazards.
- Garment specifications: Review the intended application, design and limitations of the finished garment.
- Fit and comfort: Assess whether employees can perform their tasks safely and move comfortably while wearing the clothing.
- Relevant standards: Check whether applicable testing or certification documentation supports the garment’s intended use.
Standards can provide useful information about particular performance characteristics. For example, NFPA 2112 addresses flame-resistant clothing for certain short-duration thermal exposures from fire, while ISO 6530 describes testing methods used to evaluate resistance to penetration by specified liquid chemicals.
However, meeting the requirements of one standard does not necessarily establish suitability for other hazards. Businesses should consider the relevant documentation and limitations of the specific fabric or finished garment.
Our fabric selection guide provides more information about the materials available through First Garment Rental.
Why Does Laundering Matter for Protective Workwear?
The care of specialised workwear deserves attention alongside its initial selection
Certain protective finishes can be affected by factors such as washing temperatures, detergents, chemical exposure and general wear. Depending on the fabric and treatment, unsuitable laundering practices may influence the garment’s protective performance over time.
For this reason, it is important to consider the manufacturer’s care instructions and any applicable requirements for inspecting, maintaining or replacing protective garments.
Industrial laundering services may offer businesses a structured approach to managing workwear cleaning requirements. However, laundering alone does not establish whether a garment remains suitable for its intended protective function.
Buying vs Renting Specialised Industrial Workwear
Businesses also need to consider how they will source and manage their employees’ workwear.
Purchasing garments means taking responsibility for stock management, laundering arrangements, maintenance and replacement decisions.
Garment rental offers an alternative, potentially combining workwear supply with laundering and other management services, depending on the agreed arrangements.
Through our First Garment Rental division, we offer industrial workwear rental and laundering solutions for various industries, with available garment and service options considered according to operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are acid-resistant overalls also flame-retardant?
Not necessarily. Acid resistance and flame retardancy are different properties. A garment’s suitability for either hazard depends on its specific materials, treatments and performance specifications.
How many washes can a protective fabric finish withstand?
There is no universal number. The durability of a protective finish depends on factors such as the fabric, treatment, laundering conditions and manufacturer’s specifications.
Who is responsible for providing suitable PPE in South Africa?
Under South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have duties to address workplace hazards and provide appropriate protective measures where required. PPE selection should be informed by the risks associated with the work being performed.
Explore Industrial Workwear Options With First Garment Rental
Choosing protective workwear involves understanding workplace hazards, fabric properties and the requirements of the job. At Bidvest Laundry, our First Garment Rental division offers a range of industrial workwear and laundering solutions.
Contact our team to discuss your requirements and explore the available garment and fabric options.