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What is the best reason to invest in FR/ARC rated garments?The best reason to invest in FR/ARC rated garments is that it saves lives. For those working in industries that put themselves at risk of their workwear igniting, FR/ARC rated clothing is a critical component in their protection. These garments are designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent flames from spreading, which can prevent serious injuries or even fatalities. At Tuffa Workwear, we offer a range of high-quality FR/ARC rated garments that meet industry standards and keep workers safe on the job.
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Is 100% Cotton good enough to protect workers?While 100% cotton is a popular fabric for workwear, it may not always provide the necessary protection for workers, depending on the job. Cotton is breathable and comfortable, but it is not flame-resistant or resistant to chemicals. For workers in industries such as welding or chemical handling, it is essential to wear workwear made from materials with specialized protective properties. At Tuffa Workwear, we offer a variety of workwear options made from durable and protective materials such as flame-resistant cotton, Nomex, and Kevlar. Therefore, 100% cotton (with non-FR treatment) should not be used in industries that require or recommend FR. Our team can help you choose the best workwear for your specific job requirements to ensure your safety and comfort on the job.
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What is Flame Resistant Fabric/Garments?Flame-resistant (FR) garments are designed to protect workers from flash fires, electric arcs, and other hazards commonly found in industries like oil and gas, electrical utilities, and manufacturing. FR fabric is made from materials that are naturally resistant to flames and heat, or are treated with special chemicals to provide this protection. These fabrics have the ability to self-extinguish, reducing the risk of injury to the person wearing the garment. Tuffa Workwear offers a wide variety of FR garments, including coveralls, jackets, shirts, and pants, to help keep workers safe on the job.
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What is flash fire?Flash fire is a type of fire that results from a sudden and intense ignition of flammable materials or gases. It can happen in a matter of seconds and can spread rapidly, creating a dangerous situation for workers in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and firefighting. Flash fires can cause serious burn injuries and even fatalities, which is why it is important for workers to wear flame-resistant clothing that can protect them from the heat and flames generated by this type of fire. At Tuffa Workwear, we offer a wide range of high-quality flame-resistant workwear that meets industry standards and provides the best possible protection for workers in hazardous environments.
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What Is Arc Flash?Arc flash is when an electric current passes through air between ungrounded conductors and grounded conductors, and the temperatures can reach 19,000C. Exposure to these extreme temperatures burns the skin directly and causes ignition of clothing, which adds to the burn injury. The majority of hospital admissions due to electrical accidents are from arc-flash burns, not from shock. Arc flash can kill at a distance of 3 METERS.
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Is ARC Rated Fabric/Garments the same as Flame Resistant Fabric/Garments?No, arc-rated fabric/garments are not the same as flame-resistant fabric/garments. While both types of clothing are designed to provide protection against fire hazards, they are different in terms of the type of hazard they protect against. Flame-resistant clothing is designed to prevent ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to a flame, while arc-rated clothing is designed to protect against electric arc flashes, which are high-temperature events that can occur in electrical systems. It's important to choose the right type of clothing for your job, based on the specific hazards you face. At Tuffa Workwear, we offer a variety of both flame-resistant and arc-rated clothing options to keep you safe on the job.
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What Is ATPV (Arc Thermal Protection Value)?ATPV, or Arc Thermal Protection Value, is the measure of the amount of thermal energy that a fabric can withstand before it fails to protect the wearer from arc flashes. Essentially, it is the amount of heat that a fabric can absorb before it cracks or melts, and it is measured in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm²). The higher the ATPV rating, the more protective the fabric is against electrical arc hazards. At Tuffa Workwear, we offer a wide range of workwear that meets ATPV safety standards to ensure that our customers are protected while on the job.
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NEW ARC Flash Protection CategoriesNFPA 70E 2015 version, eliminates the commonly used term HRC (Hazard/Risk categories), which described the level of PPE(Personal Protective Equipment), needed for specific tasks in the PPE tables. Instead, the new NFPA 70E use the term “arc rated PPE category,” or simply “PPE level.” HRCs have become common on clothing, and the levels are still there but will be called PPE categories or PPE levels. The categories remain essentially the same. For example, the current HRC 2, encompassing the range of 8 to 24 cal/cm2, will be PPE level 2, etc.(see tables below).“Hazard/risk category 0″has been removed from the table. The hazards/risk category will now be referred to as “PPE category”. Hazard/risk category 0 was deleted because of the new PPE table only species PPE for work within the arc ash boundary. If there is no arc ash hazard, then no arc flash PPE is required and it is therefore not necessary on the table devoted to PPE.
FAQs
Welcome to our FAQs page, which is dedicated to shedding light on the essential facts surrounding Flame-Resistant (FR) clothing. Here at Tuffa, we understand that informed choices are crucial to safety in the workplace. Whether you're new to FR garments or seeking deeper insights, our FAQs provide a valuable resource for understanding the critical aspects of FR clothing. Explore these common questions to comprehensively understand FR apparel, its benefits, and its role in safeguarding workers across various industries.
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