On a 38°C day at a substation, mine site or rail corridor, heat is a hazard in its own right. Safe Work Australia notes that heavy protective clothing can trap heat close to the body and impair the evaporation of sweat.
When FR protective clothing feels hot, people roll sleeves, open fronts or skip layers. Protection only works when it is worn properly for the whole shift, so comfort is part of safety.
MULTITEK® is Tuffa’s range of inherently flame-resistant, arc-rated fabrics, made from a blend of LENZING™ FR and aramid fibres. It is designed to deliver FR/ARC protection without the heat and discomfort that drive people out of their PPE, and that starts with the fibre.
Absorbing versus wicking
Most synthetic fibres absorb very little water. They move sweat along the fibre surface, and some rely on applied finishes to do it.
Cellulosic fibres work differently. They are hygroscopic: they take moisture into the fibre itself and release it to the air, absorbing many times more moisture than polyester. A cellulose-rich fabric buffers sweat next to the skin instead of leaving it sitting there.
LENZING™ FR: cellulose built for protection
MULTITEK® is built on LENZING™ FR, a wood-based cellulosic fibre made using Lenzing’s Modal fibre process. Its flame resistance is built into the fibre during production, so one fibre delivers both inherent flame resistance and the moisture behaviour of cellulose.
LENZING™ FR makes up 62% to 65% of MULTITEK® shirt, trouser and coverall fabrics. The balance is mainly aramid, which adds heat stability, strength and abrasion resistance.
That high cellulosic content is the main reason MULTITEK® feels different from FR/ARC-rated fabrics that rely heavily on synthetic fibres.
Built into the fibre, not added on
MULTITEK®’s breathability and moisture handling come from the fibre, not a surface finish, so there is nothing to rinse away in the wash. Lenzing also states that the flame resistance of LENZING™ FR does not diminish over time or with washing.
That does not make any garment last forever. Abrasion, damage, contamination and incorrect laundering affect every fabric, so follow care instructions and inspect garments regularly. FR garments are not fireproof.
Design does the rest
Fibre is the starting point. Garment design decides how well it performs on the body:
- Fabric weight. From 155-160gsm in the lightest vented shirts to 240gsm ripstop in trousers.
- Venting. Underarm, back and rear-leg vents release built-up heat.
- Reflective tape. Perforated and segmented tape lets air through. See our guide to Heat-Applied vs Sew-On Reflective Tape.
- Fit. Correct sizing keeps air moving around the body; tight garments restrict airflow and movement.
Comfort features never replace the arc rating the task requires. For more on managing heat on site, read Heat stress at work: what Australian workers need to know.
Choosing FR/ARC-rated clothing for hot conditions
Start with the protection level and standards the job requires, then choose garments that meet them and suit the conditions. Options from our MULTITEK® range include:
- PPE 1 shirts (men’s and women’s). 155-160gsm, ATPV 7.7 cal/cm², underarm and back venting, day/night compliant.
- PPE 2 shirts (men’s and women’s). 180gsm, ATPV 9.4 cal/cm², day/night compliant. These include the Moisture Management PPE2 shirt with perforated FR tape, and the Vented PPE2 shirt.
- PPE 2 trousers (men’s and women’s). Including the extra-light 195gsm Cargo Vented PPE2 and Bend X Stretch ripstop. Night compliant.
- Tropical weight coveralls (unisex). PPE 2, ATPV 9.7 cal/cm², with 180gsm fabric up top for breathability and 240gsm ripstop below for abrasion resistance. Day/night compliant.
Explore our shirts, trousers and coveralls, or talk to our team about FR/ARC-rated protective clothing for your conditions.