Flame Resistant Garments
Flame resistant garments are specialized workwear made from fabrics that, by inherent properties or chemical treatment, will slow, terminate, or prevent flaming combustion when exposed to fire or high heat, and will not melt onto the skin. They are required in workplaces with flash fire, molten metal, welding, or similar hot work hazards, as defined by WorkSafeBC and standards like NFPA 2112.
On a shop floor, flame resistant garments are part of an employer's PPE program under hazard-specific controls. Employers assess hazards like flash fire, arc flash, molten metal splash, or hot work, then specify garments certified to standards such as CAN/CGSB-155.20 for flash fire or CSA Z462 for arc flash. Garments include shirts, pants, coveralls, and high-visibility FR vests. Layering requires flame-resistant or natural fiber base layers to avoid melting synthetics. Daily use involves donning before entering hazard zones, verifying labels, and laundering per manufacturer guidelines to maintain FR properties.
- Using non-FR or melting synthetic clothing (e.g., polyester hoodies) under or instead of FR garments, causing severe secondary burns from melting and dripping.
- Selecting FR garments without appropriate hazard rating or certification, such as using generic FR shirts for flash fire without NFPA 2112 marking or arc-rated garments below required incident energy.
- Poor care, contamination, or degradation of FR properties, including improper laundering with bleach or fabric softeners, or failing to remove garments saturated with flammable substances like oils or solvents.
How does WorkSafeBC legally define flame resistant clothing, and when is it mandatory?
WorkSafeBC defines flame resistant clothing as garments made of materials that, due to inherent properties or flame retardant treatment, will slow, terminate, or prevent flaming combustion. It is mandatory where workers may be exposed to flash fires, molten metal, welding, burning, or similar hot work hazards, as per OHS Regulation.
How do flame resistant garments differ from arc-rated garments, and what standards apply?
All arc-rated garments are flame resistant, but not all FR garments are arc-rated. FR garments for flash fire are certified to CAN/CGSB-155.20 or NFPA 2112, focusing on vertical flammability and thermal protective performance. Arc-rated garments for electrical arc protection follow CSA Z462 or NFPA 70E, tested per ASTM F1959 for ATPV or Ebt in cal/cm².
What are WorkSafeBC/CSA requirements for high-visibility flame resistant garments used in welding or hot work?
WorkSafeBC requires that no part of the high-visibility garment may melt, separate, or ignite when subjected to 500°F (260°C) air for 5 minutes. For welding or burning, the garment must be made from flame retardant materials. CSA Z96 specifies photometric class and level, with FR designation for combined performance.