Double Duty Safety: Fire Resistant Clothing in Australia

Working in environments with potential fire hazards requires a dual focus on safety: staying protected from flames and ensuring high visibility for yourself and others. This is where fire resistant high visibility clothing (FR Hi Vis) comes in. This article is your one-stop guide to FR Hi Vis clothing in Australia, who needs both fire resistance and high visibility on the job. Whether you’re a seasoned tradie or just starting out, this information will help you make informed decisions about your safety gear.

Types of FR Hi Vis Clothing

• Hi Vis Flame Resistant Shirt: Available in long and short sleeves, these shirts offer a comfortable base layer of fire protection and high visibility.
• FR Hi Vis Pants: Providing leg protection, FR Hi Vis pants come in various styles, from cargo pants to bib overalls, depending on your needs.
• FR Hi Vis Coveralls: Offering complete protection from head to toe, FR Hi Vis coveralls are ideal for high-risk environments.
• FR Hi Vis Jackets: Adding an extra layer of protection for your torso, FR Hi Vis jackets are perfect for colder weather or jobs with higher fire risks.
• Flame Retardant Hi Vis Hats and Headwear: Protecting your head from the sun, flames, and falling debris, FR Hi Vis hats and headwear are an essential addition.

Why You Need Fire Resistant High Visibility Clothing

• Fire Protection: FR Hi Vis clothing is treated with flame-retardant chemicals that inhibit flames from spreading and self-extinguishing. This provides crucial seconds of protection in the event of an accident.
• High Visibility: FR Hi Vis clothing is typically bright orange or yellow with reflective stripes. This ensures you’re easily seen by colleagues, drivers, and supervisors, even in low-light conditions.

Materials Used for Flame Proof Clothing

Fire Resistant Fabrics:

1. Inherently Fire Resistant (IFR) Fibers

These fibers naturally resist burning and melting, even without chemical treatment. Common IFR fibers in FR Hi Vis clothing include:

• Nomex: A highly flame-resistant meta-aramid fiber known for its excellent durability, heat resistance, and lightweight comfort.
• Kevlar: Another aramid fiber offering exceptional flame resistance and high tensile strength. However, Kevlar can be heavier and more expensive than Nomex.
• PBI (Polybenzimidazole): A high-performance fiber with outstanding flame resistance and thermal stability. PBI is often used in situations requiring extreme heat protection.

2. Treated Fabrics

These fabrics are typically made from naturally flammable materials like cotton or polyester, then treated with flame-retardant chemicals. Common treatments include:

• Fire Resistant Treatments: These chemical treatments create a protective barrier on the fabric surface that hinders ignition and flame spread. The effectiveness of these treatments can diminish over time with washing and wear.

High Visibility Materials:

• Fluorescent Fabrics: These brightly coloured fabrics, typically orange or yellow, enhance your daytime visibility.
• Reflective Materials: Reflective strips, often made from glass beads or retroreflective materials, significantly improve your visibility in low-light conditions by reflecting light back to the source. These strips are strategically placed on FR Hi Vis clothing to ensure maximum visibility from all angles.

Blends and Combinations:

• Inherently Fire Resistant (IFR) Fibers with High Visibility Dyes: Incorporating high visibility dyes directly into IFR fibers eliminates the need for separate fluorescent fabrics.
• Treated Fabrics with Reflective Materials: Treated fabrics are often combined with reflective strips to provide both flame resistance and nighttime visibility.

The Synergy of Fire Resistance and High Visibility

• Fire Emergencies: FR delays flames, Hi Vis gets you seen for faster escape and rescue.
• Evacuations: Hi Vis keeps you visible in low-light or smoke, FR offers protection if flames are encountered.
• Reduced Accidents: Hi Vis makes you a target to avoid, FR protects from unexpected flames.
• Situational Awareness: Hi Vis helps colleagues locate you, FR ensures you’re not overlooked in an emergency.

Maintenance to Ensure Longevity 

• Washing Instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions carefully. Some FR garments require special detergents or washing methods.
• Inspections: Regularly inspect your FR Hi Vis clothing for wear and tear, damage, or loss of flame retardancy. Replace worn-out garments immediately.
• Storage: Store your Fire Resistant High Visibility clothing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and potential contaminants.

Tips for Making the Right FR Hi-Vis Clothing

• Know Your Industry Standards: Regulations often dictate the specific type of FR Hi Vis clothing required in your industry. Research and ensure your chosen garments meet the relevant Australian Standards for your work environment.
• Assess Your Job Requirements: Consider the tasks you perform and potential hazards you face.  Do you need protection from open flames, welding, or chemicals? Opt for FR Hi Vis with appropriate protection levels.
• Prioritize Comfort and Fit: Flame proof clothing should be comfortable for extended wear. Look for breathable fabrics and a good fit that allows for freedom of movement without compromising protection.
• Consider the Climate: Australia’s diverse climate demands versatile clothing. Opt for lightweight, breathable options for hot weather and consider layering with FR thermals for colder environments.
• Choose the Right Type of Garment: FR Hi Vis clothing comes in various styles. Select the one that best suits your needs – shirts, pants, coveralls, jackets, or hats – ensuring complete protection for your specific risk profile.
• Don’t Compromise on Quality: Invest in high-quality FR Hi Vis clothing from reputable suppliers.  Look for certifications by accredited bodies like SAI Global or RSEA to ensure garment effectiveness.

Recommended Brands and Retailers in Australia

1. Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety: A trusted national network of independently owned and operated stores, offering a wide selection of safety clothing and equipment, including fire-resistant hi-vis apparel. With their extensive network, they provide personalized service and expert advice to ensure that customers find the right safety solutions for their needs.
2. Bisley Workwear: A well-known brand in Australia, offering a wide selection of fire-resistant and hi-vis clothing. Their range includes shirts, trousers, jackets, and coveralls designed to provide maximum protection while ensuring comfort and durability.
3. Hi-Vis: A trusted brand known for its range of high-visibility clothing, including fire-resistant options. With a commitment to safety and visibility, their products are designed to meet the needs of workers in challenging environments.

4. Hard Yakka: A staple in the Australian workwear industry for decades, offering a range of durable and reliable clothing, including fire-resistant hi-vis garments. Their reputation for quality and performance makes them a go-to choice for many workers across various industries.
5. Total Uniform Solutions: They specialize in customized workwear solutions, including fire-resistant hi-vis clothing tailored to meet specific industry requirements. With their focus on personalized service and quality craftsmanship, they cater to businesses seeking bespoke safety apparel.

Conclusion

“Stay Safe and Seen: A Guide to Fire Resistant High Visibility Clothing in Australia” is a valuable resource for professionals working in hazardous environments. By outlining the types, materials, and benefits of FR Hi Vis clothing, the guide empowers individuals to prioritize safety effectively. Understanding industry standards, assessing job requirements, and choosing quality garments ensures comprehensive protection from flames and enhanced visibility. With recommended brands and retailers offering trusted options, workers can confidently invest in protective gear tailored to their needs, fostering a safer workplace environment overall.

5 FAQs

1. What is Fire Resistant High Visibility Clothing?

Answer: Protective garments made from flame-resistant materials with fluorescent colors or reflective strips for enhanced visibility.

2. Who needs to wear Fire Resistant High Visibility Clothing?

Answer: Workers in industries with fire/explosion risks and low visibility conditions, such as firefighters, welders, oil/gas workers.

3. What materials are used in Fire Resistant High Visibility Clothing?

Answer: Flame-resistant fibers like aramids (Nomex, Kevlar), modacrylic, treated cotton, and fluorescent/reflective materials.

4. How does Fire Resistant High Visibility Clothing provide protection?

Answer: Resists ignition, limits flame spread, self-extinguishes, and enhances visibility in low light.

5. How should Fire Resistant High Visibility Clothing be maintained?

Answer: Regular inspection, laundering per manufacturer’s instructions, avoiding fabric softeners/bleach, and replacing damaged garments.