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Need to Know
Need to Know: Fire Retardant (FR) Fabrics
Types of FR Fabrics
Treated FR Fabrics
● Regular fabrics (like cotton) treated with special chemicals for flame resistance.
● Generally, more affordable but requires proper care to maintain protection.
● Examples: FR Cotton, FR Polycotton Blends.
Inherent FR Fabrics
● Naturally flame-resistant at the fibre level.
● Protection never fades—built to last.
● Examples: Nomex®, Aramids (Kevlar®), FR Polyester.
Spotlight on Nomex®
Nomex® is a leading inherent FR fibre from DuPont®, trusted for high-risk environments. Clothing made with Nomex® meets key safety standards, including:
✔ NFPA 2112 – Flash fire protection
✔ NFPA 70E / ASTM F1506 – Arc flash protection
✔ Firefighting gear (NFPA 1971, 1975, 1977)
Common Nomex® Blends
➔ Nomex® IIA (95% Nomex® / 5% Kevlar®): Strong and flame-resistant, but lacks built-in anti-static protection.
➔ Nomex® IIIA (93% Nomex® / 5% Kevlar® / 2% Anti-static fibre): Industry standard with added strength and static control for explosive atmospheres.
Cost Considerations
Budget-Friendly: Treated FR Fabrics – lower upfront cost. Protection lasts for up to 50-60 washes before the treatment fades.
Long-Term Value: Inherent FR Fabrics – higher initial price, but permanent protection.
How to Choose the Right FR Fabric
- Consider workplace hazards—fire, arc flash, molten metal exposure.
- Check required certifications (NFPA, ISO/EN).
- Factor in durability and cost to find the best fit for your needs.
