Advancements in Flame Resistant Clothing

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Some fantastic things are happening in the advancement of flame resistant clothing. According to Science Daily in July 2008, protective clothing worn by firefighters and other emergency workers may soon get a germ-fighting upgrade. Researchers in South Dakota reported progress toward the first Kevlar fabrics that can kill a wide range of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and the spores that cause anthrax. The researchers also said that the coating is long lasting, can be reactivated and will not cause any loss of fabric comfort or strength.

At Texas A&M, a Dr. Jaime Grunlan has developed a thin film composite coating of polymer and clay that three-dimensionally lines the walls of a foam object and renders it flame resistant. Where fabric is concerned, each thread can be individually coated with a flame retardant clay-filled thin film and remains soft and flexible.

And down under in Melbourne, Kiwi scientists have developed a revolutionary new fabric, which is not only flame resistant but is stab resistant as well and is as light as wool. According to Dr. Ingram of AgResearch, the new fabric is tough enough to withstand a blowtorch as well as other commercial applications. This new fabric is not only flame resistant but may also help protect soldiers from flying shrapnel.

This means that Carhartt will be getting new material to make its Carhartt coats out of as well as its various other flame resistant work wear. It also means that firefighters and other emergency workers will be safer when doing their jobs protecting us.

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OSHA Guidelines On Flame Resistant Clothing

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

Heat, fire, combustible dust related explosions can all cause severe burn injuries and fatalities for workers in the construction, electrical and related fields, as well as firemen and other emergency crews.

That’s why it’s so important that these workers and others who may be exposed to these hazards wear some form of protective work wear, including flame resistant clothing, also known as FRC.

There are many companies out there catering to the needs of these workers by offering a wide supply of clothing designed for men and women, including Carhartt coats, waterproof overalls, high visibility vests and outerwear and hats, gloves and flame-resistant accessories.

But all the best gear in the world won’t cut it when it comes to protecting the crew if management doesn’t enforce standards for properly protecting their workers.  You might want to take a few tips from  David Osbon, product manager at Unifirst uniforms and services.  He’s put together a pretty thorough podcast on the importance of wearing FRCs, particularly when it comes to handling combustible particulate solids that generate combustible dust.

In his podcast, Osbon contends that many manufacturing facility managers are not aware of the fire hazard from combustible dust explosions and that in many of these instances, when vapors carry the potential for flash fires and explosions, that wearing FRC is actually a requirement by OSHA.   In fact, the  OSHA general duty clause requires that employers provide FRC’s to all employees when a hazard is potentially present from combustible dust related fires and explosions. Furthermore the OSHA Dust NEP states:

Visit the site and listen to the podcast for much more information about OSHA and FRCs.  If you’re in the market for your own FRCs, or for heavy duty outerwear, try any retailer offering products from the Carhartt line.  These folks have been in the business of providing top-quality workwear, including FRCs, for many years.

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Meager Beginnings

NJoy’s founders discovered the electronic cigarette technology, known as microelectronic technology, five years ago, when it was being developed in China. After two years of product, market and consumer research, they launched the NJoy product line. According to NJoy Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “The Alternative Smoking Device market is one that started from ground zero a couple of years ago, and has now become a multimillion dollar business around the world.” NJoy is currently selling their products in 50 countries as well as all 50 US states. The products are offered in various sizes replicating the shapes and sizes of cigars and cigarettes and the cartridges are offered in different nicotine levels 0-18 milligrams per cartridge.

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