PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

What is NEW in Flame Resistant Fabrics

Past / Present / FutureEmerging TechnologyCare & Maintenance

Speaker: Duncan Blaine TECGEN SELECT

Why FR?Historical Statistical InformationAssociated Costs

Historical Perspective / EvolutionFabric TypesEvolution of FR technology

Commercially Available Today The Regulations & Fabrics

Protective Characteristics

Emerging TechnologyFabric Types / Protective Characteristics

Selection / Care / MaintenanceGuidelines / Suggestions

Agenda

Statistics compiled from BLS databaseNumerical totals could vary depending on classification and grouping

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 20100

30

60

90

120

150

Fatal Injury by Industry

Oil & Gas Electrical Contractors Molten Metal Utilities

Year

# o

f F

ata

litie

s

Injury Statistics

Associated Financial Cost

2000 Direct cost of a fatality - $1.3 million Direct + Indirect cost - $4 – 10 million

2005 Major electrical accident - $17.4 million

2010 Major electrical accident - $23.0 million

Costs include 1st year medical expenses plus lifetime disabling medical costs

Reference material compiled from CDC / NIOSH

“Other” Associated Costs

Lost Production

Increase in Workmen’s Compensation

Insurance Rates

Legal Fees

Fines & Penalties

Decreased Employee Morale

Personal Costs

Unimaginable Pain

Months In The Hospital

Repetitive Surgeries

Excruciating Rehabilitation

Pain and Suffering

Emotional Costs

Increased Divorce Rate

The Human Element Cannot Be Measured!

Flame Resistant Fabric Types

Chemically TreatedFR properties are added by chemical processesProperties are bonded and permanentHydrogen Peroxide and Chlorine Bleach should be avoided

Inherent FRA synthetic (man made) fiber / natural fiber (wool)Essential characteristic of the fiber is FRBorn to “Not Burn”Avoid Chlorine Bleach – Strength Loss

The History of FR

2011 – 44th Anniversary of NOMEX®Inherently flame-resistant, NOMEX will not melt, drip or support combustion in air

Durable FR Cotton1970’s - “Topical” non durable applications – Proban FR 7a1980’s - Indura® Brand – FR for life of the garment**1990’s + - Continual development – Indura Ultrasoft®

1980’s

1970’s

1990’s

2000’s

PROBAN/FR-7A

Chemically Treated Evolution

The INDURA Process

• INDURA Fabrics

Retain the Natural

Comfortable

Characteristics of

Cotton

• INDURA Fabrics

are

GUARANTEED

Flame Resistant

for the Life of the

Garment

“The Regs” & Fabrics

NFPA 70E – Consists of 5 HRC’s (0-4)HRC 0 and 1: Nomex®, Indura® US, Other Blended FabricsHRC 2: Inherent, Treated FR fabrics, single layer – Minimum 8.0 cal/cm2HRC 3&4: Multi layered Nomex and FR treated products

NFPA 2112 – Flash Fire Protection (< 50% body burn)Mix of Inherent and FR treated products

Molten Metal – Splash Protection / (Steel / Aluminum) Products available – Wool Based, Vinal Based, Treated Cotton

NO NOMEX

Current / Future

Emerging Technology Increased awareness and regulation revisions

have fueled “explosive” growth in research and development efforts by textile manufacturers

The following is a “short” list of existing and emerging technology

Protera® Inherent FR blend of Nomex®, Kevlar®, Modacrylic,

and anti static fiber

Comfortable

Durable (Life Expectancy similar to Nomex)

NFPA 2112 Compliant Passes NFPA 2112 Requirements

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk Category 2 Compliant

7 oz/ sq yard – 8.5 cal/cm2 8.0 oz / sq yard – 12.3 cal/cm2

Test results reported by Dupont

TecaSafe™ Plus

Inherent FR blend – Modacrylic, Lyocell, Para Aramid

Comfortable, Soft Hand, Moisture Wicking via Lyocell Absorption

NFPA 2112 Compliant 23% Body Burn Flash Fire Exposure Manikin Test

NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk Category 2 Compliant 7oz/ sq yard – 9.0 cal / cm2 6oz/ sq yard – 6.5 cal / cm2

Test results reported by Tencate Southern Mills

Indura Ultrasoft AC

Test results reported by Westex

Available Since Mid 2011 in 7 oz and 9 oz/ sq yard

Pima cotton for softness

NFPA 2112 Compliant Passes NFPA 2112 Requirements

NFPA 70E HRC 2 certified – 8.3 cal/cm2

TECGEN SELECT®

Micro-evaporative Cooling™

Unique Thermal Management

Bi-regional fiber

Lightest weight HRC 2 fabric available today

5.5 oz – Dual Certified – NFPA 70E (HRC 2) 8.9 cal/cm2 & NFPA 2112 (26% body burn)

Making the “Right” Choice

Making the “right” choice for you and your specific application requires research and fullunderstanding of the hazard protection requirements

Your choice should be based on a good balance between: Safety performance, Comfort, Durability, Cost, & an

Objective Wear Trial

Selection – Care – MaintenanceMaking the “Right” Choice

Once protective requirement is established: Determine:

Comfort requirements Fit requirements Durability requirements

Selection – Care – MaintenanceMaking the “Right” Choice

Ask your potential supplier these questions:

Is the fabric suitable for the hazard?

Do you have in-depth knowledge of the properties of this product?

Is this fabric certified / tested based on UL or SEI procedures and guidelines?

Care & Maintenance

Review your entire program

Understand WHAT maintenance actually is:

Repair requirements

Cleaning requirements

Inspection requirements

Understand ALL care labels

Talk to your supplier

Care & Maintenance

Consult the “Experts”

ASTM (International Society of Testing Materials) ASTM F- 1449 New ASTM guidelines for Home Laundering

Use Common Sense

Make the “RIGHT” choice – Someone’s LIFEdepends on it!

ASSE Lowcountry Chapter

Q & A

February 2013