Having played a vital role in helping to keep hazardous industry workers safe for decades now, fire-resistant clothing has come a long way in its capabilities since its inception.
Thanks to advances in technology, significant improvements to work safety standards, and a more committed approach to protection for anyone working in a hazardous environment, fire resistant clothing such as wholesale FR shirts has become more effective and more readily available.
Let’s take a closer look at the history of fire resistant clothing, and just how far it has come over the years:
Fire resistant clothing and industrialisation
With its roots in the golden age of industrialisation, back in the early twentieth century, fire resistant clothing was designed and manufactured to help protect factory and mine workers from the risk of explosions and fires, as well as all others working in risky, dangerous environments, and was often made from materials such as leather and wool. These materials, although not fire-resistant by nature, were a lot less flammable than other materials available at the time.
But it wasn’t long before it became clear that workers at risk needed more effective protection, and fabrics treated with chemicals and coated, were soon introduced to enhance their flame-resistance. While the creation of these new garments did offer more protection to workers in hazardous environments, they weren’t always that comfortable to wear and work in, and tended not to be particularly durable.
Experimentation with synthetic fibers
With more understanding of fire-resistant materials, came experiments with fibers that were synthetic. By the middle of the twentieth century, such fabrics were proving to be highly effective, successfully protecting workers in industries such as gas and oil, where explosions and flash fires were a constant threat.
Resisting ignition, burning slowly, and ultimately, self-extinguishing, workers who were fortunate enough to wear this new protective clothing, were kept a lot safer.
Fire resistant clothing and regulatory standards
As the new fire resistant workwear grew in popularity, a need to put standardized safety regulations in place, became apparent.
OSHA and other regulatory bodies around the world, soon began compiling a list of guidelines and requirements for protective, fire resistant clothing and accessories, across a wide range of industries. Encompassing such aspects as fabric type, protection levels, and procedures for maintenance, complying with these new standards became mandatory, both for manufacturers and employers.
Striking a balance between safety and comfort
In their early designs, fire resistant items of clothing were bulky, heavy and uncomfortable to wear, particularly for longer periods of time. Fortunately, design and material innovations have meant these issues are no longer a concern.
Fire resistant clothing of today is safer and far more comfortable than it used to be, and a lot more functional, too. With the invention of moisture-wicking fabrics, ventilation systems and ergonomic designs, workers can be safe in even the most hazardous of environments, while still being comfortable and able to function as normal.
High performing fabrics
Fire resistant fabrics that are high-performance make up one of the most important developments in the world of safety clothing in recent years. Engineered for certain industries and specific applications, wholesale FR clothing that’s high performance, is designed to stand up to even the most extreme heat and flames, and offer a level of protection that is both tailored and superior.
It’s quite likely that advancements will continue to be made within the realm of fire-resistant clothing, that will make workers in hazardous environments, safer and more comfortable than they’ve ever been before.
