Portwest Flame Resistant Clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

They cover different hazards. NFPA 2112 certifies garments against flash fire, the hazard in oil, gas, refining and chemical work. NFPA 70E governs electrical arc flash, where garments carry an arc rating and fall into a PPE category. Some garments meet both. Your site's hazard assessment decides which one you need.

It is the fabric blend: 88 percent cotton and 12 percent high-tenacity nylon, treated to be flame resistant. The nylon adds strength and abrasion resistance that pure FR cotton lacks, while the cotton keeps it comfortable. It is one of the most common fabrics in industrial FR workwear.

A number in calories per square centimeter that tells you how much arc flash energy the fabric can take before the wearer is likely to suffer a second-degree burn. A higher number means more protection. Electrical workers match it to the incident energy calculated for their task. It appears on the garment label and the product page.

Cotton, wool or FR-rated base layers. Polyester, nylon and similar synthetics can melt against the skin in a fire even under an FR outer layer, so keep them out of the layering entirely. The same logic applies to anything worn over FR, including hi-vis vests.

Wash inside out and skip bleach, fabric softener and starch, which can coat the fibers or add fuel. Inherent and durably treated FR fabrics keep their protection when laundered this way. Replace garments that are torn, heavily contaminated with oil, or worn thin.

Both work if they carry the ratings your site requires. Coveralls give continuous coverage with no gap at the waist, which suits welding and dirty work. Separates are cooler and easier to mix across seasons. See our Portwest FR coveralls range.

Boots with their own protection for the same hazard, since FR clothing stops at the ankle. Welders want leather uppers that resist sparks and heat-resistant outsoles, and electrical workers want EH-rated footwear. See our welding boots and electrical hazard boots ranges.

Yes. Portwest is one part of the range, and our wider flame resistant collection includes other workwear brands as well. See the full flame resistant apparel collection.

Portwest Flame Resistant Clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E?

What does 88/12 mean?

What is an arc rating?

What should I wear under FR clothing?

How do I keep FR clothing protective through washing?

Do I need FR coveralls or separate shirt and pants?

What footwear goes with FR clothing?

Is there FR clothing from other brands?