WHY CONSIDER CHOOSING WESTEX ULTRASOFT -FIRE RESISTANT COVERALL?
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| WESTEX ULTRASOFT FIRE RESISTANT COVERALL |
The intense energy and very short duration of an electric arc flash represents a very unique exposure — one that requires flame resistant garments durable enough to withstand temperatures that approach 35,000 °F. Once ignited, regular cotton or poly/cotton work clothes can continue burning even after the source of the ignition is removed. But Westex brand fabric will self-extinguish and provide guaranteed flame resistance for the life of the garment. See the videos for proof of Westex fabrics’ superior FR properties.
Lets Go Behind The Scenes as follows
It will be a brief into.
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GET TO KNOW WESTEX BY MILLIKEN
The story behind our commitment: When it Comes to FR Safety, We Are All In!
Not Being Convinced? Here is more proof....
Westex Flash Fire Testing Overview
Westex Arc Flash Testing Overview
HOW WESTEX FLAME RESISTANT CLOTHING IS MADE?
How Westex Flame Resistant Clothing Is Made
DOWNLOAD and Read More about Westex Flame Resistant Clothing as below:
WESTEX FLAME RESISTANT FABRIC CHOICE OF COLORS AVAILABILITY
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| WESTEX FR FABRIC COLORS |
WESTEX ULTRASOFT SAFETY COMPLIANT
There are two independent university labs in North America that conduct the flash fire manikin test, The University of Alberta and North Carolina State University, as well as a third commercial lab owned by DuPont. Westex by Milliken tests extensively at both independent labs in North America, as well as at other labs globally.
The University of Alberta flash fire manikin test chamber has been in service since 1988. In 2002, the University created its Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility (PCERF) with the goal of broadening the scope of thermal protective testing and research capabilities. PCERF collaborates with industry, military and government in the testing and evaluation of innovative protective materials, test protocols and equipment. The University of Alberta has tested virtually all types of flame resistant garments and fabrics over the years.
Westex by Milliken tests our fabrics at PCERF and annually hosts live test demonstrations for the public to help educate companies and workers on the need for flame resistant (FR) clothing. Attendees witness live flash fire manikin testing of a variety of different FR fabrics to further understand flash fire hazards and to see the huge variance in protection among otherwise compliant products.
One of the key learnings from this testing is that performance differs not just between fabric categories but also between brands within each fabric category. The NFPA 2112 standard calls for flash fire testing to be conducted at three seconds (per ASTM F1930 test protocol) and less than 50% body burn passes. Unfortunately, because NFPA 2112 is a pass/fail standard, many fabric manufacturers will only report “pass” and many end-users only require compliance to the standard. However, as the University of Alberta’s testing and other lab results show, passing grades can and do vary greatly depending on the fabric type and brand.
Data from the three different labs in North America can vary slightly, but data should not vary significantly when the testing has been performed in full compliance with ASTM F1930 standards. Issues of data variability and test duration have caused confusion in the market. Since FR fabric brand and weight largely determines the level of protection offered by a protective garment, it is critical for safety managers and other decision-makers to not only understand the real differences among fabrics but also how this impacts performance.
Those who have attended live flash fire testing at PCERF have walked away with a completely new understanding of hydrocarbon events. The ability to observe garments being tested and see garment performance first-hand has helped shape FR clothing programs for the better. Click here to read testimonials (on page 7) from safety managers at Air Liquide and Suncor Energy who have had the opportunity to attend a testing event at the University of Alberta.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD AND READ FULL TEST REPORT AS FOLLOWS:
EN ISO 11611 - INDURA Ultra Soft Style 301
EN ISO 11612 - INDURA Ultra Soft Style 301
NFPA2112 2012
Style 301 NFPA70E
FR Clothing: General Cleaning and Care Procedures
WASH WATER TEMPERATURE SETTINGS
DO NOT USE Detergents with Bleach such as Tide with Bleach
DO NOT USE Chlorine Bleach
DO NOT USE Detergents that contain animal fats*
DO NOT USE Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets*
*These are Flammable
Note:Never Spray DEET on your FR garments, it is highly flammable. If you must use DEET, apply it direct to the skin and NOT the garment.
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General Cleaning and Care |
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General Cleaning and Care |
INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY
- Wash separately from other garments to avoid damaging the luminescent effect.
- Flame resistant apparel should be washed using soft water (less than 4.0 grains). Hard water adversely affects cleaning, resulting in increased detergent usage. Hard water contains mineral salts that can form insoluble deposits on the surface of fabrics. Sufficient buildup can negate the flame resistant characteristics of the garment, and may serve as fuel if garments are exposed to an ignition source.
- Use non-ionic formulas. Do not use natural soaps (anionic or tallow soap). Soft water is recommended. Hard water precipitates soaps and contains calcium and magnesium salts. These can build up on the fiber surfaces, coating the fabric and masking luminescent or FR properties.
- It is important that formulas are developed using detergents and wash temperatures (up to 140ºF) adequate to thoroughly clean all contaminants from garments.
- Do NOT use Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) this must be avoided. Repeated exposure to bleach can destroy the luminescent effect.
- If garments are heavily soiled with particulate or abrasive soils, a flush at 105ºF (40ºC) at the beginning of the cycle will help reduce abrasion in the wash wheel. Wash formulas and load sizes should be set up to minimize redeposition and fabric abrasion.
- Starch, fabric softener, and other laundry additives can coat the fiber and mask the FR performance or serve as fuel in case of combustion. Therefore their use is not recommended. Garments should be soured to a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Use a short extract time to prevent setting wrinkles.
- Do not over dry. Condition at a stack setting of 165°F so fabric temperature measured in the basket does not exceed 280°F.
- Proper cool down to 100ºF or less in conditioning is essential for best appearance.
- Tunnel finishing will improve appearance. Tunnel temperature must not exceed 280ºF on the fabric.
- If desired, garments may be pressed using a short cycle. Do not exceed a fabric temperature of 280ºF under the press head.
- Always consult the garment manufacturer for detailed instructions and precautions.
HOME WASH
- Wash separately in a Normal or Cotton cycle at any water temperature up to a maximum of 140ºF (60ºC). Use any typical home laundry detergent. Do not use soap (tallow soap containing animal fats).
- Turn garments inside out before wash to reduce streaking from abrasion. Fill the washer no more than 2/3 full and use high water level.
- DO NOT use chlorine bleach or liquid nonchlorine bleach.
- Do not use starch or fabric softeners as they may coat fibers and mask FR performance and/or serve as fuel in the event of garment ignition.
- The use of conditioned or soft water can help improve removal of contaminants from garments. Hard water precipitates soaps and can result in the build-up of calcium and magnesium salts. These can serve as fuel in the event they are exposed to a source of ignition.
- It is important that all soils and other contaminants are completely removed from garments during the wash process. This may require the use of stain removal products, such as Shout®, Spray 'n Wash®, or Zout®; or presoaking garments prior to washing. The use of hot water can often make detergents more effective in the removal of soils. If all contaminants cannot be removed in home care, garments should be dry cleaned.
- Do not over dry garments. If desired, you may press with an iron on the Permanent Press/Low setting.
- Always consult the garment manufacturer for detailed instructions and precautions.
DRY CLEAN
- Either perchloroethylene or petroleum solvent may be used.
STAIN REMOVAL
- If garments become contaminated with flammable substances, they should be removed immediately and replaced with clean flame resistant apparel. Either home or industrial laundering may successfully remove most types of both flammable and non flammable soils. However, home laundry detergents may not successfully remove some types of soil found in industry, especially heavy greases and oily soils. If flammable soils are not completely removed, the flame resistance of the garment may be compromised.
- It may be difficult to determine that flammable soils have been completely removed, but indicators would include the presence of stains and/or odors after laundering. However staining alone is not an indication that the soil has not been adequately removed. If it appears that the garments may still be contaminated after home wash, laundering at a local commercial or industrial laundry may be required. Dry cleaning may be used to remove oils and greases. Finally, if questions remain Bulwark will conduct flame resistant testing of the garment in question to determine its flame resistance. Please be aware that this is a destructive test and the garment will be destroyed.
- Flammable materials are for the most part volatile substances that dissipate into the atmosphere, for example, gasoline. Stains remaining after laundering on the other hand are either un-removed contaminants or, more likely, simply discoloration of the fabric.
- Always consult the garment manufacturer for detailed instructions and precautions.
Source: Bulwark Protective Apparel
DOWNLOAD CLEANING & GARMENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Download Laundry care and cleaning guidelines, also FAQ's about laundering FR apparel. Select the fabric type from the list.
Do You want your workers to have peace of mind, to arrive home safely, to feel comfortable, and to be productive? Then read on "We Are All In"-please kindly refer to this site for more info-
When It Comes To FR Safety, We Are All In
Disclaimer-
The contents of this website are generally for sharing useful information and not owned by Blue Solutions Marketing. This website also contains links or references direct to the respectful ownership -Westex Milliken
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