English
Flame-resistant (FR) workwear protects workers in high-risk environments from heat, flame, and flash fire hazards. To ensure these protective garments perform reliably over time, employers must follow proper care and maintenance routines. This guide outlines essential FR workwear care instructions every workplace should implement.
Each FR garment has a care label with instructions from the manufacturer. These guidelines are designed to maintain protective properties and prolong the life of the garment.
Best Practice: Make garment care labels accessible to laundry staff and employees.
Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and alkaline detergents, as these can degrade flame-resistant fibers and reduce protection.
Use:
✔ Mild detergents
✔ Products formulated for safety workwear
This helps preserve flame resistance and fabric integrity.
Washing FR workwear with regular clothing can contaminate it with residues that compromise protective performance.
Mandatory Rule: Always wash FR garments separately from everyday apparel.
Excessive heat during washing or drying can cause shrinkage or weaken protective fibers.
Recommendations:
✔ Wash in warm (not hot) water
✔ Tumble dry on low heat or air dry when possible
✔ Avoid ironing at very high temperatures
Proper temperature control helps protect fit and flame resistance.
Regular inspection is critical to ongoing safety. Check FR workwear for:
Holes and tears
Loose seams or stitching
Excessive fading or wear
Shrinkage or distortion of fit
Replace any garments that show significant damage to ensure continuous protection.
FR garments exposed to oils, fuels, chemicals, or flammable residues should be washed promptly. Contaminants can affect flame resistance and create safety risks if left untreated.
Tip: Treat stains early and do not store contaminated garments with clean clothing.
A care instruction is only effective if everyone follows it. Train laundry personnel and workers to:
Understand care label symbols
Recognize when FR workwear needs replacement
Handle FR garments correctly during washing and storage
Training prevents mistakes that compromise safety.
Correct storage helps preserve protective properties:
Store in a cool, dry place
Avoid direct sunlight exposure
Keep away from chemicals or heat sources
Proper storage prevents premature wear and maintains readiness.
Maintaining FR workwear correctly is more than housekeeping — it’s a safety requirement. Employers who follow these care instructions help ensure that protective clothing continues to defend workers effectively, shift after shift. Consistent care also extends garment life and strengthens overall workplace safety culture.
