ZHEJIANG DEXIANG SPECIAL FABRIC & CLOTHING CO., LTD.
ZHEJIANG DEXIANG SPECIAL FABRIC & CLOTHING CO., LTD.

Top Common Mistakes That Put Workers at Risk When Choosing Flame-Resistant Coveralls

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    Selecting flame-resistant (FR) coveralls is a critical part of workplace safety—yet many companies unknowingly choose garments that fail to deliver real protection. Below are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.


    1. Choosing FR Clothing Without Verified Certifications

    Not all FR garments meet global safety standards.
    Always verify certification such as:

    • NFPA 70E

    • ASTM F1506

    • EN ISO 11612

    • IEC 61482-2 (arc flash)

    Without proper testing, the fabric may ignite, melt, or shrink excessively under heat exposure.


    2. Ignoring Fabric Composition and Performance

    Many buyers only look at "FR" labels but ignore what really matters:

    • Whether the fabric is inherent FR or treated FR

    • Arc rating (ATPV / EBT)

    • Antistatic properties (EN 1149)

    • Heat & flame spread performance

    Poor-quality fabrics degrade quickly, putting workers at risk after only a few washes.


    3. Overlooking Proper Fit and Garment Construction

    Safety depends on the right fit and durable stitching:

    • Seams must meet strength requirements (EN ISO 13935-2)

    • Fit must allow mobility without exposing skin

    • Reinforced stress areas extend garment life

    A poorly constructed coverall may tear during work—eliminating all FR protection.


    4. Failing to Match PPE to the Correct Hazard Level

    FR coveralls are not one-size-fits-all.
    Different workplaces require different protection levels:

    • HRC/ARC Levels (0–4)

    • ATPV / EBT ratings

    • Oil & gas workers need flash-fire protection

    • Electrical utility workers need arc-flash-rated gear

    Using PPE below the required level leads to severe burn injuries.


    5. Not Considering Washing, Shrinkage, and Maintenance Requirements

    FR garments must maintain performance after repeated laundering.
    Check compliance with:

    • ISO 15797 industrial washing

    • ISO 5077 dimensional change

    • ISO 105 colorfastness

    Incorrect washing can weaken FR treatments and damage antistatic fibers.


    Conclusion: Choose FR Coveralls That Truly Protect Your Team

    Avoiding these common mistakes helps you choose PPE that is safe, durable, and globally compliant.
    At DOMEX Safety, we engineer flame-resistant, arc-rated, and anti-static garments certified to NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, EN ISO 11612, IEC 61482-2, and more—trusted by oil & gas, energy, petrochemical, and industrial clients worldwide.

    Protect your workers with PPE that meets the standard—not just the label.

    References