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Defining Heat Resistant Nylon in the Workplace Environment

Personal protection equipment (PPE) is an important part of your life whether you realize it or not. Foul weather, hazardous situations, and even using a knife requires the use of PPE. Sometimes, hazardous conditions can include live or stored energy. This has its own set of issues that must be addresses, and defining the use of heat resistant nylon becomes a number one priority. Of course, times are changing, and many of the understood concepts of today were not even around a decade ago. Knowing what is common and appropriate today is an essential part of maintaining your safety as well as regulations.

Heat resistant nylon is an intriguing concept that is still dramatically in its infancy. Most generally, you will find this is material utilized in arc protection apparel. These garments reduce the severity of injury in the event of arcing energy. Of course, you will find there are many types and styles of this apparel on the market today. Whether you choose shirts, pants, bibs, or hoods, you will find that the arc rating will increase the likelihood you survive arcing energy and the intense temperatures resulting from the arcing flash of electricity.

Once, the only option for professional men and women was the use of flame retardant apparel. However, there are inherently FR fabrics on the market today that promote everything you need and more. Whether you need a high level of protection or just a little “something”, you will come to appreciate the benefits of heat resistant nylon, or more accurately, the blend of this material and cotton.

The categories are defined by calories per square centimeter. There are four categories, and each category increased the number of calories required per square centimeter. For instance, a category one will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 5 calories. Category two will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 8 calories. Category three will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 25 calories. Finally, category two will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 40 calories.

Whether you choose flame retardant coating for the apparel or the inherently FR garments such as offered by Carhartt, you will find that the label will define the number of calories per square centimeter. If you have a FR shirt with 6 calories per square centimeter, you will need to add more apparel to reach a category four. In addition, each category has a minimum of PPE required. Category one does not require a full arc resistance body suit, but category four does.

PPE is what you need, and there is a lot to be said about meeting the regulatory conditions of your industry. Your employer will be responsible for labeling appropriately the levels of protection necessary for a given area. Knowing what materials or fibers to expect when you go looking for the PPE will allow you to remain safe while allowing your employer to maintain industry guidelines and reduce possible fining.

Yes, heat resistant nylon blends are more popular than before, and the level of protection you receive will be second to none thanks to steep fining of businesses or companies not conforming to regulatory policies.