Cleaning And Maintenance Of Arc Flash Clothing
Proper care of arc flash clothing is an essential part of any PPE program or practice. End users of flame resistant clothing tend to use both home laundering and commercial laundries for cleaning. Both methods have their own associated advantages although home laundering provides a person with more control over the cleaning process. Commercial laundries tend to clean garments in batches to save processing costs and over drying can occur. The result of over drying your PPE investment can lead to shrinkage of the material and faster wearing out and deteriation of the garments.
Correct care of your arc flash clothing in day to day use is also quite important for the life of the garments. This is due to the stress that can be put on certain parts and areas of the fabric that happen from general use.
Laundering instructions are provided on the garment labels of any reputable PPE manufacturer. These labels are usually the best practice to follow as the manufacturers of the product have tested the safest method for cleaning the garments they make.
Your arc flash personal protective clothing can be cleaned on a regular basis and should be both for hygienic and safety reasons.
Following is a general guideline you can follow although the best practice is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
- Wash in warm water and tumble dry on medium temperature. Do not over dry. It is even a good idea to take the garments out of the dryer when they are still slightly damp and hang them to dry.
- Do not use chlorine bleach as this can affect the color and weaken the fabric.
- Do not use fabric softener as this product is flammable.
- Remove oil and grease or any combustible substances as this can ignite on the surface of the garments taking away from the protective qualities of your FRC.
- Excessive oil and grease can be removed by dry cleaning.
- Most manufacturers’ hoods are designed so that the face shield can be removed for laundering of the hood. This face shield can then be wiped with a clean soft cloth and a bit of soapy water to avoid scratching the shield surface.
- Wash your flame resistant clothing separate from regular use clothing to help keep away lint and any other containments that may come in contact with the FRC.
- If the work clothes tend to be soiled with hazardous chemicals they should be cleaned at a commercial laundry or even better onsite at the work place.
When taking care of your arc flash clothing during work conditions and on the job there are some factors to watch out for as follows:
- Be careful of stress points on the fabric in areas where abrasions occur such as knees, elbows and thighs. Also be careful around the mid section as certain tools along with work habits can lead to constantly rubbing of this area that can deteriate the material in this area.
- Never store or put away arc flash clothing rolled up with tools or sharp objects as they can be cut open and damaged easily.
- Do not store in areas where they can become contaminated from substances.
- Especially important is not to place the PPE in locations such as the back of a truck or tool box as the face shield can be easily scratched.
- Do not use insect repellents that contain DEET as they contain flammables.
That's about it for keeping your arc flash clothing clean and lasting longer. A little common sense and proactive thinking can go a long way. Remember that not only are the arc flash kits expensive but they are also provided help save your life one day if need be.
The way you care for your safety apparel as to the wear and tear in the field along with cleaning procedures can really help with the life of the garments. Your arc flash clothing is a very important part of your "tools of the trade". Just like you would take care of expensive testing instruments your PPE should also be treated to last a long time.
By regularly cleaning the garments the proper way the fabric will wear longer. This is due to the fact that soiled apparel will tend to break down and weaken faster over time then clean fabric that is kept free of debris.
The same is true for the way you treat and store the garments in everyday use. Just remember that every time even a small tear or pulling of the fabric happens it will weaken that particular spot. This can then lead to damage and wearing out of your expensive arc flash clothing.
It is the intent of this information to help give you the reasoning behind why and how important it is to take care of your protective clothing. It is not always apparent to workers as they are more focused on the job at hand then clothing maintenance.
