Double Layer Flame Resistant Clothing Protection

    Having an extra layer of flame resistant clothing can make the difference between injury and death. By wearing  not only flame resistant clothing as an outer layer of protection but also as an undergarment provides for a much better form of personal protection.
    As safety standards and regulations are created a lot of focus tends to be geared towards the outer layer or first line of defense clothing. This is of course because the primary clothing that is exposed to the hazard first must meet the requirements in the form or tested ratings that have been determined by the standard setting organizations. It has always been acceptable that as long as the outer layer of clothing be it shirts, pants, coveralls or jackets meets the regulations that the protection is sufficient.
     The problem lies in the fact that given the extent of the possible exposure there is always a point where the protective qualities of the flame resistant clothing will be exceeded. At this point the FR clothing will break down and allow the flame source to penetrate the inner apparel and thus the body. By having a double layer of flame resistant clothing protection this will help a lot in the form of back up apparel for personal protection.
    100% cotton undergarments have traditionally been accepted for use with the appropriate outer layer of flame resistant clothing and still are. The problem is that the extent of exposure can not always be determined when a hazard occurs and there is always the possibility that the flame resistant properties of the garments can be exceeded. If the outer layer of clothing breaks open the person is then in a situation where they have no protection from their undergarments. As a matter of the fact the non flame resistant undergarments could actually add to the extent of the injury as they could themselves ignite and continue to burn.  
    For this reason the "garment break open" factor results in it being highly recommended to not only wear and provide the appropriate rated outer layer of flame resistant clothing but also the inner layer as well. The inner layer of clothing may not need as high a rating as the primary layer but even a lower rating will help some. As mentioned above it is not always possible to determine the extent of a electric arc or flash fire exposure even with all the calculations performed properly. This is due to the fact that it is possible that some of the original factors may have changed such as the condition of the equipment. For this reason a double layer of flame resistant clothing protection should be utilized as back up protection.
    In order to achieve a higher level of personal protection it is possible to go with a heavier outer layer then is necessary. The problem with this idea is that the higher rated clothing would have to be heavier which in turn leads to being uncomfortable and possibly a hazard depending on the work environment. More protection is achieved by having a double layer of protection because the air between the garments actually acts as an insulating factor and provides some added protection by increasing the flame resistant rating of the clothing combination.   
     An example of double layer FR protection would be to have a coverall as the outer layer and a shirt/pant combination as the inner layer. This combination could also have a flame resistant t-shirt along with FR rated underwear in place or in addition to the shirt/pant combination.   
    Companies are now seeing the benefit of adding this second layer of flame resistant clothing protection for the added safety that the double layer provides. This is due to the fact that not only is there cost savings to be had in the form of employee lost time and worker's compensation claims but also the fact that they could save someone's life. There is also the added benefit of employee appreciation that comes back in the form of a better work ethic which can add to the company's bottom line.

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