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PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE What is NEW in Flame Resistant Fabrics Past / Present / Future Emerging Technology Care & Maintenance Speaker: Duncan Blaine TECGEN SELECT
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Why FR? Historical Statistical Information Associated Costs Historical Perspective / Evolution Fabric Types Evolution of FR technology Commercially Available Today The Regulations & Fabrics Protective Characteristics Emerging Technology Fabric Types / Protective Characteristics Selection / Care / Maintenance Guidelines / Suggestions
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Statistics compiled from BLS database Numerical totals could vary depending on classification and grouping
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2000 Direct cost of a fatality - $1.3 million Direct + Indirect cost - $4 – 10 million 2005 Major electrical accident - $17.4 million 2010 Major electrical accident - $23.0 million Costs include 1 st year medical expenses plus lifetime disabling medical costs Reference material compiled from CDC / NIOSH
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Lost Production Increase in Workmen’s Compensation Insurance Rates Legal Fees Fines & Penalties Decreased Employee Morale
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Unimaginable Pain Months In The Hospital Repetitive Surgeries Excruciating Rehabilitation Pain and Suffering Emotional Costs Increased Divorce Rate The Human Element Cannot Be Measured!
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Chemically Treated FR properties are added by chemical processes Properties are bonded and permanent Hydrogen Peroxide and Chlorine Bleach should be avoided Inherent FR A synthetic (man made) fiber / natural fiber (wool) Essential characteristic of the fiber is FR Born to “Not Burn” Avoid Chlorine Bleach – Strength Loss
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2011 – 44 th Anniversary of NOMEX® Inherently flame-resistant, NOMEX will not melt, drip or support combustion in air Durable FR Cotton 1970’s - “Topical” non durable applications – Proban FR 7a 1980’s - Indura® Brand – FR for life of the garment** 1990’s + - Continual development – Indura Ultrasoft®
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1980’s 1970’s 1990’s 2000’s PROBAN/FR-7A
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INDURA Fabrics Retain the Natural Comfortable Characteristics of Cotton INDURA Fabrics are GUARANTEED Flame Resistant for the Life of the Garment
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NFPA 70E – Consists of 5 HRC’s (0-4) HRC 0 and 1: Nomex®, Indura® US, Other Blended Fabrics HRC 2: Inherent, Treated FR fabrics, single layer – Minimum 8.0 cal/cm2 HRC 3&4: Multi layered Nomex and FR treated products NFPA 2112 – Flash Fire Protection (< 50% body burn) Mix of Inherent and FR treated products Molten Metal – Splash Protection / (Steel / Aluminum) Products available – Wool Based, Vinal Based, Treated Cotton NO NOMEX
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Emerging Technology Increased awareness and regulation revisions have fueled “explosive” growth in research and development efforts by textile manufacturers The following is a “short” list of existing and emerging technology
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Inherent FR blend of Nomex®, Kevlar®, Modacrylic, and anti static fiber Comfortable Durable (Life Expectancy similar to Nomex) NFPA 2112 Compliant Passes NFPA 2112 Requirements NFPA 70E Hazard Risk Category 2 Compliant 7 oz/ sq yard – 8.5 cal/cm2 8.0 oz / sq yard – 12.3 cal/cm2 Test results reported by Dupont
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Inherent FR blend – Modacrylic, Lyocell, Para Aramid Comfortable, Soft Hand, Moisture Wicking via Lyocell Absorption NFPA 2112 Compliant 23% Body Burn Flash Fire Exposure Manikin Test NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk Category 2 Compliant 7oz/ sq yard – 9.0 cal / cm2 6oz/ sq yard – 6.5 cal / cm2 Test results reported by Tencate Southern Mills
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Test results reported by Westex Available Since Mid 2011 in 7 oz and 9 oz/ sq yard Pima cotton for softness NFPA 2112 Compliant Passes NFPA 2112 Requirements NFPA 70E HRC 2 certified – 8.3 cal/cm2
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Micro-evaporative Cooling™ Unique Thermal Management Bi-regional fiber Lightest weight HRC 2 fabric available today 5.5 oz – Dual Certified – NFPA 70E (HRC 2) 8.9 cal/cm2 & NFPA 2112 (26% body burn)
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Making the “right” choice for you and your specific application requires research and full understanding of the hazard protection requirements Your choice should be based on a good balance between: Safety performance, Comfort, Durability, Cost, & an Objective Wear Trial
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Once protective requirement is established: Determine: Comfort requirements Fit requirements Durability requirements
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Ask your potential supplier these questions: Is the fabric suitable for the hazard? Do you have in-depth knowledge of the properties of this product? Is this fabric certified / tested based on UL or SEI procedures and guidelines?
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Review your entire program Understand WHAT maintenance actually is: Repair requirements Cleaning requirements Inspection requirements Understand ALL care labels Talk to your supplier
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Consult the “Experts” ASTM (International Society of Testing Materials) ASTM F- 1449 New ASTM guidelines for Home Laundering Use Common Sense Make the “RIGHT” choice – Someone’s LIFE depends on it!
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Q & A February 2013
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