What to wear under FR coveralls?

When it comes to working in potentially dangerous environments, it's crucial to wear the right protective clothing to stay safe. For some workers, that means wearing fire-retardant (FR) coveralls. But what should you wear underneath coveralls to get the best comfort, protection, and mobility? Do you need to wear specific types of clothing or follow standard guidelines? Here's what you need to know about what to wear under FR coveralls.

Understanding FR Coveralls
Before diving into what to wear under FR coveralls, let's understand what FR coveralls are. FR coveralls are protective clothing designed to withstand exposure to fire, heat, and other hazardous materials. They are typically made from flame-resistant fabrics like Nomex, Kevlar, or carbon fiber. These materials help to prevent the coveralls from catching fire, melt or burn in the event of a fire, and protect the skin from burns or other injuries.

The Importance of Wearing Proper Undergarments
Wearing the right undergarments under FR coveralls is critical as it can affect the overall comfort, fit, and effectiveness of the protective clothing. It's recommended to wear cotton or synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or polypropylene under FR coveralls. Although cotton is the best fabric for wicking away sweat and providing natural breathability, synthetic materials like polyester are becoming increasingly popular due to their moisture-wicking properties and durability.

It's best to avoid wearing flammable materials like wool, silk, or linen under FR coveralls. These fabrics can ignite quickly and create a fire hazard. If your job requires you to wear undergarments made from these fabrics, ensure that they are either fully enclosed by FR coveralls or manufactured from flame-resistant materials.

Choosing Proper Footwear
While underclothing is vital, proper footwear is equally essential. When possible, wear slip-resistant work boots with a steel toe as they are essential to protect your feet from heavy objects and any potential hazards. Shoes that have non-slip soles will reduce the likelihood of accidental slips, especially if surfaces are oily or wet.

Selecting the Right Accessories
Accessories like jewelry, belts or tools can pose risks to a worker's safety. It's advisable to remove jewelry, watches, or bracelets before donning FR coveralls. Avoid using metallic belts or suspenders as they can heat up and cause burns in hot working conditions.

Additionally, tools like wrenches or hammers that are made with steel or other metals can lead to electrical conductivity or induce sparks accidentally. Therefore, opt for non-sparking tools, as they can eliminate the risk of sparking.

Keeping Yourself Safe and Covered
Wearing FR coveralls alone is not sufficient to ensure maximum protection from work hazards. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves, helmets, and goggles can enhance overall protection during hazardous situations. PPE is an additional protective measure that should be available to workers who wear FR coveralls.

Conclusion
Wearing fire-retardant coveralls can be a matter of life and death in hazardous work environments. However, it is essential to know how to wear FR coveralls correctly. Workers should choose the right undergarments made from cotton or synthetic materials that keep them comfortable and dry, avoid wearing materials that are flammable, choose slip-resistant work boots with steel-toe, avoiding accessories that can conduct electricity or cause sparks, and use PPE such as gloves, helmets, or goggles when needed for added protection. By following these guidelines, workers can ensure maximum protection and reduce the risk of work-related injuries or fatalities.