FRC 101: An Overview of Standards, Testing, and Options

With numerous arc flash, flash fire, and combustible dust incidents placing an increasing number of workers at risk, many companies are seeking safety solutions that will ensure both compliance and protection for their workers. Among these, the use of flame resistant clothing (FRC) is often a last layer of protection that helps ensure survival in the event of an explosion or arc flash event. In hazardous industries such as electrical maintenance and oil and gas, a full understanding of the applicable standards is of the utmost importance. An enhanced awareness of recent changes to the standards guides key safety decisions. Additionally, familiarity with the garment supply chain and the services available from FRC suppliers aids employers in making the safest and most costeffective purchasing decision. This paper highlights key industry standards, provides a supply chain, fabric, and testing overview, and outlines key service components to consider when selecting FRC. Such awareness can drive not only the safety component of an FRC program, but enhance worker satisfaction and thus, compliance, over the long term. In addition, full awareness of all the various components of FR products can also offer companies significant cost savings over the long term by enabling them to choose a quality FRC supplier.