An FR coverall specification should define the hazard first, then the fabric type, fabric weight, garment design, closures, reflective tape, anti-static or arc requirements, applicable standards, sizing and test-document requirements. “FR coverall” alone is not a complete specification.
Start with the hazard
Heat and flame, flash fire, electric arc, welding and electrostatic ignition risk are different hazards. The garment specification should begin with the identified exposure and project standard, not with a generic request for “FR fabric”.
Select the FR fabric system
Common routes include treated FR cotton, treated FR cotton/nylon blends and inherently flame-resistant fibre blends. Fibre name alone does not establish the finished garment performance; test results, construction and certification scope matter.
Specify fabric weight without treating GSM as a protection class
Lightweight, midweight and heavier fabrics may be selected for different climates and wear conditions. A 280 GSM fabric is not automatically more protective than a 220 GSM fabric. Compare the tested performance of the actual fabric system.
Clarify anti-static requirements
Electrostatic-dissipative workwear may be requested in refinery, petrochemical and other environments where static discharge is a concern. EN 1149-5:2018 is a common reference for electrostatic properties of protective clothing, but it is not a standard for mains-voltage shock protection.
Clarify arc-rated requirements
FR and arc-rated are not interchangeable terms. Arc-rated clothing has been evaluated for electric-arc thermal exposure and carries an arc rating, normally expressed in cal/cm². If arc protection is required, state the project requirement or required arc rating rather than only writing “FR”.
Specify reflective tape
Where reflective material is required, define whether it must also be flame resistant, the tape width, placement, colour, wash durability and any required visibility performance. The tape and its method of attachment can be part of the complete garment performance.
Specify closures, trims and construction
Confirm zipper or button closure, thread, snaps, hook-and-loop, cuff design, elastic waist, pocket layout, tool pockets, reinforcement and labels. Protective garment certification can depend on more than the shell fabric.
Reference current standards carefully
Standards change. The edition and certification requirement should always be checked against the project, destination market and current certificate scope.
Control certification claims
“Can be manufactured to a requested specification” is not the same as “this exact garment is certified”. Public product claims should be made only when the final fabric, trims, garment design and certificate scope are verified.
Frequently asked questions.
Is 100% cotton automatically flame resistant?
No. Ordinary cotton is not automatically FR. Treated FR cotton relies on a flame-retardant treatment and tested performance.
Is 280 GSM safer than 220 GSM?
Not necessarily. Protection depends on the tested fabric system and applicable standard, not fabric weight alone.
Does EN 1149-5 mean arc protection?
No. It addresses electrostatic dissipative clothing, not electric-arc thermal protection or mains-voltage insulation.
Can reflective tape affect FR performance?
Yes. Reflective materials and trims may need to be compatible with the FR garment system and relevant test scope.
Should FR garments use FR thread and FR zippers?
Where required by the specification or certification system, compatible components should be confirmed as part of the complete garment construction.