Fire-resistant clothing makes so many American jobs safer. From welding and steel work to fire safety to oil and gas, there is a CarbonX PPE solution for all types of industries and hazards. But with so many choices, it can be hard to figure out which flame-resistant clothing is right for you and your line of work. That’s why the experts at CarbonX compiled this guide to buying the right fire-resistant clothing for you.

Who Needs Fire-Resistant Clothing?

Any industry where you’re at risk of coming into contact with electric arcs, flash fires, or combustible dust explosions requires flame-resistant clothing.

Electric arcs are hazards to those who work with live electrical current, such as electricians and utility workers. An electric arc occurs when an electrical current hops a circuit gap and creates an intense flash or blast. It can cause fires, inflict severe burns, emit toxic gas, and even damage your hearing and eyesight.

If electrical arcs are a potential hazard in your industry, CarbonX Arc is for you. This is our line of FR fabric and clothing designed to protect against arc flashes. CarbonX Arc products come in long-sleeve tops and full-length bottoms to make sure you are completely protected from arc or flash events. These FR clothes are recommended for those who work in utilities, fire safety, steel, oil and gas, and more.

These products and others are also useful for those working in industries that have a high risk of flash fires. Flash fires are sudden, intense fires that start when a flammable substance dispersed throughout the air is ignited. Substances like flammable aerosol sprays, fine dust, and more can cause flash fires. To protect against this hazard, CarbonX Ultimate, CarbonX Active, and other nonflammable PPE is a good choice.

Understanding the Four PPE Categories

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has four categories of PPE. Each category has a minimum arc rating value for the required PPE for that category. For example, PPE category 1 has the lowest minimum arc rating, at 4 cal/cm2. This means that for a category 1 job, you would need clothing that can handle at least 4 cal/cm2 of incident energy before there is a 50% chance that you will suffer second-degree burns.

Each of the subsequent categories has a higher arc rating. At category 4, the arc rating is 40 cal/cm2, meaning that if you work in a category 4 role, you’ll need PPE that will be able to withstand 40 cal/cm2 of energy before reaching the 50% threshold for second-degree burns.

To determine what fire-resistant clothes and equipment you need, you should base your decision on the NFPA category that corresponds to the job you’re doing. Nearly all CarbonX fabrics—regardless of weight—are rated Category 2 or higher for their extraordinary protective properties.

CarbonX is the best choice for the proper arc-rated PPE gear you need to do your job safely, and we’ve designed our products with comfort in mind. With CarbonX fireproof fabrics and clothes, you won’t have to compromise comfort and mobility for safety.