Treated FR Fabrics

Treated FR Fabrics

The term “treated” when it comes to FR for PPE garments means a fabric has flame-resistant properties, which are only applied to the material’s surface. It still offers a layer of FR protection but will eventually wash out.

Treated FR fabrics are constructed by applying a flame-retardant chemical finish or by including chemical treatments to the fibers before they are woven or knitted into the fabric.

The chemicals form a strong bond with the long strings of small organic molecules that make up the fabric. The FR chemicals will last longer if the recommended laundering instructions are followed accurately.

Treated FR fabric has a lower TPP rating, and the FR protection will, over time, diminish. It is a much more affordable option when the level of FR protection required is appropriate.

Can FR Properties Be Removed From a Garment?

For treated FR fabric, such as FR cotton/nylon blends, the most common way wearers will lose flame-resistant properties from their garments is by using regular chlorine bleach when washing them.

And unfortunately, the worker wearing it would not be able to tell that it no longer has flame resistance by merely looking at the PPE garment. Therefore, the use of chlorine bleach is never recommended.