Why should my team wear flame resistant workwear? What does anti-static workwear actually do? Which standards should I be looking for? And can I still have my logo embroidered or printed on protective clothing?
These are common questions we’re asked by customers looking to choose the right workwear for their teams working in hazardous environments. As workwear experts, we’re here to help you make the right choice.
Here at MyWorkwear, we understand that protective workwear isn't just about ticking a box.
Your team needs clothing that’s suitable for the environment they’re working in, comfortable enough to wear throughout the day and, of course, capable of providing them protection.
That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you pick the correct flame resistant and anti-static workwear for your team!
Flame Resistant and Anti-Static Workwear Specifications
Flame resistant and anti-static workwear is particularly important across industries where employees may be exposed to heat, flames, sparks, welding, electric arc flash or static electricity. This includes sectors such as electrical utilities, petrochemicals, metalworking, welding, transport and manufacturing. Standard workwear may simply not provide the level of protection that these workers need.
There are several different standards associated with protective workwear, and understanding what they mean is an important part of choosing the right garments.
Depending on the garment, the ranges in the source material include standards covering areas such as:
Heat and flame - EN 11612
Welding - EN ISO 11611
Electrostatic properties - EN 1149
Electric arc hazards - IEC 61482-2
Limited chemical protection - EN 13034
High visibility - EN ISO 20471
Rain protection - EN 343
Cold protection - EN 342
Not every garment carries every certification, so you should always check the certification of the specific garment you are purchasing.
Your PPE Can Also Be On Brand
Safety doesn’t mean sacrificing your company’s identity and branding.
In fact, branded protective workwear can be a great way to combine safety, professionalism and brand visibility.
Adding your company logo through embroidery or print can turn your protective clothing into a recognisable uniform for your team.
Protective clothing needs a little more consideration when it comes to customisation. The placement and method of branding needs to be carefully assessed to ensure the finished garment remains suitable for its intended use.
So, why brand your protective workwear?
Branded protective workwear helps make your team instantly recognisable, particularly when working on busy sites alongside other contractors. A consistent, professional appearance can create a strong impression with customers and help reinforce your company’s image. It also helps build a sense of team identity, giving employees a unified look and making them feel like part of the same team wherever they are working.
Choosing The Right Protective Workwear For Your Team
With so many options available it can be difficult to know where to start. The most important thing to think about is the hazards your employees actually face.
Think about:
Will your team be exposed to flames or heat?
Is welding part of their job?
Could they be exposed to electric arc flash?
Is static electricity a concern?
Do they require chemical protection?
Do they need high visibility?
Will they be working outdoors in wet or cold conditions?
How frequently will the garments need to be washed?
Will they require industrial laundering?
Where does your company logo need to be positioned?
Most importantly, protective clothing should be selected as part of an appropriate workplace risk assessment. A garment shouldn’t be assumed to be suitable for a particular hazard simply because it carries one or more protective standards.
Flame Resistant and Anti-Static Workwear We Offer
When it comes to protective workwear, choosing the right brand is just as important as choosing the right garment. Portwest has over 100 years of experience designing workwear and PPE for demanding working environments, with a wide range of garments designed around safety, durability and performance.
We offer a wide selection of Portwest workwear, including jackets, trousers, coveralls, hi-vis clothing, fleeces, footwear and specialist protective garments. For businesses operating in hazardous environments, Portwest offers dedicated flame resistant and anti-static workwear, with a range of options designed to meet different workplace requirements.
Portwest Flame Resistant Workwear
Portwest’s flame resistant range includes several specialist fabric technologies, giving businesses options depending on the hazards their employees face.
The Modaflame, Araflame and Aluflame ranges are inherently flame resistant fibres, meaning the flame resistance comes from the fibres themselves rather than being applied as a finish. Portwest also offers Bizflame and Bizweld where a flame resistant finish is applied to the fabric.
Portwest Anti-Static Workwear
For workplaces where static electricity can present a hazard, Portwest also offers anti-static garments designed around EN 1149 requirements.
Carbon fibre is incorporated into several fabrics to provide anti-static properties. Modaflame, Araflame and Aluflame alongside a number of Bizflame garments, feature carbon fibre within their construction.
How to Take Care and Launder your Garments
The flame resistant finish on these items is retained for the normal life cycle of the garment provided care instructions are adhered to.
Pre-treatment
Difficult stains can be treated before the garment goes into the machine, using a liquid soap.
NEVER use chlorine bleach or detergents containing bleach as these may discolour the fabric and will reduce its flame resistance properties.
Fabric softeners, starches and other laundry additives are not recommended as they can mask flame resistance performance and act as a fuel in the event of combustion.
Washing
Always wash contaminated workwear separately.
Flame resistant fabrics can usually be washed at high temperatures.
Always wash and dry garments inside out and close zips.
Avoid overloading the machine so garments can move freely.
Drying
Tumble drying is not usually recommended, as the temperature used is often too high and can cause the garment to shrink.
Do not hang in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.
Industrial laundering
Portwest styles labelled with a PRO symbol are suitable for industrial laundering according to ISO 15797.
All Portwest industrial launderable products marked with the EN ISO 15797 label are tested according to washing procedure 8, for coloured workwear, which can tolerate tunnel finishing.
Pick the right Fire Resistant and Anti-Static Workwear for your Team
One of the benefits of the Portwest range is the variety of garments available. And at MyWorkwear we can customise these items for you, adding your company logo through professional embroidery or printing.
Here are some of our favourite Portwest garments:
Portwest Anti-Static ESD Trousers
PW_AS11
£28.70 ex. VAT £34.44 inc. VAT
Portwest Anti-Static ESD Polo Shirt S/S
PW_AS21
£24.60 ex. VAT £29.52 inc. VAT
Portwest Bizflame Work FR Coverall
PW_FF50
£74.10 ex. VAT £88.92 inc. VAT
Portwest Bizflame Work FR Reflective Trousers
PW_FR26
£44.36 ex. VAT £53.23 inc. VAT
Whether you’re kitting out a small team or a larger workforce, combining Portwest’s protective workwear with your company branding makes choosing the right workwear simple.
If you would like to learn more about flame resistant workwear click here.
Invest in flame resistant and anti-static workwear, branded for your team, today.
Here at MyWorkwear, we have been proud suppliers of personalised workwear since 1976.
To see how we can provide the perfect workwear for your team to keep them looking professional and performing at their best, please click the button below.