These clothing/fabrics do not last longer then regular street clothing.

See fabric details on the side of each product for some fabrics are more durable.

To Repair or To Retire?
When is it appropriate to repair & when is it time to retire your FR garment?

Eventually, every flame resistant garment reaches the age and condition that warrants its removal from service. Until that time, it is possible to make small repairs in order to extend the life of the garment. Any hole or tear in the flame resistant fabric leaves wearers vulnerable to burn injury should they be subjected to a thermal event. Proper repair of an FR garment necessitates following certain guidelines so that the protective performance of the garment is not diminished as a result of the repair.

It is essential that the fabrics and thread used for repairs are equivalent in performance to those used in the original construction of the garment. All Bulwark garments are sewn with aramid thread and the same should be used in any repairs attempted on the garment. Some users have established a practice of saving panels of fabric from retired garments as a source of cloth for mending garments still in service. Zippers, buttons, fasteners and other closure systems must meet basic heat resistance requirements; check with the garment manufacturer for a source of suitable trim and findings.

Although there are no strict guidelines given by any source, there are limitations on the extent of any repair. Rips, tears or holes that exceed 1” in length or diameter are likely too large to be safely repaired in the field. As a practical measurement, damaged areas suitable for repair should not exceed the size of a quarter. In cases where the affected area is larger, it is prudent to retire the garment. Fabric that has become thin or threadbare in spots due to heavy wear may provide reduced protection from heat; garments showing signs of heavy wear like this are probably nearing the end of their useful wear life and should be removed from service at the discretion of the wearer or in accordance with the safety policies of the employer.

ASTM International has developed two standards which describe the best practices for home and industrial laundering of FR garments. Both documents briefly address the repair and retirement of flame resistant clothing. For more details, consult ASTM F1449, Standard Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing, and ASTM F2757, Standard Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing.

The only fabric that will shrink is the 100% cotton Indura

Spentex®

WASHING ADVISORY:  

1. Use a brand name laundry detergent
2. Do NOT use BLEACH!!!!
3. Use a non-chlorinated bleach if necessary!
4. Avoid using fabric softeners and starches because residues of either can burn!
5. Turning garments inside out can result in longer lasting, brighter colors
6. For optimum performance, wash at 110-120F maximum.
7. Tumble dry using the lowest possible dryer heat setting, typically permanent press.

Most of the items we sell are stocked at our Cleveland, OH area Warehouse. If an item is not in stock we can ship direct from our manufactures located throughout the country.

Hudson Workwear will except any return within 60 days of delivery as long as the garments have not been washed or worn.

If you beleive that the item is defective after washing or wearing Hudson Workwear will return the item to the manufacturer and once they have deternmined that it is a defect Hudson Workwear will reimburse the return shipping charges.

Any exchange items that are shipped will be sent at no additional shipping charge.

Please enclose the form below or make sure the following information is enclosed in the package as we do not require any Return Authorizations.

Information needed: name on order, Items returning/exchange, how you would like to proceed (credit or exchange, and all contact information.

Printable Return Form

"stocked" is indicated next to items warehoused at Hudson Workwear, due to
inventory changes and sales we cannot guarantee the item will be available
for immediate shipment in your size, color or quantity

Hazard Risk Category (HRC) is a rating range directly related to ATPV. There are 5 HRCs ranging from 0 to 4, with a hazard risk of 0 presenting the least risk and a hazard risk of 4 being the greatest risk.

FR shirt and FR pants or FR coveralls (1 layer)

4

Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants (1 or 2 layers)

8

Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus FR coveralls, or Cotton underwear plus two FR coveralls (2 or 3 layers)

25

Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus multilayer flash suit (3 or more layers)

40

Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is a rating assigned to FRC indicating the level of protection provided. Higher fabric weights typically have higher ATPV's and provide increased protection as does the layering of flame-resistant clothing. ATPV is measured in calories per centimeter squared (cal/cm2).

The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 2112 is the Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire. The standard provides requirements for design, performance, certification requirements and test methods for flame-resistant garments for use in areas at risk from flash fires.

The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) is the standard used by electric utilities to implement safety procedures for utility workers. NESC is also the standard OSHA uses when enforcing electrical utility safety. The latest revision, NESC 2007, includes flame-resistant clothing as a requirement. Similar to NFPA70E, the NESC standard requires utilities to perform a risk assessment and then to require workers to wear flame-resistant clothing with an effective rating equal to the risk. NESC is effective starting January, 2009.

The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 70E is the Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. NFPA70E requires employees to wear flame resistant protective clothing wherever there is a possible exposure to electric arc flash. Although it is a voluntary standard, NFPA70E is considered a "generally accepted industry standard" and thus OSHA will fine companies under the general duty clause, which requires employers to take the appropriate steps to protect workers. NFPA70E is widely accepted throughout general manufacturing as well as the electrical industries.

NFPA 70E requires employers to perform a flash hazard analysis to determine the flash protection boundary distance. The standard is designed to protect employees working inside these flash protection boundaries by requiring protective clothing for the corresponding Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) that has an arc thermal performance value (ATPV) of a least the value listed in the "Protective Clothing Characteristics" section of the standard.