Policy on Flame-Resistant (FR) Apparel, FR-ARC & FR Splash Protection
1. Purpose
To protect the safety, health and lives of employees, contractors and site visitors by establishing standards, guidelines and enforcement mechanisms for the use, selection, procurement, maintenance, and disposal of FR, FR-ARC and FR Splash protective clothing in operations where fire, arc flash or splash hazards may exist.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- • All sites, facilities, projects and field operations in which RKM International LLP is directly responsible or provides oversight
- • All personnel (employees, subcontractors, visitors) who may be exposed to flame, arc or chemical splash hazards
- • All FR clothing categories:
- 1. FR / Fire-Resistant garments (general)
- 2. FR-ARC (garments rated for arc flash / electrical arc exposure)
- 3. FR Splash / Liquid-resistant FR garments
3. Definitions
- • FR (Flame-Resistant): Garments that resist ignition and self-extinguish after flame exposure.
- • FR-ARC: Garments designed to protect against the thermal effects of electrical arc flash, according to NFPA 70E, IEC 61482, or equivalent standards.
- • FR Splash: Garments with additional treatment or construction to guard against hot liquid splashes, molten metal splatter, chemical splashes etc., over and above flame resistance.
4. Use, Wearing & Fit
- • Garments must be worn in hazard zones as designated in risk assessment / safety procedures.
- • Ensure proper fit (not too tight, not too loose) so that protective properties are effective.
- • Avoid layering non-FR garments beneath FR unless part of a certified system.
- • Prohibit use of garments that are damaged, contaminated or altered (e.g. cutting, patches, shrinkage).
5. Maintenance, Inspection & Cleaning
- • Inspect FR garments before each use for damage, holes, wear, contamination.
- • Clean according to manufacturer instructions (wash parameters, detergents, no bleach, no fabric softeners).
- • Repair only via approved repair procedures and qualified personnel.
- • Track usage life: garments beyond service life or excessive wear must be retired.
6. Storage & Handling
- • Store FR garments in clean, dry locations away from direct sunlight, heat, chemicals or sharp edges.
- • Do not fold or compress garments excessively to avoid creases that degrade fabric strength.
- • Label and segregate garments per hazard zone (FR, FR-ARC, FR Splash).
7. Training & Awareness
- • All personnel required to use FR / ARC / Splash garments must receive training on:
- 1. Hazards of flame, arc and splash
- 2. Correct donning, doffing, inspection, cleaning, limitations of garment
- 3. Recognition of damage or contamination
- • Refresher training annually or more frequently as needed.
8. Enforcement, Monitoring & Audits
- • Supervisors and safety officers shall monitor compliance in the field.
- • Non-compliance (refusal, misuse, failure to maintain) shall be subject to corrective actions.
- • Periodic audits (quarterly / semi-annual) will verify that garment programs, usage, maintenance, and records are in compliance with policy.
- • Maintain records of purchase, issue, inspections, repairs, retirements and training.
9. Continuous Improvement
- • Review incidents, near misses, and feedback to refine selection, specifications, training or procedures.
- • Stay updated with new FR / ARC / Splash textile technologies and standards.
- • Update policy and implementation practices as standards evolve or better practices emerge.
