Combustible Dust Hazards Require FR Clothing

Most natural and synthetic organic materials, as well as some metals, can form potentially deadly combustible dust. NFPA’s Industrial Fire Hazards Handbook states that "any industrial process that reduces a combustible material and some normally noncombustible materials to a finely divided state presents a potential for a serious fire or explosion."

A combustible dust explosion hazard may exist in your workplace, especially if you are in the food, plastics, wood, rubber, furniture, textiles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, coal, metals, fossil fuel power generation or one of many other industries that processes, handles, stores or transports materials or byproducts in fine, powdery form.

If so, your workers could be at risk and the applicable Federal, state, local laws and OSHA regulations must be identified and followed. (Click Here for Combustible Dust FAQs & Resources)

The importance of workers donning personnel protective equipment (PPE) takes on an added dimension with the threat from combustible dust fires and explosions in the workplace. Many manufacturing facility managers, owners, and employees are not aware of the fire hazard from combustible dust. In environments where workers can sustain life threatening burns from vapor cloud explosions and flash fires, such as in the refinery sector, Flame Resistant clothing is required.

That’s why UniFirst manufactures our own line of protective clothing, called Armorex FR^®, in our ISO-certified facilities. Our Armorex FR^® garments are available in CXP Nomex^®, Indura^® Ultra Soft^®, and new Tecasafe^® Plus. And because we build in only the best features and benefits that our customers demand, Armorex FR^® offers maximum protection, superior comfort, and the best value for your investment. In addition to our Armorex FR^® line, we also offer FR apparel options from other top brand names like Bulwark^®, Workrite^®, and Carhartt^®. So there’s virtually no limit to your choices with UniFirst.

For additional information about UniFirst Flame Resistant garments or a UniFirst full-service work clothing maintenance program, call us at 800.225.3364.

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