Don’t overheat in fire-retardant workwear

A product launched by Hard Yakka today means that workers don’t have to overheat on the inside to avoid burns on the outside. The Hard Yakka Protect with Tecgen Select is a range of inherent fire-retardant (FR) workwear that provides workers with comfort and protection from arc flash, flash fire and heat stress.

Speaking at the product launch, Dr Howard de Torres, burns specialist and plastic surgeon, said, “Unpredictable fires can cause serious burns. Burn injuries can lead to skin grafts, infection, months in hospital and even amputation. Even if the individual thinks the chance may be small, why would you take the chance? Prevention is definitely better than the cure.”

The Hard Yakka Protect with Tecgen Select FR range meets and exceeds the most stringent fire safety standards, currently set in the USA (including NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112). Suitable for oil, gas, electrical and mine workers, the product also meets Australian and New Zealand Standards for High Visibility AS/NZS 4602.1:2011. The range is claimed to be the lightest-weight FR workwear available in Australia which meets NFPA Hazard Risk Category 2 (HRC 2) requirements of Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) 8 cal/cm² or above.

Tests conducted by independent laboratory Precision Testing Laboratories found Hard Yakka Protect with Tecgen Select shirts to be on average 25% lighter and pants 14% lighter than other FR products that also meet HRC 2 requirements. The test results showed the range to be 63 - 68% more breathable than competitors and wicks sweat on average 15% better.

In hot climates or extremely labour-intensive work, some tradespeople forgo the traditionally heavy FR workwear in order to stay cool and comfortable. This includes opting for cotton-based workwear with no FR qualities at all, which is one of the worst types of workwear to be wearing in the case of an arc flash or flash fire - both of which can occur spontaneously. Cotton fabric burns and will continue burning, while Hard Yakka Protect garments are self extinguishing.

Brenna Mathews, Senior Product Manager, Hard Yakka, said: “When arc flash or flash fire events do occur, those dressed in cotton or poly-cotton garments are the least protected. Until now, traditional FR workwear was typically heavy, thick and can get very hot. Hard Yakka is proud to significantly step-up the level of protection workers can now get, without compromising the comfort and breathability that Hard Yakka is known for.”

The Tecgen fibre used in the construction of Tecgen Select consists of two characteristics. One is a outer carbon sheath that’s heat resistant and will not burn. The other is a durable inner visco-elastic core capable of stretching and twisting in order to provide maximum wear comfort. The inherent fabric ensures that the fire-retardant qualities won’t wash or wear out and the self-extinguishing nature of the fabric means it acts fast to reduce the extent and severity of burns to the body.

The product will be available in June 2013 from safety specialist workwear and PPE distributors, specialist workwear stores, Hard Yakka Workwear Centres and www.hardyakka.com.au. The range comes in hi-visibility shirts, coveralls and pants.