Flame Retardant Overalls

Flame retardant (FR) overalls are specialist workwear designed to resist ignition and limit burn injuries.
FR clothing is required for hot works, ATEX zones, arc flash risk areas, and work near flammable materials.
Standard cotton or polyester workwear can ignite, melt, and fuse to skin, causing severe deep burns.
FR overalls are rated to EN ISO 11612 for heat and flame, and EN 1149 for anti-static properties.
Arc flash rated clothing carries an ATPV rating measured in calories per square centimetre for electrical risk.
FR properties can degrade over time through washing, contamination with flammable substances, and physical wear.
DSEAR 2002 requires anti-static FR clothing in ATEX classified zones to prevent static spark ignition.
FR overalls must be worn fully fastened with sleeves rolled down and no gaps at the neck or cuffs.
Synthetic base layers worn under FR overalls can melt and cause burns even if the outer garment performs correctly.
The employer must provide FR clothing where the risk assessment identifies fire or flash hazard exposure.

Prevent burn injuries	Standard clothing ignites and continues burning — FR overalls self-extinguish, giving critical seconds to escape the flame source.
Arc flash protection	Electrical arc flash reaches temperatures of 20,000°C — only rated FR clothing provides any survival protection at all.
ATEX compliance	Anti-static FR clothing prevents static discharge that could ignite explosive atmospheres in classified ATEX zones.

Do

Don't

Wear FR overalls for all hot works, ATEX zone entry, and arc flash risk activities.
Check the garment label confirms the correct EN standard rating for the identified hazard.
Fasten all buttons, zips, and cuffs fully before entering the hazard area.
Wear natural fibre base layers such as cotton underneath FR overalls at all times.
Inspect FR clothing before each use for damage, holes, and heavy contamination.
Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions to maintain FR performance over time.
Replace FR overalls that are torn, heavily stained with oil, or past their service life.
Store FR clothing separately from standard workwear to prevent mix-ups on site.
Ensure FR overalls fit correctly — too tight restricts movement, too loose catches snags.
Report any flash or flame contact incident even if the garment appears undamaged.

DON'T wear standard polyester or nylon clothing for hot works or ATEX zone tasks.
DON'T wear synthetic base layers under FR overalls — they melt onto skin in a flash.
DON'T roll up sleeves or leave the coverall unfastened when entering hazard areas.
DON'T use FR overalls contaminated with oil, grease, or flammable substances.
DON'T wash FR clothing with fabric softener — it degrades the flame retardant treatment.
DON'T iron FR overalls at high temperatures that could damage the protective finish.
DON'T repair FR clothing with non-FR patches or stitching — the repair becomes a weak point.
DON'T assume all FR overalls provide the same protection level — check the rating.
DON'T continue wearing FR garments that have been exposed to a fire or arc flash event.
DON'T store FR clothing near heat sources, chemicals, or in direct sunlight long-term.

See also: Hot Works Permit Requirements | ATEX Zoning

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record