subject: Flame-Resistant Clothing Featured in New Army Uniform [print this page] Flame-resistant clothing is a critical on-the-job must for welders, refinery and oilfield workers and others working in hazardous settings.
In evaluating flame resistant work wear, it's great to find alternatives that meet or exceed industry standards. But it's something else altogether when you find flame-resistant clothing that meets the standards set by the U.S. Army for the gear worn by our very own soldiers. Especially when those standards are embodied in the new Army Combat Uniform, released last month.
The uniform, unveiled to positive troop reviews in Camp Shelby, MS, August 10, features about a dozen upgrades, ranging from better breathability and wear to stronger crotches and a return from Velcro to buttons on cargo pockets.
The uniforms also provide a full four seconds of flame resistance. While four seconds doesn't sound like much, it's enough time for a soldier outfitted in the flame-resistant clothing to escape the situation without suffering third-degree burns.
It's also enough protection to prevent second-degree burns from covering more than 30 percent of a soldier's body. Studies by the Army Burn Center in San Antonio indicate the new level of flame resistance ensures a nearly 100 percent recovery rate for soldiers wearing the new ACU.
That same level of protection is also necessary in a wide range of industrial environments. Accident can happen anywhere and welders and workers in other hazardous fields need to know they have some safety cushion. Flame resistant clothing, from shirts to pants to coveralls, fit the bill- especially if they are made with the right materials. Finding a manufacturer that meets these standards ensures that you - or your staff - are protected in the event of an accident.
Flame-Resistant Clothing Featured in New Army Uniform
