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Fire Retardant

Fire retardant EN standards and materials

EN469 Protective Clothing For Firefighters

Requirements and test methods for:

Flame resistance. Radiation heat. Waterproofness. Breathability.

EN11491-1 Protective Clothing - Electrostatic Properties

Requirements and test methods for:

Surface resistivity from electrostatic discharge.

ISO11611 Protective Clothing for Use in Welding and Applied Processes>

Requirements and test methods for:

Does not to cover clothing worn for special welding jobs.

ISO1161 Protective Clothing for Industrial Workers Exposed to Heat: Excluding Firefighters and Welding Clothing

Requirements and test methods for:

A - Limited flame spread, and at least one of:
B# - Convective heat resistance (# = 1 to 5)
C# - Radiant heat resistance (# = 1 to 4)
D# - Molten aluminium splash (# = 1 to 3)
E# - Molten iron splash (# = 1 to 3).

In all cases, higher number denotes better performance.
If no number is given, no protection is claimed.

ISO14116 Protection Against Heat and Flame

Requirements and test methods for:

Limited flame spread materials or material assemblies from which
garments with limited flame spread properties are made.

Such information may appear in the manufacture\'s literature.
Markings in the form: EN533 flame spread index/durability.
Flame spread index - 1, 2 or 3 - Limited flame spread index (3 is best).

If index 1 materials are present:
Use only over EN533 Index 2 or 3 material and
DO NOT use next to skin.

  • Protex/Protal is a high performance flame retardant (FR) modified acrylic fibre.
  • Protex/Protal is cotton-like in its appearance and feel. it is inherantly fire retardant which means its

FR is permanent - further treatments or re-treatments are not required.

  • Blends of Protex/Protal fabrics can meet stringent heat and flame protection standards. EN531 A, B1, C1, E1.
  • Works with other fibres and/or fabric treatments: anti static (EN1149), chemical resistance (EN368), anti-bacterial, thermal power, etc.
  • Pigment printable.
  • High Visibility EN471.
  • Breathable membrane.
  • FR properly built in: does not wash out.
  • Domestic or industrial laundry: can withstand severe laundry conditions without loss of shape, colour or mechanical properties.
  • Dry cleanable and easy-iron.
  • Permanent protection
  • No additional treatment required
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Easy to home launder
  • Stays looking good
  • Peace of mind
  • PROBAN
  • PYROVATEX
  • Both of the above are treatments that are generally added to the fabric after its manufacture, usually used on cotton and cotton blend fabrics.
  • The FR abilities of the fabric created can have very good FR properties; though it is perceived and actual permanency is always under question.
  • ZIRPO
  • Used on wool and wool blends, classed as a "permanent treatment" as it physically bonds at a "molecular" level with the wool.