PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE What is NEW in Flame Resistant Fabrics Past / Present / Future Emerging Technology Care & Maintenance Speaker: Duncan Blaine TECGEN SELECT

Why FR? Historical Statistical Information Associated Costs Historical Perspective / Evolution Fabric Types Evolution of FR technology Commercially Available Today The Regulations & Fabrics Protective Characteristics Emerging Technology Fabric Types / Protective Characteristics Selection / Care / Maintenance Guidelines / Suggestions

Statistics compiled from BLS database Numerical totals could vary depending on classification and grouping

 2000  Direct cost of a fatality - $1.3 million  Direct + Indirect cost - $4 – 10 million  2005  Major electrical accident - $17.4 million  2010  Major electrical accident - $23.0 million  Costs include 1 st year medical expenses plus lifetime disabling medical costs  Reference material compiled from CDC / NIOSH

 Lost Production  Increase in Workmen’s Compensation  Insurance Rates  Legal Fees  Fines & Penalties  Decreased Employee Morale

 Unimaginable Pain  Months In The Hospital  Repetitive Surgeries  Excruciating Rehabilitation  Pain and Suffering  Emotional Costs  Increased Divorce Rate  The Human Element Cannot Be Measured!

Chemically Treated FR properties are added by chemical processes Properties are bonded and permanent Hydrogen Peroxide and Chlorine Bleach should be avoided Inherent FR A synthetic (man made) fiber / natural fiber (wool) Essential characteristic of the fiber is FR Born to “Not Burn” Avoid Chlorine Bleach – Strength Loss

2011 – 44 th Anniversary of NOMEX® Inherently flame-resistant, NOMEX will not melt, drip or support combustion in air Durable FR Cotton 1970’s - “Topical” non durable applications – Proban FR 7a 1980’s - Indura® Brand – FR for life of the garment** 1990’s + - Continual development – Indura Ultrasoft®

1980’s 1970’s 1990’s 2000’s PROBAN/FR-7A

INDURA Fabrics Retain the Natural Comfortable Characteristics of Cotton INDURA Fabrics are GUARANTEED Flame Resistant for the Life of the Garment

NFPA 70E – Consists of 5 HRC’s (0-4) HRC 0 and 1: Nomex®, Indura® US, Other Blended Fabrics HRC 2: Inherent, Treated FR fabrics, single layer – Minimum 8.0 cal/cm2 HRC 3&4: Multi layered Nomex and FR treated products NFPA 2112 – Flash Fire Protection (< 50% body burn) Mix of Inherent and FR treated products Molten Metal – Splash Protection / (Steel / Aluminum) Products available – Wool Based, Vinal Based, Treated Cotton NO NOMEX

 Emerging Technology  Increased awareness and regulation revisions have fueled “explosive” growth in research and development efforts by textile manufacturers  The following is a “short” list of existing and emerging technology

 Inherent FR blend of Nomex®, Kevlar®, Modacrylic, and anti static fiber  Comfortable  Durable (Life Expectancy similar to Nomex)  NFPA 2112 Compliant  Passes NFPA 2112 Requirements  NFPA 70E  Hazard Risk Category 2 Compliant  7 oz/ sq yard – 8.5 cal/cm2  8.0 oz / sq yard – 12.3 cal/cm2 Test results reported by Dupont

 Inherent FR blend – Modacrylic, Lyocell, Para Aramid  Comfortable, Soft Hand, Moisture Wicking via Lyocell Absorption  NFPA 2112 Compliant  23% Body Burn Flash Fire Exposure Manikin Test  NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk Category 2 Compliant  7oz/ sq yard – 9.0 cal / cm2  6oz/ sq yard – 6.5 cal / cm2 Test results reported by Tencate Southern Mills

Test results reported by Westex  Available Since Mid 2011 in 7 oz and 9 oz/ sq yard  Pima cotton for softness  NFPA 2112 Compliant  Passes NFPA 2112 Requirements  NFPA 70E HRC 2 certified – 8.3 cal/cm2

 Micro-evaporative Cooling™  Unique Thermal Management  Bi-regional fiber  Lightest weight HRC 2 fabric available today  5.5 oz – Dual Certified – NFPA 70E (HRC 2)  8.9 cal/cm2 & NFPA 2112 (26% body burn)

 Making the “right” choice for you and your specific application requires research and full understanding of the hazard protection requirements  Your choice should be based on a good balance between:  Safety performance, Comfort, Durability, Cost, & an Objective Wear Trial

 Once protective requirement is established:  Determine:  Comfort requirements  Fit requirements  Durability requirements

 Ask your potential supplier these questions:  Is the fabric suitable for the hazard?  Do you have in-depth knowledge of the properties of this product?  Is this fabric certified / tested based on UL or SEI procedures and guidelines?

 Review your entire program  Understand WHAT maintenance actually is:  Repair requirements  Cleaning requirements  Inspection requirements  Understand ALL care labels  Talk to your supplier

 Consult the “Experts”  ASTM (International Society of Testing Materials)  ASTM F  New ASTM guidelines for Home Laundering  Use Common Sense  Make the “RIGHT” choice – Someone’s LIFE depends on it!

Q & A February 2013