Frequently Asked Questions

These clothing/fabrics do not last longer then regular street clothing.

See fabric details on the side of each product for some fabrics are more durable.

To Repair or To Retire?
When is it appropriate to repair & when is it time to retire your FR garment?

Eventually, every flame resistant garment reaches the age and condition that warrants its removal from service. Until that time, it is possible to make small repairs in order to extend the life of the garment. Any hole or tear in the flame resistant fabric leaves wearers vulnerable to burn injury should they be subjected to a thermal event. Proper repair of an FR garment necessitates following certain guidelines so that the protective performance of the garment is not diminished as a result of the repair.

It is essential that the fabrics and thread used for repairs are equivalent in performance to those used in the original construction of the garment. All Bulwark garments are sewn with aramid thread and the same should be used in any repairs attempted on the garment. Some users have established a practice of saving panels of fabric from retired garments as a source of cloth for mending garments still in service. Zippers, buttons, fasteners and other closure systems must meet basic heat resistance requirements; check with the garment manufacturer for a source of suitable trim and findings.

Although there are no strict guidelines given by any source, there are limitations on the extent of any repair. Rips, tears or holes that exceed 1" in length or diameter are likely too large to be safely repaired in the field. As a practical measurement, damaged areas suitable for repair should not exceed the size of a quarter. In cases where the affected area is larger, it is prudent to retire the garment. Fabric that has become thin or threadbare in spots due to heavy wear may provide reduced protection from heat; garments showing signs of heavy wear like this are probably nearing the end of their useful wear life and should be removed from service at the discretion of the wearer or in accordance with the safety policies of the employer.

ASTM International has developed two standards which describe the best practices for home and industrial laundering of FR garments. Both documents briefly address the repair and retirement of flame resistant clothing. For more details, consult ASTM F1449, Standard Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing, and ASTM F2757, Standard Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing.

The only fabric that will shrink is the 100% cotton Indura

FLAME RESISTANT FABRICS
Your review of fabrics and use should consider all factors. There is no perfect flame resistant garment that meets all needs for end use requirements. Hudson Workwear is not liable for improper use.  If you need further information to make your decision, we can supply manufacturer specifications, other reference materials or contacts upon request.
All garments have manufacturer's tags indicating fabric information and standards they meet.

Comfort Blend® is a Nomex® IIIA/FR Rayon Blend that is widely used in protecting against flash fires and electric arcs in such industries as petrochemical and utilities. The unique fabric blend is also typically 85% of the cost of the standard NOMEX® IIIA fabrics, making it a popular choice for companies looking for cost effective FR clothing solutions.

Cool Touch is a South Mills trademark for a 65% Nomex, 35% FR viscose Rayon blend.  Cool Touch was developed as an effort to address the "too hot" and "not comfortable" aspects of Nomex IIIa.  Cool Touch blends are available in 4.5 oz. woven only.

Cool Touch® 2 is a 7 oz. HRC 2 inherently flame-resistant fabric that provides comfortable, durable and affordable protection
to professionals working in hazardous conditions found in a variety of demanding industries and work environments.

Reliant is an inherently flame resistant blend of 55% modacrylic, and 45% long staple cotton.  It is designed to smother flames when exposed to fire. The protective qualities of the modacrylic fiber are "locked in within the fiber" and cannot be washed or worn out, regardless of the number of wearing's or washings the garment may receive. This knit fabric combines uncompromised protection with the comfort, softness and breathability that one would associate with high quality combed cotton.

FireWear® is a Springfield LLC. trademark for a FR 55% (Fibrous Flame Retardant Fiber) and 45% combed cotton blend.  It is inherently flame resistant.
It is available in knit and woven fabrics in a variety of colors and weights.

Excel-FR is a Bulwark trademark for FR100% cotton fabrics.
Excel-FR Comfortouch is a Bulwark trademark for 88% cotton, 12% high tenacity nylon fabrics.

Indura is a Westex, Inc. trademark for FR 100% cotton fabrics made flame resistant through an ammonia cure process.  The process has only a minor effect on the positive characteristics of cotton (soft hand, wear, breathability and shrinkage).  The ammonia cure process is guaranteed by Westex to ensure compliance with ASTM F1506.  Indura is available in woven fabrics in a variety of colors. 

Indura UltraSoft is a Westex, Inc. trademark for an 88% Cotton/12% High Tenacity Nylon blend made flame-resistant through an ammonia cure process.  The ammonia cure process is guaranteed by Westex to ensure compliance with ASTM F1506.  UltraSoft is available in woven fabrics in a variety of colors. 

Lenzing FR® is a specialty viscose fiber. The fiber, which is made of a natural raw material, has a flame retardant substance incorporated throughout the cross section of the fiber.  As well as being eco-friendly, the latter also ensures permanent protection. Lenzing FR® keeps the body dry and cool and offers protection from all kinds of heat: fire, radiant heat, electric arcs, molten metals and flash fires.

Modacrylic is a synthetic copolymer fabric similar to acrylic but it is flame retardent. The fibers are difficult to ignite and will self-extinguish. In addition to a modacrylic's flame retardant properties it has a relatively high durability that is comparable to wool. Modacrylic is soft, warm, resilient and will not wrinkle.

Nomex® is a Dupont trademarked flame-resistant meta-aramid fiber that is similar to nylon but is more ridged and durable.  It has excellent thermal, chemical and radiation resistance.

Nomex IIIa is 93% Nomex, 5% Kevlar and 2% static dissipative fiber fabric.  It is inherently flame resistant.  Nomex IIIa was the FR Industry Standard, but is being replaced by fabrics and blends that offer similar protection and superior comfort characteristics.

 Polartec® Power Dry® FR performance features combine both permanent moisture management with permanent flame resistance. Featuring Polartec® patented bi-component knit construction that uses different yarns on either side of the fabric. This creates two different
surfaces: one that is optimized to move moisture away from the skin, the other to dry quickly.

Polartec® Power Stretch® FR offers superior flame resistance without sacrificing standard Power Stretch® performance features of moisture wicking, 4-way stretch and comfort. These lightweight fabrics do not restrict the movement of body moisture vapor, providing all day comfort and breathability.

Polartec® Thermal FR® combines the performance properties of Polartec® Classic 200 fabric with permanent flame resistance properties.
Like other Polartec® fabrics, the velour construction of Polartec® Thermal FR® creates air pockets that trap air and retain body heat.
The fabric offers superior warmth without weight, great breathability and dry time performance, is durable and comfortable.

Protera® is one of the lightest weight NFPA 70E Category 2 technologies on the market today, and can stand up to more washes than FR cotton nylon blends of similar weight.  Made by DuPont is is a blend of 33% Nomex® and Kevlar®, 65% Modacrylic and 2% Antistatic.

Spentex^® FR is inherently flame resistant with FR protection built right into the fiber through the combination of carbon with proprietary strengthening fibers. The result is a cost effective garment alternative that provides better protection and greater comfort than any other FR textile on the market.  It is more durable than any other FR garment.  Spentex uses the same technology used in today's sporting fabrics making it breathable and cool.

Tecasafe® Plus is engineered to provide unbeatable electric arc and flash fire protection that lasts twice as long as FR treated cotton fabrics.  Tecasafe® Plus is made of cellulosic fibers that make the fabric cool, breathable and extremely comfortable. It has superior abrasion resistance and is highly colorfast, retaining its strength, shape and color even after multiple industrial launderings. The Tecasafe® Plus long life cycle, combined with its competitive cost, creates exceptional value in flame resistant garment.

TECGEN SELECT® brand flame and flash fire resistant clothing combines light weight, fast moisture wicking technology and exceptional breathability.  TECGEN® fiber is a patented, Bi-regional fiber with unique heat protection capabilities. It features a high density carbonaceous shell, which provides protection from radiant heat, and an acrylic core that allows the fiber to maintain good textile properties. The beauty of TECGEN® fiber is that the fiber can be blended or spun into normal textiles, unlike carbon fibers.

WASHING ADVISORY:  

1. Use a brand name laundry detergent
2. Do NOT use BLEACH!!!!
3. Use a non-chlorinated bleach if necessary!
4. Avoid using fabric softeners and starches because residues of either can burn!
5. Turning garments inside out can result in longer lasting, brighter colors
6. For optimum performance, wash at 110-120F maximum.
7. Tumble dry using the lowest possible dryer heat setting, typically permanent press.

Most of the items we sell are stocked at our Cleveland, OH area Warehouse. If an item is not in stock we may be able to ship direct from our manufacturers located throughout the country.

Please try on the clothing before you remove the tags, wash or wear the items.

Hudson Workwear will except any return or exchange within 60 days of delivery. Items must have the original tags on them. Items that have been washed, worn, are covered in pet hair or smell of cigarette smoke will not be accepted for return or exchange. Garments with embroidery are not eligible for return. All returns must have a properly filled out HWW Return Form with an Return Authorization (RA) number that you received from a Hudson Workwear customer service representative. You can get this number by calling 866-437-9327 or emailing returns@hudsonworkwear.com. When obtaining the RA number, you must provide us with the item codes and a reference number such as a sales order, packing list or invoice number the item was received on. You can access these numbers by logging in to your online account. For in-store returns and exchanges, bring a copy of the packing list or sales order with you. If you believe that an item is defective or damaged, please email returns@hudsonworkwear.com with a reference number and photos of the issue. We will provide you with a HWW Defect Return Form and an RA number. Once received, the item will be returned to the manufacturer for review. Should it be determined that the garment is defective Hudson Workwear will issue a new or repaired item. Please note that manufacturers will only address defective issues for items within a certain amount of time after the garments are received. Generally, if it has been more than 6-12 months most will deem it a fault of normal wear and tear. If you believe that your item is sized incorrectly please measure the item using these instructions: email returns@hudsonworkwear.com with the measurements and photos. Should the item be sized wrong we will we will provide you with a HWW Defect Return Form and an RA number.

Printable Return Form

"stocked" is indicated next to items warehoused at Hudson Workwear, due to
inventory changes and sales we cannot guarantee the item will be available
for immediate shipment in your size, color or quantity

Hazard Risk Category (HRC) is a rating range directly related to ATPV. There are 5 HRCs ranging from 0 to 4, with a hazard risk of 0 presenting the least risk and a hazard risk of 4 being the greatest risk.

FR shirt and FR pants or FR coveralls (1 layer)

4

Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants (1 or 2 layers)

8

Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus FR coveralls, or Cotton underwear plus two FR coveralls (2 or 3 layers)

25

Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus multilayer flash suit (3 or more layers)

40

Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is a rating assigned to FRC indicating the level of protection provided. Higher fabric weights typically have higher ATPV's and provide increased protection as does the layering of flame-resistant clothing. ATPV is measured in calories per centimeter squared (cal/cm2).

The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 2112 is the Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire. The standard provides requirements for design, performance, certification requirements and test methods for flame-resistant garments for use in areas at risk from flash fires.

The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) is the standard used by electric utilities to implement safety procedures for utility workers. NESC is also the standard OSHA uses when enforcing electrical utility safety. The latest revision, NESC 2007, includes flame-resistant clothing as a requirement. Similar to NFPA70E, the NESC standard requires utilities to perform a risk assessment and then to require workers to wear flame-resistant clothing with an effective rating equal to the risk. NESC is effective starting January, 2009.

The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 70E is the Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. NFPA70E requires employees to wear flame resistant protective clothing wherever there is a possible exposure to electric arc flash. Although it is a voluntary standard, NFPA70E is considered a "generally accepted industry standard" and thus OSHA will fine companies under the general duty clause, which requires employers to take the appropriate steps to protect workers. NFPA70E is widely accepted throughout general manufacturing as well as the electrical industries.

NFPA 70E requires employers to perform a flash hazard analysis to determine the flash protection boundary distance. The standard is designed to protect employees working inside these flash protection boundaries by requiring protective clothing for the corresponding Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) that has an arc thermal performance value (ATPV) of a least the value listed in the "Protective Clothing Characteristics" section of the standard.