Not All FR Gear Is Created Equal: A Beginner's Guide to FR Ratings
When it comes to flame-resistant (FR) clothing, it's important to know that not all garments offer the same level of protection. Depending on the type of work being performed and the potential exposure to arc flash or fire hazards, the right FR gear can mean the difference between a close call and a serious injury—or worse.
Let’s break down some of the key terms and concepts to help you choose the right gear for your team.
Treated vs. Inherent FR Garments
As we've mentioned before, FR clothing comes in two main types:
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Treated FR Garments: These are made from materials that have been chemically treated to resist flames. Over time and repeated laundering, the protective properties may diminish.
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Inherent FR Garments: Flame resistance is built into the fibres themselves, so the protection is permanent and doesn’t wash out.
HRC, PPE, and Arc Ratings—What’s the Difference?
The level of protection required depends on the specific job hazards. To help simplify this, safety standards use categories or levels—previously called HRC (Hazard Risk Category) and now more commonly referred to as PPE Levels.
These categories are based on a garment’s Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV), which measures how much heat energy (measured in calories per square centimetre, or cal/cm²) the fabric can withstand before there’s a 50% chance of causing a second-degree burn.
In simple terms:
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The higher the ATPV, the greater the protection.
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HRC = PPE level = minimum cal/cm² protection required.
Quick Reference: Arc-Rated PPE Levels
Note: Always refer to your workplace’s risk assessment and relevant standards for exact requirements.
If you are a little unsure of what cal/cm2 is in regards to heat, the common explanation is: 1cal/cm2 = holding 1 match under your finger for 1 second, similarly, 8cal/cm2 = holding 8 matches under your finger for 1 second.
What’s Available on the Market Right Now?
If you're shopping for FR gear, it's helpful to know how current product offerings align with HRC/PPE levels:
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HRC 1 (Treated FR): DNC is currently one of the few brands still offering treated FR garments rated at HRC 1.
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HRC 2 (Inherent or Treated FR): Most mainstream brands like Flamebuster, Yakka, and Syzmik now focus their ranges around HRC 2, which covers a broad range of everyday industrial needs.
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Specialist Gear (HRC 3 & 4): For high-voltage switching and heavy-duty arc flash protection, specialist products are available from brands like Elliotts and Guardian.
Need Help Choosing the Right FR Gear?
Our team can help you navigate the options and ensure your crew has the right level of protection for the job. Reach out to book a consultation with one of our experts.