Flame retardant textiles are an important part of many different industries and public spaces. As technology has improved over recent years, the number of areas where flame retardant fabrics can be used has increased, helping to keep people safe and saving lives in many cases. This is a guide about the areas of industry and day-to-day life where they can make a big difference in saving lives and protecting people from fire.
How do flame retardant fabrics work?
Textiles and fabrics that are designed to protect from flames are used within various applications where fire safety is critical. These textiles are designed and manufactured by specialists in the field, providing resistance to ignition, delaying the spread of flames should a fire start, and limiting the extent of burning when they are directly exposed to fire or a heat source.
To be flame resistant, an item must be made of fabric that has been designed to withstand ignition or one that has characteristics that will self-extinguish in a very fast time. This is designed to protect the person wearing the clothing from the flames. Items of clothing designed for this purpose must also provide thermal insulation that helps to protect the skin from heat but also stops the fabric from breaking open and exposing the skin to the flame or heat if an incident occurs.
Areas where flame retardant fabrics are required
What are the different areas where flame retardant fabrics and textiles are used within different applications?
Protective clothing
The biggest area where flame retardant textiles are used is in the design and manufacture of protective clothing. This type of clothing is used for firefighters, industrial workers, within the electrical and chemical processing industries, helping to reduce the risk of burns, injuries, and fatalities from being exposed to fire and chemicals.
Furnishings and upholstery
Within homes, hospitals, office spaces, and public spaces, some furnishings and upholstery are made using flame retardant textiles. This could be sofas, curtains, bedding, carpets and other furnishings. The are designed to improve fire safety standards and to prevent the spread of flame should a fire occur.
Transportation and logistics
In the transportation industry, as well as in aerospace, railway, and the automotive industry, flame retardant fabrics and textiles are incorporated to help minimise the risk of incidents of fire and to limit the spread of flames where there have been accidents or electrical malfunctions.
Medical and healthcare
Patient and healthcare worker safety is paramount and are found in bedding, drapes, curtains and other fabrics used within medical environments. This helps to maintain a setting that meets strict fire regulations and a safe healthcare environment.
If you are looking to purchase flame retardant textiles and fabrics for use within an area of business or public life where there is a risk of fire and flame damage, it is important to work with a supplier and manufacturer that you can trust. Developing a process to design and manufacture flame retardant textiles up to a high regulatory and safety standard takes time and expertise. When it comes to protecting lives, you need to work with the very best in the business to ensure you are using the correct types of flame retardant fabric.
