Jeans are a favorite for both work-related and casual activities. But for those that work with fire, can jeans be a good choice in pants? Let’s consider flame-resistant qualities and if jeans possess them.
Are Jeans Resistant to Flame?
Some kinds of jeans may be resistant to flames, but not necessarily all jeans will resist fire.
Can Jeans Catch Fire?
Yes, regular denim jeans will catch fire if they have not been specifically treated. Usually, natural fibers are flammable and will burn in specific situations.
Will Jeans Resist Fire?
Most jeans are made of 100% cotton denim. Some jeans are made with what is known as Fire-Resistant denim. This kind of denim is different than regular cotton denim.
When looking for jeans that will resist flames, these pants need to be made with material that reduces the possibility of the jeans catching fire to protect the person wearing them.
Professional laborers and tradesmen in specific sectors are encouraged to wear flame-resistant clothing while on the job rather than regular pants that can catch fire in seconds. These professions include
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- Coal miners
- Electricians and electric workers
- Furnace and crematorium workers
- Old industry professionals
- Welders
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Numerous clothing items are flame-resistant including shirts, gloves, jackets, trousers, and yes, jeans.
What Is Fire-Resistant Clothing?
FR clothing will be manufactured in fabrics and with materials that resist heat. Typical fabrics found in FR apparel include Modacrylic, Nomex, and Kevlar. Cotton is also used but is generally chemically treated to increase heat resistance.
When components that are prone to combustion are removed from these fabrics, they will not ignite, burn, or melt on the skin. Melting materials are particularly dangerous as they are the cause of severe and life-changing injuries.
What Material Is Used for Flame-Resistant Jeans?
For a pair of jeans or trousers to be fire-resistant, they should be manufactured in non-flammable materials. Some of the most common threads and fabrics used in fire-resistant materials include:
1.) Aramids
Aramid fibers have excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, organic solvents, and even abrasions. They boast lots of tensile strength.
2.) Fire-resistant cotton
This is a special cotton that has been treated chemically to ensure it has a melting point that is quite high.
3.) Modacrylic
This fabric is a copolymer that affords exceptional resistance to heat and long-lasting durability.
4.) Nomex Fabric
This fabric is known as a meta-aramid material. It resists radiation.
5.) Nylon
Nylon material requires an extremely high temperature to melt, so it is heat resistant and affords a high tensile strength.
6.) Polybenzimidazole Fibers
Fabric made of PBI fibers offers impressive durability and resistance to high temperatures. It also is known to be quite comfortable during wear.
What Makes Jeans Flame-Retardant?
Fabrics that are considered FR, are not the same as regular denim or cotton. These fabrics have been created to delay flame or to resist and withstand fire. Manufacturers use a variety of procedures to render clothing items FR. Among these, FR clothing manufacturers may include
1.) ED or Endothermic Degradation
Reactions classified as endothermic are reactions that will cause some materials to shatter due to heat exposure. ED will remove heat from the material so that it cools.
2.) Gaseous Reductions
Materials that afford gaseous reductions restrict the formation of gases such as CO, CO2, and diluted gases. A fabric with gaseous reductions slows reaction speeds if burning takes place.
3.) Protection from the Elements
This fabric process impedes fire from moving to areas of the fabric that are not burning.
What Features Should FR Jeans Possess?
Flame-resistant jeans offer great protection in the event of explosions, welding flashes, or flash fires to name a few.
They are made in various styles to cater to personal tastes and in lots of sizes. FR jeans will be available in range of prices to match any budget.
The principal feature and attraction are that these jeans are flame-resistant, so they have been created and manufactured to meet safety standards.
Always look for information regarding the pants’ self-extinguishing capability to reduce burn injury. Don’t accept low-quality ratings.
1.) Care
Care of your FR jeans should be free of hassle. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for washing, drying, and general maintenance to ensure durability. Also, look for information about the eventual deterioration of FR capabilities.
2.) Comfort
Originally FR material was not particularly comfortable during wear, but research and technology have changed all that. Better quality fibers now allow for a softer feel and freer movement. Select a jean style that will fit comfortably in your work boots.
3.) Cost
There is a wide variety of processes available in FR jeans, but inexpensive pants are unlikely to offer the same amount of protection as more costly pants. Remember that you are paying for protection and durability.
4.) Durability
Consider the longevity of the jeans you are buying and select material accordingly. Consider the materials used in stitching such as Kevlar, zippers, and buttons or snaps.
5.) Safety
FR clothing items should meet established safety ratings. Check how the jeans you want to buy fare with ASTM, OSHA, NFPA, and NESC safety recommendations before you purchase. Also, check with your employer for safety clothing requirements in the workplace.
What Benefits Does Wearing FR Jeans Bring?
Workers that are exposed to flames, work with fire, or are at risk of a fire starting should always wear FR clothing items when on the job, including jeans if they are a clothing preference. FR clothing items afford some very important benefits to professionals at risk for burns on the job.
• FR jeans reduce considerably the threat of injury.
• Flame-resistant jeans have a very high melting point, so they are unlikely to melt while in contact with the skin.
• Flame-resistant jeans tend to extinguish flames if exposed and are unlikely to ignite during exposure to fire.
• Flame-resistant jeans will control the distribution of heat and thermally insulate from heat.
• Flame-resistant jeans protect the skin from direct contact with fire.
Will Denim Resist Heat?
Denim affords excellent insulation. Because it has a lower density thermal conductivity is reduced.
No, it is not. Heavy kinds of cotton may need more time to ignite, but they will burn.
How Will I Know if Jeans Are FR?
FR jeans will be labeled as such and will specify what fabric they are made of or that they have been treated. Treated materials may only endure a certain number of washings, so read the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow them carefully.
