At Midwest Workwear, we’re proud to outfit the toughest workers with the most trusted names in safety gear—including Carhartt Flame-Resistant (FR) and High-Visibility (Hi-Vis) workwear. But what exactly makes FR and Hi-Vis apparel critical in hazardous environments—and why is it essential to wear the right gear, the right way?
Let’s break down why investing in compliant, high-performance FR and Hi-Vis workwear can mean the difference between life and death on the job.
What Is FR Clothing—and Why Is It So Important?
FR (Flame-Resistant) clothing is designed to self-extinguish or resist ignition when exposed to heat, fire, or arc flash. Unlike traditional fabrics like cotton or polyester—which can ignite and continue to burn—FR clothing helps reduce the severity of burn injuries, giving workers precious seconds to escape danger.
What Hazards Require FR Workwear?
FR gear protects against multiple high-risk hazards, including:
- Hydrocarbon flash fires (common in oil & gas)
- Electric arc flash (from energized electrical equipment)
- Welding, cutting, and grinding sparks
Each hazard demands specific compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506, or NFPA 2112 standards.
How FR Clothing Works
FR fabrics disrupt the “fire triangle” (heat + fuel + oxygen). Carhartt uses various technologies like:
- Inherent FR fibers (e.g., Nomex®)
- FR-treated cotton (e.g., UltraSoft®)
These materials either char, self-extinguish, or block oxygen access, depending on the fiber type.
Not All Labels Are Created Equal
FR garments must include standards-specific labeling. For example:
- NFPA 2112: Certified by a third party (e.g., UL)
- ASTM F1506: Must list arc rating (ATPV or EBT)
- ANSI/ISEA 107: Hi-Vis FR garments show Type, Class, and FR compliance
Proper Wear and Care = Maximum Protection
FR garments need to be worn and cared for correctly:
- Always wear with collars closed and sleeves down
- Only wear non-melting underlayers like cotton
- Avoid bleach, softeners, or DEET-based insect sprays
- Launder separately in warm water with heavy-duty detergent
✅ Trust the Standards. Trust Carhartt. Trust Midwest Workwear.
Carhartt FR gear doesn’t just meet the standards—it outworks them all. And at Midwest Workwear, we specialize in helping businesses outfit teams with FR and Hi-Vis gear that’s tested, trusted, and tough enough for the job.
Whether you're sourcing for oilfield crews, utility workers, or construction teams, we can help ensure you're OSHA-compliant, safe, and ready to work.
Need Help Outfitting Your Team?
Contact our team of FR experts today to get started.
Interested in our Wholesale Program?
Are you a retailer, distributor, or safety supplier looking to offer trusted FR and Hi-Vis workwear? With the Midwest Workwear Wholesale Program, you get access to competitive bulk pricing, industry-leading brands like Carhartt FR, Forge FR, Ariat FR, and personalized reseller support.
Learn more about our program
Register for a wholesale account
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sales@midwestworkwear.com
www.midwestworkwear.com
(920) 766-3034
