Altering FR clothing

[Arne73]

My employer requires FR clothing for all electricians and we wear it constantly. Recently the employer wants to add reflective striping to all employees uniforms including the FR uniforms worn by electricians. The modification will be carried out by the uniform company but I'm skeptical that the striping will be some sort of plastic and that uniforms will not retain the proper FR rating after they have been modified.
Anybody have a similar experience or opinions?

 

[captain14]

As a firefighter any modifications done to the PPE ( personal protective clothing) needs to be repaired by an authorized vendor. Meaning if you add a radio pocket the same material the thread used to stitch with should be compatible. Meaning you cannot get your home sewing machine out and add pockets , repair or modify on your own.

I imagine the your garment manufacturer, vendor and anyone else involved would deny any type of claim if you get burned visit thief website and see what they offer in reflective stripes.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I was just in an electrical safety class on Wednesday, and FR clothing was discussed - it was mentioned that you can get FR clothing with FR rated reflective striping on it. However, I don't know if it can be retrofitted, I assume that if it can, it needs to be done by the clothing manufacturer.

 

[Rob_b]

Agree with Captain. The striping can be almost anything but the stitching must be the same as the original FR stitching since it penetrates the FR clothing. I just ran into the same thing where my employer wanted to place corporate logos on our shirts.

 

[captain14]

Ask who is going to take the liability when the unauthorized stitching or striping material flashes

Let us know the outcome

 

[D.J.]

Rob b I believe you are incorrect the stripping must also be FR and I would agree with all theabove who say it needs to be a aproved venor who modifys the garment. Also a firefighter and have been thru this with the department.

 

[hidollartoys]

Any FR clothing or clothing "system" must be tested as worn. The Mfg'r must submit the garment in the configuration as it will be worn in the field including all pockets, buttons, snaps, zippers, stripes, etc. to obtain a hazard class classification. The garment is then actually flame tested.

 

[texasfiremedic]

I work offshore and all emplyees wear FR clothing. Your employer must first check with the manufacture about altering the garment and get approval. Since this is an alteration to the garment not a repair. If this is a repair then it must be done by a qualified person using FR thread and material.

 

[Arne73]

Thanks to all for your opinions. This backs up what many of us thought as well. I'll be going back to the company and suggesting outright replacement of the shirts (due to age) rather than modification.
I'll keep you posted.

 

[kbs2244]

So, it all comes down to liability.

And if the employer is providing the uniforms, they are responsible for any liability.
Which means they have had this discussion with the uniform provider.

I would assume they have done their home work and just wear what they give me.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I seriously doubt that any manufacturer is going to allow alterations of their product if it is safety related. Why would a FR clothing manufacturer allow alterations when they can simply sell you new products that are what the customer wants?

I know if I were a clothing manufacturer in such a situation, I'd be telling the customer to buy new.

Charles