Portwest Flame Resistant (FR) Range
Fabrics and Standards
USA Flame Resistant Range
Portwest offers an industry leading range of multi-standard protective equipment for dangerous environments. When designed, Portwest puts a big emphasis on new technology, experience and above all keeping the wearer safe, comfortable and healthy while wearing their gear.
Portwest's 5 USA Industry Leading Fabrics
 | Anti-Static Bizflame - A proprietary flame resistant finish that coats fabric and provides excellent flame resistance. The addition of carbon fiber yarn makes the garments anti-static as well for even better protection. |
 | Bizweld - A fabric made of 100% cotton that is completely flame resistant. It also offers excellent flame and molten splash protection which will protect the wearer while welding, in foundries and allied industries. |
 | Anti-Static Modaflame - A special blend of 60% modacrylic fiber, 39% cotton and 1% carbon fiber. This blend is extremely comfortable, durable and inherently flame resistant making it an excellent choice where flame is likely. It also offers anti-static protection. |
 | Sealtex Flame - Flame resistant, PU coated, polyester fabric. A lightweight and durable fabric designed to offer protection against treacherous weather conditions and flame hazards. |
 | Araflame - An aramid fabric that is inherently flame resistant. This fabric is also lightweight, highly durable and offers full anti-static protection. |
Flame Resistant Standards
USA FR Standards
NFPA 2112:2018 - Specifies the minimum performance requirements and test methods for flame resistant fabric, components and the design/certification requirements in areas at risk from flash fires. Any FR garment that receives the NFPA 2112:2018 must pass a comprehensive list of thermal tests including the following:
- ASTM F2700 - Heat Transfer Performance (HTP) Test - A test that measures the unsteady state heat transfer properties of clothing materials.
- ASTM D6413 - Vertical Flammability (Flame Resistance) Test/Thermal Shrinkage Resistance Test/Heat Resistance Test - Determines how easily fabric ignites and continues to burn once lit, the fabric's resistance to shrinkage when exposed to heat and to test how the fabric and components react to the high heats that occur in a flash fire.
- ASTM F1930-11 - Thermal Mannequin Test - An overall evaluation of how fabric performs after three seconds of thermal exposure on a standardized coverall design.
- FTMS 191A - Thread Melting Resistance Test - Threads used in flame resistant garments must withstand temperatures of up to 500℉
NFPA 70E:2015 - A standard that addresses the electrical safety work practices for workplaces and for employees working on or near energized equipment. Stating users must wear FR clothing the meets the ASTM F1506 Requirements. This standard helps identify which garments are acceptable for wear based on the likelihood of an electrical arc during the job. They are categorized based on the level of protection being provided:
| ARC Rated PPE | Clothing Description | Required Minimum ARC Rating of PPE/ Cal/cm2 |
 | ARC Rated FR Shirts and FR Pants or FR Coveralls | 4 |
 | ARC Rated FR Shirts and FR Pants or FR Coveralls | 8 |
 | ARC Rated FR Shirt and FR Pants or FR Coveralls, and an ARC flash suit that meets the required minimum ARC rating | 25 |
 | ARC Rated FR Shirt and FR Pants or FR Coveralls, and an ARC flash suit that meets the required minimum ARC rating | 40 |
ASTM F1506-10A - A performance specification for electrical workers who are exposed to momentary electrical arc and related hazards to determine the flame resistance of the textile materials used in the wearer's apparel. The textile materials must meet the following:
- A general requirement that the threading and components used in the clothing/gear do not contribute to injuries in the result of an electrical ARC and related thermal exposure.
- Minimum performance specifications for knit and woven fabrics:
- Strength
- Colorfastness
- Flame Resistance (Before and After washing)
- Arc Test Results
- Testing in accordance with the ASTM D6413 flame test (See Above)
- During the ASTM F1959 test, the fabric must have 5.0 seconds or less flame time after flame time
- Garments must have the following:
- Tracking Code
- Statement of meeting the ASTM F1506
- Manufacturer Name, Size and Information
- Care instructions
- Fiber Content
- ARC Rating (ATPV or EBT)
ASTM F1959/F1959M-12:2013 - Standard test method for determining the ARC Rating of materials for clothing. It is a fabric test only. The same test as outlined in EN 61482-1-1 (See Below). Pre-treatment may vary between the two tests.
European FR Standards
IEC 31482-2 - A standard that specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and clothing/gear for protection against thermal effects of an electrical arc event. This standard has two international testing methods for testing the resistance during an electrical arc. Each testing method provides different information based off the test. Either or both of these tests must be performed to comply with the standard.
- Box Test Method EN61482-1-2 - The clothing/gear is exposed to an electirc ARC within a controlled environment (specific box with a specific electrode arrangement) for 0.5 seconds. Test conditions try to replicate real life exposure conditions for a short circuit current.
- Class 1 - A current of 4kA ARC
- Class 2 - A current of 7kA ARC
- Open ARC Method EN61482-1-1 - Establishes the Arc Thermal Performance Value (APTV) or Energy Breakopen Threshold (EBT) of the fabric. ATPV and EBT are Expressed in calories/CM2. EN61482-1-1 tests clothing/gear with an 8kA ARC for various time limits. The wearer is considered to be safe if ARC rating exceeds the electric ARC energy calculated during the worst-case scenario risk assessment. ARC ratings are additive so garments can be worn in layers to increase the ARC rating to a safe level. The air between layers increases the protection even further.
- ATPV - The amount of energy required to cause a second-degree burn through a material prior to breakopen (50% probability)
- EBT - The amount of energy required to cause a material to breakopen (50% probability). Typically, the upper threshold of a fabric where the fibers are damaged and the material loses mechanical strength.
- HAF (Heat Attenuation Factor) - The amount of heat blocked by fabric
EN ISO 11612:2015 - Performance requirements where there is a need for limited flame spread properties and allows the user to be exposed to radiant/convective/contact heat or molten metal splash. This test is used to predict performance of the fabric/garments when they come in contact with flames or heat. Clothing features (seams, closures, logos, etc.) must be tested as well as the fabric. The tests are carried out according to the pre-treated components on the manufacturer care label. Apart from the tests listed below, garments must also provide cover from the neck to the wrists and to the ankles. Below are some of the specific tests:
- Dimensional Change
- Limited fire spread (A1+A2) - A test carried out on the fabric and seams
- Convective heat (B) - 3 levels
- Radiant heat (C) - 4 levels
- Molten aluminum splash (D) - 3 levels
- Molten iron splash (E) - 3 levels
- Contact Heat (F) - 3 levels (250 degrees Celsius)
- Heat resistance at 180 degrees Celsius
- Tensile strength (300N minimum required)
- Tear strength (10N minimum required)
- Bursting strength
- Seam strength
- Optional mannequin and water vapor tests may also be performed
EN ISO 11611:2015 - This standard sets basic safety requirements and testing methods for protective clothing in welding and allied processes (excluding hand protection). This international standard has two classes with specific performance requirements for each:
- Class 1 - Protection from less hazardous welding techniques and situations, lower levels of spatter and radiant heat
- Class 2 - Protection from more hazardous welding techniques and situations, higher levels of splatter and radiant heat
- Specific tests for this standard:
- Tensile Strength
- Tear Strength
- Bursting Strength
- Seam Strength
- Dimensional Change
- Requirements of Leather
- Limited Flame Spread (A1+A2)
- Molten Droplets
- Heat Transfer (Radiation)
- Electrical Resistance
EN 1149:2008 - A European Standard for protection against danger caused by static electricity. Not a standard for protection against main voltages.
- EN1149-1:1996 - Test for surface conducting fabrics
- EN1149-3:2004 - Charge decay test for all fabrics
- EN1149-5:2008 - Performance requirements
Portwest FR Fabrics Laundry Instructions
Portwest clothing retains its fire-resistant finish for the normal life cycle of the clothing/gear as long as the care/laundry instructions are followed. Failing to adhere to the correct method for cleaning the garments can shorten the protection of the garment significantly.
Washing/Drying Procedure
- Pretreatment: Difficult stains can be treated before putting the garment into the washing machine with a liquid detergent applied directly to the stains and rubbed lightly. Heavy/Stubborn stains can be pretreated with a commercial stain removal product, but this should be done at the earliest opportunity after the stain occurs and allow sufficient time for the pretreatment to penetrate and loosen the stain.
- Washing: NEVER USE chlorine bleach or washing detergents containing bleach as they can reduce the FR properties of the fabric.
- Drying: Fabric softeners and other laundry additives are not recommended. They can act as a fuel for combustion or mask the flame resistant performance of the workwear.
Washing
- Wash contaminated workwear separately from non-workwear. Never Mix.
- Flame resistant garments can be washed at high temperatures, but the components (reflective tape, badges, etc.) connected to the fabric determine the washing temperature. Always follow the label.
- Wash and dry workwear inside out to prevent unnecessary abrasion to the material.
- Always make sure zippers are secured before washing.
Drying
- Tumble drying is not recommended as it may cause shrinking.
- Avoid over-drying cotton. This will cause excess shrinkage.
- Avoid hanging in direct sunlight to dry. It will cause color fading.
Load Size
- When washing/drying, avoid large loads so the garments can move freely during the washing and drying cycles.
USA Fabric Reference Chart
| Name | Styles | Composition | Weight | Weave/Finish |
| Araflame NFPA 2112 FR Coverall | UAF73 | 93% Meta-aramid, 5% Para-aramid, 2% Carbon Fiber | 4.5 oz | Plain Weave |
| Super Light Weight FR Anti-Static Coverall | URF21 | 99% Cotton, 1% Carbon Fiber | 7 oz | Twill |
| Bizflame 88/12 Iona FR Coverall | FR94 | 88% Cotton, 12% Nylon | 7 oz | Twill |
| Bizflame 88/12 FR Coverall | UFR88 | 88% Cotton, 12% Nylon | 7 oz | Twill |
| Bizflame 88/12 FR Shirt | FR89 | 88% Cotton, 12% Nylon | 7 oz | Twill |
| Bizflame 88/12 FR Hi-Vis Shirt | FR95 | 88% Cotton, 12% Nylon | 7 oz | Twill |
| Bizweld FR Coverall | UBIZ1 | 100% Cotton, FR Finish | 9.5 oz | Twill |
| Bizweld Iona FR Coverall | UBIZ5 | 100% Cotton, FR Finish | 9.5 oz | Twill |
| Bizweld FR Cargo Pants | BZ31 | 100% Cotton, FR Finish | 9.5 oz | Twill |
| FR Zipper Front Hooded Sweatshirt | UFR81 | 60% Modacrylic, 39% Cotton, 1% Carbon Fiber | 9 oz | Knit |
| FR Anti-Static Balaclava | FR09 | 60% Modacrylic, 39% Cotton, 1% Carbon Fiber | 9 oz | Knit |
| ARC Rated FR Mesh Vest | UMV21 | 60% Modacrylic, 39% Cotton, 1% Carbon Fiber | 5.5 oz | Knit |
| FR Hi-Vis Long Sleeve T Shirt | FR96 | 60% Modacrylic, 40% Cotton | 8 oz | Knit |
| Bizflame FR Crew Neck | FR01 | 100% Cotton | 7 oz | Interlock Knit |
| Bizflame FR Henley | FR02 | 100% Cotton | 7 oz | Interlock Knit |
| Sealtex Flame FR Hi-Vis Coat 50" | FR44 | 100% Polyester, FR & Antistatic, PU Coated | 7.5 oz | PU Coated |
| Sealtex Flame FR Hi-Vis Jacket | FR41 | 100% Polyester, FR & Antistatic, PU Coated | 7.5 oz | PU Coated |
| Sealtex Flame FR Hi-Vis Pants | FR43 | 100% Polyester, FR & Antistatic, PU Coated | 7.5 oz | PU Coated |
| Bizflame Rain Hi-Vis Anti-Static FR Bomber Jacket | US773 | 98% Polyester, 2% Antistatic Carbon Fiber, Breathable, PU Coated | 7.5 oz | PU Coated |
| Bizflame Rain FR Bomber Jacket | S783 | 98% Polyester, 2% Antistatic Carbon Fiber, Breathable, PU Coated | 7.5 oz | PU Coated |
| Bizflame Rain FR Pants | S771 | 98% Polyester, 2% Antistatic Carbon Fiber, Breathable, PU Coated | 7.5 oz | PU Coated |
| Hi-Vis FR Vest | FR75 | 100% Polyester, Wrap Knit | 3.5 oz | Knit |
