2018 was a busy time here at Bulwark, and 2019 promises to be another one for the books. As we enter into the new year, we look back at some of your favorite topics in all things FR, like what’s the difference between AR and FR, and how do you layer without sacrificing compliance? Check out the topics below to see what was trending this year.

The Basics of Base Layers

There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to layering with non-FR clothing. Putting an extra layer of clothing between your skin and outer FR layers can provide an added level of protection. Meltable fibers such as nylon, spandex and polyester cannot be used in the layer closest to your skin. The best solution when it comes to layering is to opt for an FR base layer. Read our blog post to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of this hot topic.

Wash it Right!

Our popular home wash magnet is packed with FR laundering guidelines like:

• Wash FR garments in soft water separately from non-FR garments
• Don’t use chlorine bleach, peroxide or fabric softener
• Use liquid detergent for best results
• Soak tough stains with liquid detergent or stain remover before wash
• Inspect garments after laundering for stains/odors as residual flammable soils could compromise FR qualities

AR vs. FR

What’s the difference between AR and FR? According to Bulwark’s Technical Manager, Derek Sang, the most important thing to know when it comes to AR and FR is that all arc-rated clothing is flame-resistant, but not all flame-resistant clothing is arc-rated. Read our blog post to understand what that means for you and your crew.

PPE: Who Foots the Bill?

If you’re wondering who pays for PPE in most organizations, look no further than the BLR industry-wide survey. 522 environmental, health and safety (EHS) professionals answered questions about how their organizations use PPE. According to the results, employers cover the cost of PPE the majority of the time—with 92% of those polled. In another 5% of cases, employers and employees share the cost of PPE. For more survey results, check out the complete BLR PPE Survey.