When to Use fire fabrics？

When exhibiting at trade shows and conventions, you are responsible for making sure nothing in your display can be a threat to the public. The flammability of the fabrics used in your exhibit is one of the most common safety concerns trade show organizers and exhibitors have. Actually, many trade show venues will require their vendors to use fabric that follows certain fire-safety standards. However, this is where it can get a little confusing for the exhibitor. For example, say your venue-supplied vendor guidelines state that all tablecloths and banners must be made of “flame retardant” fabric, but you’re pretty sure yours are “flame resistant.” Same thing, right? Actually, flame resistant and flame retardant are two different things. In this article, we’ll outline the difference between the two so you can be sure to follow guidelines and stay safe at your next trade show!

Flame Resistant vs. Flame Retardant

• Flame resistant fabrics are made from materials that are inherently nonflammable - the materials have flame resistance built into their chemical structures. Fabrics made with these types of materials are designed to prevent the spread of fire and will not melt or drip when in close proximity to a flame. Because flame resistant fabrics are not usually made from 100% flame resistant materials, they will burn, but will do so very, very slowly and are often self-extinguishing.
• Flame retardant fabrics are chemically treated to be slow burning or self-extinguishing when exposed to an open flame. These fabrics can be made from any material, but they must be treated with special chemicals to qualify as flame retardant.

The biggest difference between flame resistant and flame retardant fabrics lies in how each is made. Without a special chemical application, a fabric will not qualify as flame retardant. Similarly, without being made of certain nonflammable fibers, a fabric will not quality as fire resistant.

When shopping for fire-safe fabrics, more often than not you will come across flame retardant textiles. These are cheaper and easier to produce than flame resistant fabrics and are often made of treated polyester or cotton.

National Fire Safety Standards

The National Fire Protection Agency developed a set of standards for determining the fire safety of a textile or fabric, known as NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films. Although NFPA 701 itself is not a law, many local and state governments do require that textiles used in public spaces comply with it.

What does NFPA 701 address?

Two distinct test methods differentiate fabrics of different densities. The test methods apply to textile materials used in interior furnishing for public occupancy buildings including curtains, window shades, draperies, table linens, textile wall hangings, as well as to fabrics used in the assembly of awnings, tents, tarps and other similar architectural fabric structures and banners. - NFPA

Please read the NFPA standards if you have any questions about the fire safety of your linens or drapery.

Flame Retardant Table Covers and Graphics

If you're looking for a flame retardant tablecloth or graphic display for your next trade show or event, check out some of our best selling products. When a Displays2go product is fire resistant or flame retardant, you can often find the necessary documents and certificates listed under "Resources" on the product page, so you know that the display you're using is going to be safe for your event. If you don't see a certificate, ask us and we'll be happy to check for you.

Source:

• National Fire Protection Association

Choosing the best fire-resistant fabrics is essential to creating a safe environment for your employees. Especially in high-risk industries, where occurrences such as arc flashes, fires, and chemical exposure are a part of the daily deal, protective clothing needs to be a priority. But are inherent FR fabrics the best option for your team?

This article will cover the durability, protection, and investment value of inherent FR fabrics to help you make the most informed decision when it comes to the safety of your team.

What is the difference between inherent FR and FR treated?

Inherent FR fabrics refer to any fabric that is produced with fiber that holds intrinsic fire retardant properties. These inherent FR properties are never worn down or washed out as they are part of the raw material the fabric is made of.

FR-treated fabrics, on the other hand, obtain their fire-resistant properties from chemical treatments that are applied to fabrics after they have been made.

Get the Quick Reference Guide to FR Fibers and Fabrics

We created a quick guide to cut through the confusion on flame-resistant fibers and fabrics. Our one-page reference guide covers some of the most common fabrics and fibers used in flame-resistant PPE garments.

Which industries are best suited for Inherent FR fabrics?

There are several professionals that are required to wear FR clothing due to the high-risk industries they work in, including:

 However, many other industrial and maintenance professionals can also benefit from inherent FR fabric protection, such as:

• Electricians

• Industrial food processing staff

• Paper processing personnel

• Chemical plant employees

• Manufacturing technicians

While it is true that many of these workers may never be exposed to hazards on a day-to-day basis in their industries, the risk of exposure does exist. In both cases, it is crucial to minimize risk by wearing suitable protective clothing.

What does Inherent FR mean for the wearer?

The greatest benefits of inherent FR fabrics, for the wearers and businesses alike, lie in durability. 

• Physical durability:

  As the FR properties are an intrinsic part of the fibers themselves, the fabric retains its integrity.

• Protective durability:

  Inherent FR fabrics generally provide better protection at a lighter weight for improved comfort.

• Aesthetic durability:

  Inherent FR fabrics maintain their color and do not shrink over time, simplifying their maintenance and care.

Investing in inherent FR fabrics

In general, inherent FR fabrics can prove to be a more valuable investment in the long run. However, they are more expensive. Their higher price is due to the fabric’s long-term durability, quality, and comfort qualities. When weighing the increased costs against the long-term durability, the investment value is clear.

Making the Right Choice

There are many FR fabrics available in the market and making the right choice comes down to analyzing industry-specific requirements. Ultimately, both inherent FR and FR-treated fabrics offer reliable protection against fire-related risks and hazards.