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Flame-Resistant Vs. High-Visibility Workwear: The Best Fit For Indian Industry

India is a powerhouse of industries and innovation and workwear is an integral part of its industries like construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and electrical work. In India, you can’t take safety workwear as an option because industrial accidents are very common here. Therefore, providing safety gear to your workers is necessary. There are two most important types of protective workwear used extensively in India and they are flame-resistant (FR) workwear and high-visibility (hi-vis)workwear. But would you know which one is better for Indian industries? Let’s break it down in simple words.

Flame-Resistant (FR) Workwear: The Firefighter of Fabrics

It is a common occurrence in industries to experience fire hazards and flame-resistant workwear is designed to protect workers from those hazards. The specialty of this workwear is that it doesn’t catch fire easily, and even if it does, it self-extinguishes once the source of fire is removed. This acts as a shield and reduces the risk of severe burns and injuries ensuring better safety.

Who Needs FR Workwear?

In industries where fire or heat exposure is a daily risk, the safety of the workers should be at the top of the priority list. Fire-resistant workwear is suitable for those industries as it shields the workers from possible dangers. Some of these industries include:

  1. Oil and Gas – Here, the workers have to work near open flames or flammable gases.
  1. Welding – Workers might be in danger as they are exposed to sparks and molten metal.
  1. Electrical Work – The risk of electric arcs and short circuits is very common for the workers who are in this industry. 
  1. Steel and Metal Factories – In these industries, workers have to work in high-temperature environments and flame-resistant clothing can shield them from exposure to extreme heat.

Types of FR Workwear

  1. Treated FR Clothing – These are made from normal fabric but treated with chemicals to resist flames.
  2. Inherent FR Clothing – These clothes are made from fibres that are naturally flame-resistant, like Nomex and Kevlar.

Benefits of Flame-Resistant Workwear

There are multiple benefits of fire-resistant clothing and to make our Indian industries boom, we should take our workers’ safety as the top priority. Benefits of FR clothing include: 

  1. Protection against fire and extreme heat.
  2. Reduction of burn injuries.
  3. It does not melt onto the skin.
  4. Long-lasting than regular clothing in high-risk environments.

High-Visibility (Hi-Vis) Workwear: The Neon Knight

Low-light areas or busy worksites can pose serious risks as workers can go unnoticed and face a greater risk of accidents. But high-visibility workwear can help workers stand out, especially in low-light conditions or high-traffic areas. It usually comes in bright colours like neon yellow, orange, or green with reflective strips. This ensures that workers can be easily seen by others and prevents accidents.

Who Needs Hi-Vis Workwear?

Areas with heavy traffic, low lighting, or moving machinery can be dangerous for those who work in such environments if they don’t have proper safety. High-visibility workwear can provide them with the protection they need. Some examples of who needs hi-vis workwear include:

  1. Construction Workers who work on roads, highways, and building sites.
  2. Traffic Police & Road Workers who have to work near moving vehicles.
  3. Warehouse & Factory Workers who operate near heavy machines.
  4. Railway & Airport Workers who work in large open areas with fast-moving vehicles.

Types of Hi-Vis Workwear

a). Class 1 – Basic visibility, used in low-risk areas

b). Class 2 – Higher visibility, used in moderate-risk areas

c). Class 3 – Maximum visibility, used in high-risk zones like highways and airports

Benefits of High-Visibility Workwear

Due to their high visibility, hi-vis clothing has numerous benefits as: 

  1. These workwear can prevent accidents in busy areas.
  2. They are essential for night shifts and low-light conditions.
  3. You can easily spot workers from a distance if they are wearing high-visibility workwear.
  4. These are lightweight and comfortable for daily wear.

Flame Resistant vs. High-Visibility Workwear: Which One Is Best for India?

India has a wide range of industries, each with different safety needs. The choice between FR and hi-vis workwear depends on the risks workers face in their jobs. Let’s compare them side by side.

1. Protection Provided

  1. FR Workwear: Protects against fire, heat, and electric arcs.
  2. Hi-Vis Workwear: Protects against low visibility accidents.

2. Common Use Cases

  1. FR Workwear: Best for oil refineries, electrical work, welding, and manufacturing.
  2. Hi-Vis Workwear: Best for construction sites, traffic zones, airports, and railways.

3. Cost

  1. FR Workwear: Expensive due to specialized fabrics.
  2. Hi-Vis Workwear: Affordable and widely available.

4. Durability

  1. FR Workwear: Long-lasting but needs special washing care.
  2. Hi-Vis Workwear: Less durable, as reflective strips wear off over time.

5. Comfort

  1. FR Workwear: Heavier and can feel hot in Indian summers.
  2. Hi-Vis Workwear: Light and breathable, more suitable for hot weather.

Should You Choose FR or Hi-Vis Workwear in India?

The choice of workwear entirely depends on your work environment. If your work involves fire hazards, FR workwear is the only safe option for you. However, if you work near traffic, heavy machinery, or in dark areas, hi-vis workwear is a must for you to stay safe and secure at your workplace. 

Can You Wear Both?

Yes! Some industries in India require both types of protection. Many companies now make FR hi-vis workwear, which combines fire resistance with high visibility. This is ideal for workers in power plants, oil fields, and emergency rescue teams.

Safety First, Always!

No one should ignore workplace safety and the right workwear can make all the difference. You choose flame-resistant or high-visibility workwear but that depends on how risky your job is and which kind of work you are doing. If fire is a threat at your workplace, you should go for FR clothing. If visibility is your concern, hi-vis is the option that can give you optimum safety. In some cases, you can choose a combination of both for the ultimate safety.

Investing in the right safety gear can save lives. If you work in a high-risk industry, always choose certified and high-quality workwear like Unito provides. Contact us and get the best of industrial workwear all under one roof. Stay safe, and stay protected with Unito!

24.02.2025 Admin