Significance and Use 5.1 This guide identifies the responsibilities of the fiber, fabric, and clothing manufacturers, as well as the processor, the processor’s chemical supplier, and the end user. 5.2 This guide describes the key components involved in an industrial laundry program for the care and maintenance of flame resistant and arc rated clothing. 5.3 The guidelines in this standard will provide a processor assistance to develop a processing system that maintains the flame resistant or arc rated clothing during its useful service life. 5.3.1 The development of published formulas for each fabric and level of soiling is difficult at any given point in time due to ongoing, continuous improvement of flame resistant and arc rated clothing, including new fibers, fabrics, and laundering equipment and procedures. 5.4 The guide also provides suggestions as to when flame resistant or arc rated garments should be removed from service. 5.5 Flame resistant or arc rated protective clothing not processed by an industrial laundry supplier are subject to a home laundry process and are subject to Guide F2757. 5.5.1 When wearers choose to launder their flame resistant or arc rated protective clothing at home, the laundry supplier cannot be held responsible for the condition of the garments.Scope 1.1 This guide provides recommendations for the care and maintenance of clothing that is flame resistant or arc rated. 1.2 These recommendations address the industrial laundering process. Industrial laundering is an effective cleaning process for flame resistant or arc rated clothing; follow all label care instructions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends leaving clothing soiled with hazardous chemicals at work to be laundered by the employer or, if such clothing is washed at home, to launder separately from the family wash. 1.2.1 This guide does not apply to dry cleaning of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on dry cleaning, follow label instructions or contact your garment supplier. Dry cleaning indicates cleaning by a professional dry cleaner. 1.2.2 This guide does not apply to home laundering of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on home laundering, follow label instructions or contact your garment supplier. Home laundering indicates laundering in a home laundering machine. For more information on home laundering, see Guide F2757. 1.3 It is important that potentially flammable contaminants are removed from garments during the wash process. If flammable contaminants are not removed, the flame resistance of the garment may be compromised. Effective cleaning and proper maintenance of the protective characteristics of flame resistant or arc rated clothing should include consideration of cleaning, repair, and replacement. 1.3.1 To reduce the potential of employees wearing garments contaminated with flammable substances, the end user should analyze the soil conditions to which a wearer may be exposed, along with the effectiveness of the industrial wash procedure. If it is deemed ineffective, effective solutions should be pursued (dry cleaning, surfactants, disposable FR coveralls, etc.). 1.4 It is important that the processes and materials used to launder flame resistant garments are compatible with the FR materials to ensure that the FR protection of the garment is not compromised during the laundering process. 1.5 It is the responsibility of the end user to determine if their laundering method is the appropriate care and maintenance procedure for their application. (See Appendix X1 and X1.1.) 1.6 This guide does not apply to specialized protective garments such as specialized firefighter turnout gear and proximity firefighter ensembles. 1.7 This guide also identifies inspection criteria that are significant to the performance of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
