Fireproof underwear

Work accessories

Used as a last defense against heat or fire, flame resistant underwear is only worn in certain areas. It is intended for people who work in sectors where there is any contact with fire, flames, sparks or simply high heat.

The role of flame-retardant underwear (not compulsory)

Like all PPE, the role of fire-retardant underwear is to protect its wearer for him avoid more or less serious accidents. In this specific case, it will be a question of protecting it from burns or excessive heat which could endanger its safety or health. They must of course be worn under a suit or other fireproof outfit since they only serve as last ramparts and not main protection.

These underwear also provide optimal comfort. In fact, in addition to protecting against fire or heat, they are breathable and quickly wick away moisture. The wearer will therefore be able to stay dry and not end up swimming in his own sweat during his work.

It will therefore be perfect for welders, metalworkers, firefighters and other professionals who handle or come into contact with heat, fire or sparks. Note, however, that in the industry, wearing these underwear is not mandatory. They are certainly useful and reduce the chances of burns and other accidents, but are not currently required by law. Professional or individual motor sports, Formula 1 drivers also wear this equipment during races which can sometimes lead to certain ignition hazards.

But a special category of professionals must also wear them on each of their outings, although they are not necessarily in direct contact with the elements mentioned above. These are racing drivers: rally, karting or F1 (F2, FE etc.).

The different flame-retardant underwear

As the name already suggests, these gears look like regular underwear with some extra specific features. There are exactly 4 types of flame retardant underwear:

- The sock that protects from toes to calves

- The (always) long underpants. However, there are women's FR boxers that look (in length) like their regular version

- The T-shirt, which must always have long sleeves to protect up to the cuffs

- The balaclava that protects the face and prevents hair from igniting

Design standards

The standards governing these underwear differ depending on the sector where they are used. “Ordinary” worker gear is governed by classic PPE standards.

To comply, flame-retardant underwear worn by firefighters must be EN ISO 11612-2015 (formerly EN 531) compliant based on current European regulations relating to fire resistance. If the old standard (EN 531) has been updated with much more complete characteristics, the underwear marketed with this standard is still valid and can still be purchased.

As for the hood, it will be designed with EN 532. Socks must be EN 533 compliant.

On the other hand, those worn by racing drivers must have special approval from the FIA ​​or Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the only entity that can to agree. The standard for these underwear is the FIA ​​8856-2000 standard.

The material of flame retardant underwear

The main characteristic of a flame-retardant garment or undergarment lies in the choice of material, certain fibers used for textiles have naturally non-flammable properties such as aramid, others will be little flammable such as as: wool, silk, polyamide and polyester. While some materials are more likely to have fire-protective properties, it is however possible to improve the behavior of certain fibers in contact with fire by incorporating additives into the mass.

A flame retardant underwear will therefore be composed mainly of these materials. Clothing is characterized as flame retardant from the moment it is made up of:
- a non-flammable fabric: to qualify as a garment that it is non-flammable, it must have the "limit of oxygen" index (ILO ) indeed for atmospheric combustion to take place, the ILO must be less than the oxygen content of the air, i.e. 21%.
- of a heat-stabilized fabric: that is to say that if the fabric heats up, it does not melt or burn, indeed a flame-retardant protective garment must make it possible to protect the body during a few seconds up to temperatures that can exceed 1000°C

Where to buy fireproof underwear at the best price?

Oxwork, your best ally in terms of safety, presents you with a wide selection of flame retardant underwear for men and for men at the best price. We offer you products from major brands, namely: Blaklader, LMA, Protwest, Coverguard, Helly Hansen. Navy, yellow or black? Whatever your preferences, you will be spoiled for choice between thermal underwear sets (sweatshirt and pants), t-shirts, briefs, underwear sets... Opt for our quality underwear, acting as a second skin, in order to protect you as much as possible from dangers such as flames, fires, strong heat or explosions.