Choosing the Right Workwear: Materials, Standards, and Applications
Share
Workwear is a vital part of personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring safety and comfort in demanding environments. The choice of material plays a critical role in determining the garment's suitability for specific industries. This guide explores the various materials used in workwear, their strengths and weaknesses, relevant standards, and ideal use cases.
Materials and Their Characteristics
100% Cotton
- Strengths: Breathable, comfortable, non-static, durable. Excellent for use in hot environments due to its ability to wick moisture.
- Weaknesses: Less resistant to tearing compared to synthetic blends, may shrink after washing.
- Ideal Use Cases: Agriculture, food processing, and electrical industries where comfort and non-static properties are essential.
Polycotton Blends (80/20 and 65/35 Polyester/Cotton)
- Strengths: Combines the durability and quick-drying properties of polyester with the comfort of cotton. Resistant to wrinkling and shrinking.
- Weaknesses: Less breathable than 100% cotton.
- Ideal Use Cases: Construction, warehousing, and cold storage where durability and low maintenance are required.
100% Polyester
- Strengths: Highly durable, quick-drying, lightweight, and resistant to chemicals and UV light.
- Weaknesses: Not as breathable as cotton; may feel uncomfortable in hot environments.
- Ideal Use Cases: Chemical processing, mining, and oil and gas industries requiring chemical resistance.
Acid-Resistant Fabrics
Acid-resistant garments provide a vital barrier against hazardous chemical exposure. These fabrics undergo rigorous testing to meet ISO 6530:2005 standards for protection against liquid chemicals, ensuring safety in environments where chemical splashes, drips, or sprays are common.
Testing and Key Features:- Assessed for resistance to hydrochloric acid (HCl) 32%, sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) 24%, nitric acid (HNO₃) 65%, and caustic soda 40%.
- Tested for two performance levels:
- Minimal Pressure: Protection against spray droplets and occasional small drips.
- Low-Volume Splash: Guards against low-pressure jets or contamination from natural movements, like flexing or contact with surfaces.
- Coated with a liquid-proof finish that prevents wetting by acids or chemicals, offering durability and reliability.
- Chemical and fire industries.
- Oil and gas operations where exposure to hazardous liquids is common.
Flame-Retardant Fabrics
Flame-retardant workwear is critical for environments with fire hazards, ensuring protection for workers exposed to sparks, flames, or intense heat. These fabrics meet SANS 1423-1 standards, which specify requirements for textile fabrics of low flammability.
Testing and Key Features:- Ignition Time: Fabrics ignite within a controlled time frame but propagate flames at a restricted rate of ≤ 5 mm/s.
- Surface Flash: None, ensuring minimal risk of rapid spread.
- Durability: Withstands multiple washes at temperatures up to 60°C under test conditions.
- Tested for compatibility with reflective tapes, which must also meet SANS 50471:2006 standards for high-visibility protective clothing.
- Welding, fabrication, and foundry work.
- Oil and gas industries where fire hazards are prevalent.
Acid and Flame-Resistant Fabrics
These garments combine the benefits of both acid and flame resistance, making them suitable for dual-risk environments. Treated to withstand chemical exposure and prevent ignition, they meet the rigorous requirements of SANS 1423-1 and ISO 6530:2005.
Applications:- Chemical plants with high heat exposure.
- Foundries and fabrication industries.
Denim
Strengths:
- Durability: Denim is known for its toughness and is ideal for heavy-duty work.
- Comfort: Softens with use, offering better comfort over time.
Weaknesses:
- Weight: Denim can be quite heavy, making it uncomfortable for long wear in hot conditions.
- Lack of Protection: Not flame-resistant or acid-resistant unless treated.
Ideal Use Case:
Common in automotive and construction industries, where durability is key, but not necessarily in environments with fire or chemical risks.
Standards and Certification
SANS 434-Compliant Garments
The SANS 434 standard outlines the material, cut, make, and trim requirements for workwear, ensuring garments provide adequate protection and durability for heavy-duty environments.
Key Features:
-
D59 Fabric: Heavy-duty 100% cotton drill with a mass of 310–320 g/m², treated for flame and acid resistance.
- Conforms to SANS 1387:2014 for durability.
- Treated for flame resistance under SANS 1423-1:2008.
- Tested for acid resistance using ISO 6530:2005 and DIN 32763.
- Includes brass YKK zippers for additional durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
- Manufactured in ISO9001:2008 accredited facilities, ensuring quality control and safety.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Heavy-duty industries such as mining, construction, and oil and gas.
- Environments requiring long-lasting and multi-functional protection.
Other SABS fabrics:
- J54 Fabric: Lightweight alternative to D59, suitable for general-purpose workwear.
Acid Resistance
- Tested to ISO 6530:2005 for protection against liquid chemicals.
Flame Retardancy
- Meets SANS 1423-1 for textile fabrics of low flammability, ensuring safe use in high-temperature environments.
Premium Workwear Fabrics
Beluga Tritex Garments
Made from 100% heavyweight cotton (335g) with advanced finishes.
Key Features:
- Anti-static and acid-resistant.
- 15 cal/cm² arc rating for electrical protection.
- High tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
Electrical, oil and gas, and heavy manufacturing.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Workwear Materials
Selecting the right workwear material is crucial for ensuring safety, comfort, and durability in demanding environments. With a wide range of options available—each tailored to specific industries and applications—understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each fabric is essential. At Procon Marketing, we supply a variety of trusted brands, including Grange, Dromex, JCB, REBEL, and DuPont, to meet the diverse needs of South Africa's industries.