When most people think of rainwear, they imagine garments designed for keeping dry, staying warm, and often, both. The concept of flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) gear might seem paradoxical — why should something meant to repel water also protect against fire and electrical hazards? However, in high-risk industries, such as chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, workers are frequently exposed to environments with a combination of adverse weather conditions, flammable substances, and electrical hazards.
While effective at keeping out water, standard rainwear can become a significant safety risk if exposed to such dangers. Non-FR/AR rainwear can ignite and melt when exposed to flames or electrical arcs, exacerbating injuries rather than protecting workers. For environments where fire, electricity, and rain pose significant risks, this hybrid solution is critical to worker safety.