At some point during the life of any FR garment, it is necessary to consider removing it from service due to basic wear and tear. Although most recognized brands of FR fabric are made to maintain their flame resistance for the life of the garment, physical damage may also dictate the need to remove them from service. For most practical purposes, garments may be removed from service based on subjective evaluation if, after regular inspections, the garment is found incapable of effectively protecting the wearer. Ultimately, it is the end user’s responsibility to retire FR clothing.
Part of the garment’s ability to protect is the simple fact that the fabric provides a barrier from the thermal hazard. The weight or mass of the fabric can make a difference in the level of thermal protection provided as well. The following items, identifiable by visual examination, may diminish the effectiveness of FR workwear and are cause for removing them from service — or at least evaluating them for possible repair.