Tag: workwear blog

Fall Arrest Safety Harnesses, Lanyards & Equipment

Our range of Technical Safety Fall Arrest Safety Equipment has been designed to protect workers from falls and other hazards when working at heights. Stringent quality processes are adhered to throughout the ISO9001:2015 manufacturing process to ensure that only quality componentry is utilised in the production of these life critical products. The high tenacity polyester yarns are highly resistant to UV, and have been subjected to colour stability and wash abrasion testing.

There is a wide range of possible damage to fall arrest equipment caused by misuse and abuse, general wear and tear, edge/surface damage, ultraviolet light, dirt, grit, chemicals and heat. Fall arrest equipment that has been used to arrest a fall should never be reused. It should be withdrawn from service immediately and destroyed or returned to the manufacturer.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain fall arrest equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration should be inspected ‘at least twelve monthly’ although more frequent inspections is highly recommended.

You can view the HSE guide on inspecting webbing and rope fall arrest equipment by CLICKING HERE

Equipment should be checked before use and regular inspections should be fully documented. Even minor safety harness defects can cause a significant reduction to the performance of fall arrest gear, for example a one millimetre deep nick or cut in the edge of a webbing lanyard can result in between 5 to 39 per cent loss of strength. Ingress of dirt and UV can also cause damage to the fibres of the webbing, resulting in a similar loss of strength.

What Damage/Degradation Should I Look For?
Defects that can weaken Lanyards include.
Abrasion along the lanyard’s edges.
Abrasion to webbing and loops.
Cuts and nicks in ropes and stitching.
Knot in lanyards that are not part of the original product’s design.

Chemical Degradation
Observed by a change in colour which usually appears as a brownish smear or smudge. Transverse cracks appear when belt is bent over tight. This causes a loss of elasticity in the belt. Paint will penetrate and dry, restricting movements of fibres. Drying agents and solvents in some paints will appear as chemical damage.

UV Degradation
Do not store webbing and rope lanyards in direct sunlight, because ultraviolet rays can reduce the strength of some material.

Damage from Friction and Heat
Nylon becomes brittle and may appear shrivelled and brown. Fibres will break when flexed and should not be used above 82 degrees Celsius. Webbing and rope strands may be fused together by molten metal or flame. Watch for hard, shiny spots or a hard and brittle feel. Webbing will not support combustion, but nylon will.

How Should my Fall Protection Equipment be Stored?
You can prolong the life of your safety equipment by maintaining and storing all components correctly. All safety components should be stored away from direct sunlight, in a secure area which is also free from corrosive materials.

Should I Clean my Fall Protection Equipment?
Cleaning your fall protection equipment will also prolong its life, so it is always important to remove all dirt and contamination.

Nylon and Polyester
Wipe off all surface dirt with a sponge dampened in plain water. Squeeze the sponge dry. Dip the sponge in a mild solution of water and commercial soap or detergent. Work up a thick lather with a vigorous back and forth motion. Then wipe the belt dry with a clean cloth. Hang freely to dry but away from excessive heat.

Drying
Harness, belts and other equipment should be dried thoroughly without exposure to heat, steam or long periods of sunlight.

Click our logo below to view the full range of Technical Safety EN Spec Safety Lanyards & Fall Arrest Equipment.

10 October 2025
FR Clothing Explained

What is FR Clothing?

Flame retardant or FR clothing is designed to ensure protection from open sources of ignition, or from tools and machinery which give off excess heat. Unlike regular work clothing which will normally burn through or catch alight, FR clothing will delay and suppress the spread of flames as well as giving the wearer thermal insulation from heat. These products are specially designed to withstand melting, hence reducing the risk of injury from burns. To increase their effectiveness, FR clothing works best when layered together with baselayer products to offer the highest levels of protection.

Treated vs Inherent Fabric

Products designed to protect against the risk of heat and flames can do so via different processes – FR treated and inherent FR. Ultimately they will both provide excellent protection against convective heat and spread of flame, but both have their unique nuances to consider.

Treated Fabrics

FR treated fabric refers to products which have undergone a special manufacturing process whereby a combination of chemicals are added to a yarn, fibre or finished fabric composition in order to create a new FR fabric work item. Unlike their inherent counterparts, a chemically treated flame retardant product will begin to lose its FR properties over time, either during the laundering process, or due to exposure to chemicals and other abrasives. With a treated garment it is always essential to follow the manufacturers care instructions, as this will ensure the longevity of the FR properties.

Inherent Fabrics

Inherent FR is a term which is lent to fabrics which have had FR properties permanently intertwined into the fibres of the garment itself. Good examples of an inherent fabric are aramid fabrics such as Nomex – which has FR properties present at a molecular level. Modacrylics also benefit from an inherent finish, which is added during the textile process. The advantage of buying an inherent FR product is that due to the introduction of the FR qualities at the fibre level, their protective effectiveness will never diminish over time.

How do I care for my FR Clothing?

To ensure the effectiveness of your FR clothing, you should always follow the manufacturers care instructions. Failure to do so will have a detrimental effect on the level of protection they offer, which could result in injury. Never use bleaches or any detergents which include bleach, and when dry cleaning always avoid any solvent – with the exception of Trichloroethylene (TCE). When tumble drying, its also best to do so on a low heat. Many FR garments also share other safety properties, such as retro-reflective stripes and fluorescent finishes, and should be washed separately to help reduce abrasion against other garments. It is also well advised to turn these products inside out when washing them to help further protect them during the laundering process.

Who would wear FR Clothing?

FR clothing can cater for a number of industries and job roles that require the wearer to work in hazardous environments where they will come into exposure from heat and flame, a great example of this is the petrochemical, oil and gas industries where there is a constant exposure and risk of heat and flame exposure throughout the working day. Welders and fabricators will also come into contact with heat and flame, as well as sources of ignition and sparks, all of which can pose a significant risk to personal safety, should protection not be used correctly.

FR standards explained

There are 3 main standards which are applicable for heat and flame exposure, all of which provide slightly different properties covering what hazards they are protecting the wearer against.

EN ISO 11612:2015

This is the latest revision of the EN ISO 11612 standard which has superseded EN531, and is given to clothing which is designed to offer body protection (with the exception of the hands) from the hazard of heat and flame. Most FR Overalls, shirts and trousers will fall into this category. There are no specific items which adhere to this standard for the head, hands and feet, however you will find there are EN ISO 11612:2015 products such as gaiters, hoods and overboots which will offer protection. FR clothing falling into this standard is designed to limit the spread of flame in the event of exposure to convective or contact heat, and will also protect against molten splashes.

EN ISO 14116:2015

This standard specifies the performance requirements for products which offer limited flame spread properties of all materials, material assemblies and protective clothing. This is designated to products which may expose the user to smaller risks of exposure against fire such as small igniting flames. EN ISO 14116:2015 products are best suited to environments where there is no real significant heat hazards involved. When protection against heat hazards is a necessity, then EN ISO 11612:2015 garments are recommended to ensure your safety.

EN ISO 11611:2015

This is the standard which is lent to FR clothing such as hoods, aprons, gaiters and gauntlets which are worn during the welding and allied processes. Garments and accessories which fall into the EN ISO 11611:2015 are designed to protect the wearer not only against short contact times with flame and radiant heat, but to offer protection against the hazard of spatter and small splashes of molten metals, and will also help to minimize the risk of exposure to accidental contact with live electrical conductors, providing protection up to 100 V d.c(approximately) in normal welding environments.

Additionally, flame retardant clothing may also adhere to a number of additional safety specifications such as EN ISO 20471 for high visibility, EN 343 Foul weather protection, or EN 1149-5 Antistatic protection. Clothing which covers a wide variety of safety specifications is often referred to as Multinorm.

Click our logo below to view our full range of flame retardant clothing.

25 October 2024

EN 342 Cold Weather Clothing Explained

For working in cold, low temperature environments it is important the your work apparel can provide you with the thermal efficiency needed in order to keep the cold at arms length, as well as keep you warm and insulated. EN 342:2004 is the standard related to cold weather clothing designed to offer excellent protection in hazardous, cold environments under 5°C.

The EN 342 standard is determined by four parameters:

a – Thermal insulation properties with motion
b – Thermal insulation properties without motion (optional)
c – Air permeability
d – Waterproof penetration properties (optional)

Requirements for effective thermal insulation of clothing in relation to ambient temperature conditions for heat balance at different durations of human exposure to cold according to PN EN 342 ^[source]

Effective thermal insulation I_cle[m²∙K/W]	User standing activity [75 W/m²]
Effective thermal insulation I_cle[m²∙K/W]	8 h	1 h
0.31	11	-2
0.39	7	-10
0.47	3	-17
0.54	-3	-25
0.62	-7	-32

Requirements for resultant effective thermal insulation of clothing in relation to ambient temperature conditions for heat balance at different activity levels and duration of exposure to cold acc. to EN 342 ^[source]

Resultant effective thermal insulation I_cler [m² K/W]	Light wearer activity 115 W/m²		Medium wearer activity 170 W/m²
Resultant effective thermal insulation I_cler [m² K/W]	8 h	1 h	8 h	1 h
0.31	-1	-15	-19	-32
0.39	-8	-25	-28	-45
0.47	-15	-35	-38	-58
0.54	-22	-44	-40	-70
0.62	-29	-54	-60	-83

click our logo below to view our full range of EN 342 Cold Protection

17 December 2022

Taking care of your work clothing
Taking care of your work clothing is important. Without taking the correct care for your garments, you run the risk of impacting the effectiveness of the product. This can lead to the garment not giving you the protection it advertises. All protective work clothing has different

ISO 20471 High visibility clothing care

The purpose of high vis clothing is to give the wearer improved visual acuity whilst onsite or working in low light or hazardous areas. If high vis clothing isn’t taken care of and laundered correctly, it can damage both the fluorescent fabric finish, and the overall effect of the reflective stripes. If this happens, your work clothing no longer meets the EN 471/ISO 20471 rating it had before, making it hazardous to wear. If you decide not to wash it, then grease and dirt buildup will have the same dampening effect on the reflective properties.
- Always was hi vis clothing separately from other clothes, or together with other EN471/ISO20471 clothes.
- Turn the products inside out before putting into washing machine.
- Avoid detergents that contain optical whiteners.
- Do NOT use fabric softeners or bleaching agents.
- Ensure all zips are secured.
- Follow the manufacturers general temperature guidelines.
Following these simple steps will make your work clothing care for high vis much easier, and keep the garments in great shape! If your Hi Vis uses a GORE-TEX fabric, always tumble dry them at a low temperature, as this helps to “reactivate” the weather resistant properties.

FR Clothing Care

For soiling on FR garments, pre-soaking in conditioned warm water, with use of a stain remover* to get rid of soiling. Also bare in mind that hard water can precipitate soap, resulting in a build-up of magnesium salts and calcium. These can actually have an adverse effect on the clothing, adding fuel to the combustion process. As with the high vis clothing, always turn your FR clothing inside out prior to washing.

Fill your washing machine no more than two thirds of its capacity to allow the clothing to move around free and help the cleaning process. Always launder FR clothing separate from other clothing types, on a “normal” or “cotton care” cycle at a temperature of 60c maximum. For FR clothing care, you can use a regular home laundry detergent.
- - Always avoid using starch or fabric softeners.
  - Never launder FR clothing with chlorine bleach, or liquid nonchlorine bleach.
  - If contaminants remain after a wash, the FR clothing may require professional laundering.
  - Never “over dry” your FR clothing.
FR clothing comes in two types – Inherent and treated fabrics. Treated fabrics will degrade with washing, but inherent FR products are protective at the fibre level, so they are far better lasting in comparison.

Waterproof clothing care

Waterproof clothing is normally treated with a coating which gives them their protective qualities. Before laundering, ensure all loose soiling is removed, and close all the zips, flaps and pockets on the product. Ensure also that you avoid detergents and fabric softeners, as they can break down the fibres of the products itself, with each wash making the product less and less effective against foul weather.
- Always use specific cleaners designed for technical outerwear.
- Check that the detergent compartment in your machine and ensure it is clean/empty.
- Wash waterproof clothing with only 2-3 other waterproof items at a time.
- Use a wash and rinse cycle of 30c for best results*
- Leave products to air dry, or if the care instructions say otherwise they can be tumble dried.
Treated waterproof fabrics will degrade over time, and if you find your trousers or jacket is absorbing rather than repelling, the writing may be on the wall and you might want to invest in a new jacket. There are products available which can “re-proof” the fabric. If after treating the product still leaks, its definitely time to look for some new Waterproof clothing.
13 June 2017
Pacaya Lyviz Safety Glasses
New Product!

The DeltaPlus Pacaya Lyviz Safety Glasses are a fantastic advancement in lens technology for those who work within job roles in the oil and gas industry, automotive and decorating.

The lightweight and sturdy polycarbonate frame and nose piece features adjustable nylon arms, with a removable foam frame to protect the wearer from dust and offer shock protection in the event of impacts.

The main selling point of the DeltaPlus Pacaya Lyviz Safety Glasses are their excellent lenses. Infused with Lyviz technology, this gives the lenses a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating – meaning dirt, paint and water are repelled from the surface of the lens, to make them very easy to maintain and keep crystal clear. The lenses of the Pacaya Lyviz Safety Glasses also have a much higher abrasion resistance, and resist fogging.
- Wipe or wash clean lenses.
- Hydrophobic coating ensuring longer clean lenses.
- Ideal for Oil, Gas, Painting & Automotive industries.
- Polycarbonate single lens glasses.
- Integrated polycarbonate nose piece.
- Adjustable nylon arms.
- Side protection.
- Suitable for all faces with the tilting arms.
- Removable foam frame for dust & shock protection.
- UV400.
- Anti-mist.
- Anti-scratch.
- EN166 Personal eye-protection 1 FT: Oculars marking.
- EN166 Personal eye-protection FT: Frame marking.
- EN170:2002 Ultraviolet filters UV 2C-1.2: echelon.
- American: ANSI Z87.1-2003 Z87+: Impact resistance.
check out our work wear products by clicking on our logo below

You can also visit our sister site by clicking the logo below
13 May 2016
Spring and Summer Style Guide

Summer Style Guide 2016

With winter well and truly out of the way, at least we hope – our sister blog looked at spring cleaning tips. So how about some excellent, stylish clothing to help tackle those odd jobs in the garden or for out on site? We have an outstanding selection of products – for all seasons. All are available in our online store, but just for now lets look at some fresh and funky ideas for the warmer months an maybe you can give you and your workers a new Summer Style.

Hats

When the suns out, a hat is perfect for keeping the sun out of your eyes whilst you work – as well as protecting your head from getting burnt!

Result Heavy Cotton Pro-Style Baseball Cap

Made from a 270gsm heavy cotton fabric, this excellent camouflage finished cap has a comfortable low profile design with a pre-curved peak and stitched eyelets. The rear of the hat is fastened by a fabric strap and secured with an antique brass buckle. The front panels are left unsupported, which means if it takes your fancy – you can even get it embroidered, but with its camo design, just remember where you put it down – or it may be a nightmare to find 😉

Carhartt Odessa Cap

Carhartt have always stood for the industrial worker, but in recent years they’ve become increasingly popular as a fashionable brand. The Odessa Cap from Carhartt has an adjustable hook and loop closure on the back for a comfortable fit, with a pre-curved peak. It comes in four cool vintage colours, with a leatherette logo label at the front. Inside this cap there is a coolmax sweatband, which will help keep moisture at bay and keep you cooler throughout the day.

Dickies Harrison Cap

Featuring a distressed, oil washed finish and made from a durable 100% cotton twill fabric, the Dickies Harrison Cap is a strong contender for the most stylish cap available. It is available in two colour options, and will look good at work or out and about.

Tops

When its hot outside, its great to be able to just enjoy the sun – and a lightweight, cool t-shirt or vest will provide just the right amount of sun protection, and will keep you cooler for longer.

FoTL Mens Short Sleeve Baseball T-Shirt

Show your love of colours off with this excellent T-shirt from Fruit of The Loom! Exceptional value, this 100% Cotton Belcoro Yarn top features contrasting colour sleeves and rounded collar, with seven colour options available. This tee is ideal for working in the garden or just as a casual top whilst lounging around or going about your daily routines. Its Belcoro yarn finish is designed to offer a very fine knit, which also makes this a fantastic top for businesses who want a stylish and eye-catching personalised work clothing solution.

Helly Hansen Workwear Magni T-Shirt

Available in a stylish black or a vibrant dark lime, the HH Workwear Magni T-shirt makes for an excellent baselayer top which is packed with innovative technology to offer the best in comfort whilst you work. With a fabric weight of 130gsm, the polyester and polypropylene fabric composition is light to the touch, and incorporates Lifa Flow tech to help moisture manage and keep you dry and cool.

Carhartt Force Colour Enhanced T-Shirt

The “Force” is strong with this one! Another colourful option, the Force Colour T-shirt from Carhartt is constructed from a durable 100% force polyester fabric, which is lightweight with a birds-eye knit finish designed to keep you cool when you’re out in the sun. This bright and practical t-shirt features FastDry wicking technology, which dissipates sweat from the body and helps to keep you cool and dry. There’s even a handy chest pocket, with enough room to store any items you may need in a cinch.

Shorts

To top any ensemble off, you’re going to want to air those pasty winter legs, and get the shorts out! The improved air circulation and freedom of movement is perfect for outdoors pursuits and working in the garden at home, or the site at work.

Carhartt Rugged Cargo Camo Shorts

If you liked the look of the Result Heavy Cotton Pro-Style Baseball Cap, then these shorts will be perfect. Made with a 100% ring-spun cotton canvas fabric, these shorts will give as good as they get, with woodland and urban camo styles for a stylish look. The relaxed seat and thigh combines with the slightly lower sitting waistband for a casual, relaxed fit ideal for lounging around in the sun.

Helly Hansen Mjolnir Shorts

Part of the the latest addition to the Helly Hansen range, this is one Mjolnir you can lift without being an asgardian! These 100% cotton work shorts have a rugged raw edge detail, and a relaxed stylish fit. They feature a drawcord adjustment on the waist if the belt loops are not to your liking, one of which has a practical ID loop for security – you’ll never misplace your identification again.

Blaklader Garden Pirate Shorts

If you want shorts with that added punch, then these excellent pirate pants will give you it. engineered for the active horticulturist, they are created from a combo of recycled polyester and cotton twill fabric that is packed with features. The tool and rear pockets are imbued with the power of Cordura, offering impressive abrasion resistance. More importantly Cordura also plays a role in reinforcing the kneepad pockets, making these a magnificent choice for budding gardeners (pun intended).

Something a bit different?

If nothing above has taken your fancy, we have some more unique gardening products for men and women below, if shorts aren’t enough – these will offer you something a little more unique…

Blaklader Craftsman Kilt

Thats right, Blaklader might be the first to offer a practical workmans kilt (underwear recommended). Constructed from a 100% cotton twill fabric, they are well ventilated and feature reinforced ruler and nail pockets, and come equipped with a hammer loop and bellowed back pockets.

Fristads Kansas Womens Skirt

A definite contender for the most colourful product we have available, these striking work skirts from Fristads Kansas come in a range of light and bright pastel shades, for a striking and colourful look. Not just for show, this skirt means business – with Cordura reinforced loose-hanging front pockets and a range of tool loops and accessory options available, they won’t let you down on site!
If nothing here has caught your eye, don’t forget to visit our online store.

6 May 2016
Gardening Workwear

Products for Green Fingers – Gardening Workwear

Agricultural and Horticultural roles can embody a lot of varied tasks, some of which will require clothing which meets levels of comfort, practicality – as well as offer a level of safety. From clothing designed purely for gardening pursuits with easy care fabrics and plentiful pocket combinations, to hard wearing and fibre filled heavyweight clothing designed to arrest a chainsaw blade – our comprehensive range of garden workwear and accessories will surely help you get the job done.

Horticulture

[ap_column_wrap]
[ap_column span=”3″]Horticultural roles will need a combination of flexibility and plenty of features. Accessories will typically compliment the job at hand – with thick gloves, and even goggles coming in handy to keep yourself protected in the garden.[/ap_column]
[ap_column span=”3″][/ap_column]
[/ap_column_wrap]

Dickies
Lined Leather Gloves
£10.80 ex VAT

Castle
Conwy Shirt (3pk)
£36.98 ex VAT

Blaklader
Garden Overalls
£77.42 ex VAT

Agriculture

[ap_column_wrap]
[ap_column span=”3″]Agricultural roles require slightly more varied selections of clothing, due to most tasks being undertaken in all weathers, and for a vast majority of the year. Products such as waders and wellington boots are beneficial here, as well as colder weather garments like padded shirts which are an essential in the biting weather.[/ap_column]
[ap_column span=”3″][/ap_column]
[/ap_column_wrap]

Dickies
Safety Wellies
£55.12 vat FREE

Dickies
Morton Waders
£37.60 ex VAT

Dickies
Granger Shirt
£20.90 ex VAT

Forestry / Arbor

[ap_column_wrap]
[ap_column span=”3″]At the heavyweight end of the clothing scale, these products are designed to provide optimal comfort and protection, especially when working with tools like Chainsaws. Products designed to arrest chainsaw blades are an essential, with their fibre padding designed in such a way that if a moving blade makes contact with them, the lining of the garment will effectively smother the blade by catching it inside the material and ultimately stopping the chainsaw.[/ap_column]
[ap_column span=”3″][/ap_column]
[/ap_column_wrap]

Portwest
Forestry Kit
£21.03 ex VAT

DeltaPlus
Chainsaw Overall
£80.00 ex VAT

Cofra
Chainsaw Boot
£78.28 vat FREE

Can’t see any Gardening Workwear suitable? Click to view our full range of gardening and forestry clothing.

You can also visit our sister site by clicking the logo below.

19 April 2016