1. Why FR Gear Matters: Understanding NFPA 2112 & NFPA 70E Standards

In this post, we break down what NFPA 2112 and 70E certifications really mean. We explain how these standards protect against flash fire and arc flash hazards and why wearing certified flame-resistant shirts matters on the job site. We also walk through how Fafnir ensures compliance in our clothing.

 Why FR Gear Matters: Understanding NFPA 2112 & NFPA 70E Standards

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What Is FR Gear?

Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is engineered to self-extinguish when exposed to flame, protecting workers from serious burns and reducing injury severity. Unlike regular cotton or polyester that can melt or ignite, certified FR apparel forms a thermal barrier between you and the heat source — critical for welders, electricians, and refinery crews alike.

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NFPA 2112 — Protection Against Flash Fire

The NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame-Resistant Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire defines the minimum performance requirements for FR garments used in industries where workers face flash-fire hazards — including oil & gas, chemical, and fabrication sectors.

NFPA 2112 requires:

• Garments must self-extinguish within 2 seconds after flame exposure.

• Fabric must not melt or drip.

• Total body burn area (from thermal mannequin test) must not exceed 50%.

• Thread, closures, and trims must meet thermal-resistance criteria.

Why it matters:
Flash fires can exceed 1,900 °C (3,500 °F). Certified FR clothing gives you critical seconds to escape and survive.

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NFPA 70E — Electrical Arc Flash Safety

The NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace addresses arc-flash hazards — explosive bursts of electrical energy that produce extreme heat and light.

NFPA 70E outlines:

• Arc Flash Risk Assessments for all electrical tasks.

• PPE Categories 1–4 based on incident-energy levels.

• Minimum Arc Ratings (ATPV) for FR fabrics, measured in cal/cm².

Example PPE Categories:

• CAT 2 → minimum 8 cal/cm²

• CAT 4 → minimum 40 cal/cm²

Why it matters:
Arc flashes can vaporize metal and create plasma temperatures hotter than the sun’s surface. Certified FR fabrics absorb and dissipate this energy instead of transferring it to your skin.

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FR vs. “FR-Lookalike” Gear

Not all “flame-resistant”-looking clothing is certified. True FR gear is third-party tested and certified (commonly by UL or CSA).
If the label doesn’t list NFPA 2112 or NFPA 70E, it’s not compliant — and not safe.

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How to Verify Your FR Gear

Check every garment tag for:

• “NFPA 2112” or “NFPA 70E” mention

• Arc-rating (ATPV) value

• Manufacturer’s certification mark

• Proper washing instructions (improper care can destroy FR properties)

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Fafnir Certified Welding Apparel

At Fafnir Outfitters, we supply NFPA-compliant welding shirts and apparel built to meet or exceed NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E.
Our FR cotton blends are durable, breathable, and designed for industrial-grade protection and all-day comfort — perfect for welders, pipefitters, and maintenance crews who demand performance and safety.

 Shop Fafnir Certified Welding Apparel

2. Behind the Seams: The Making of Fafnir’s FR Welding Shirts

Peek behind the curtain at how our shirts are designed and tested. From selecting fabrics to stress testing in lab conditions and field trials, we’ll show you what it takes to build apparel that holds up under sparks, heat, and long hours.

3. Field Stories: Welders On the Front Line

Real voices, real jobs. We interview professionals in welding-intensive industries—oil & gas, fabrication, shipyards—and hear their safety lessons, gear preferences, and what they appreciate in FR workwear.

4. Fafnir Announcements & Releases

Whenever we launch a new color, cut, or garment variant — or run a promotion or restock — this is where you’ll hear it first. Want something custom? We’ll also post about special-order windows and customization options.