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For quicker reference, a listing of all questions is given first, followed by questions and answers together.
- What is Nomex®?
- What is Nomex® Protective Apparel?
- Who wears Nomex® Protective Apparel?
- Why should I wear Nomex® Protective Apparel?
- What is the difference between inherently flame-resistant fabrics and chemically dependent flame-retardant fabrics?
- Is Nomex® Protective Apparel chemically resistant?
- Does Nomex® Protective Apparel help protect wearers from the risks of static buildup?
- Do workers in explosive atmospheres still need to be grounded if they wear Nomex® Protective Apparel?
- Is Nomex® Protective Apparel cost-effective?
- Is Nomex® Protective Apparel comfortable?
- Are Nomex® Protective Apparel garments available in different styles?
- Does Nomex® Protective Apparel require special laundering techniques?
- What are the purchasing options for Nomex® Protective Apparel garments?
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- What is Nomex®?
Nomex® is the brand name for a family of products made from an inherently flame-resistant aramid fiber that is manufactured only by DuPont. Go to top
- What is Nomex® Protective Apparel?
Nomex® Protective Apparel is a collection of inherently flame resistant garments that are used to protect people from thermal hazards. Go to top
- Who wears Nomex® Protective Apparel?
Every year, workers' lives are saved in a variety of industries because they are wearing flame-resistant Nomex® Protective Apparel. In fact, almost all turnouts chosen by US firefighters contain DuPont materials such as Nomex® and/or KEVLAR® brand fibers. Protective Apparel of Nomex® also is worn by racecar drivers, U.S. Forest Service employees, petrochemical workers, military personnel, utility crews and astronauts.
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- Why should I wear Nomex® Protective Apparel?
Everyday work clothes, including cotton and polyester blends are not flame resistant and do not fully protect against the hazards of flash fires or electric arcs. Natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, and blends with synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester, all support combustion. Cotton can ignite and continue to burn, while nylon and polyester can ignite, burn, melt and adhere to workers' skin. In addition, the explosive force of an electric arc can blast apart clothing made of cotton or polyester/cotton blends, exposing workers directly to the arc's devastating effects and any resulting fire.
Although every fabric can be exposed to an arc with sufficient intensity to cause break open, some resist better than others. Nomex® Protective Apparel provides high resistance to break open. If you are exposed to a flash fire or electric arc, wearing Nomex® Protective Apparel can help save your life. Nomex® Protective Apparel acts as a protective barrier and will not burn or melt and drip. This outstanding protection gives wearers more time to escape from a hazardous situation, while reducing burn injury.
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- What is the difference between inherently flame-resistant fabrics and chemically dependent flame-retardant fabrics?
Nomex® Protective Apparel is inherently flame resistant. The actual structure of the fiber itself is not flammable, which means the protection is permanent. The protection is built into the fiber itself and can never be worn away or washed out. When exposed to flame, the aramid fiber swells and becomes thicker, forming protective barrier between the heat source and the skin. This protective barrier stays supple until it cools, giving the wearer vital extra seconds of protection to escape.
Chemically dependent flame-retardant fabrics, such as Indura® flame-retardant treated cotton, FireWear®, Flamex® and FR rayon, provide a different type of protection. A chemical additive in the fiber or treatment on the fabric is used to provide some level of flame retardancy. During a flash fire, chemically dependent fabrics rely on a chemical reaction to extinguish the flame. This reaction is triggered by the heat of the fire and the amount of time the fabric is exposed to the fire.
As the time and heat exposure increase, heat transfer and the resulting burn injury to the wearer increase dramatically as the flame-retardant chemicals activate. These chemicals and the fabric produce vigorous afterflame, hot gases, smoke and tars that can adversely affect the wearer.
- Is Nomex® Protective Apparel chemically resistant?
Aramid fibers have very good resistance to many chemicals, such as organics, acids and bases. Our Technical Guide describes the specific behavior of aramid fibers when they are exposed to a broad range of chemicals.
Although Nomex® Protective Apparel exhibits very good chemical stability, most aramid garments are made of fabrics that are not designed to protect the wearer against chemical penetration. Go to top
- Does Nomex® Protective Apparel help protect wearers from the risks of static buildup?
Yes; Nomex® Protective Apparel incorporates a static-dissipative fiber. Even in low humidities, Nomex® Protective Apparel dissipates static generated from fabric-to-fabric and fabric-to-surface rubbing. Dissipating static charges in the fabric reduces the risks and discomfort associated with static electricity and reduces the contribution of clothing to the static charge buildup on the human body.
In certain working environments, only one millijoule (mJ) of energy -less than the nuisance static that builds in the human body from simply walking on a carpet -can ignite hydrocarbon vapor mixtures. The main source of spark potential is from static stored in the human body, rather than from garments. Go to top
- Do workers in explosive atmospheres still need to be grounded if they wear Nomex® Protective Apparel?
Yes. Personnel grounding must be the first line of defense against explosions caused by static. Nomex® Protective Apparel does not replace proper grounding procedures, such as:
- Discharging static from the body before entering a potentially explosive atmosphere by touching a grounded metal object
- Wearing a wristlet that connects the worker to grounded source, such as grounded equipment furniture
- Using conductive footwear and flooring.
When used with proper grounding procedures, Nomex® Protective Apparel limits sparking due to fabric-to-fabric rubbing, even in low humidities.
As an added safeguard, workers should not put on or take off a garment in an explosive atmosphere, even if the garment is anti-static.
In explosive atmospheres, check with your safety specialist regarding proper anti-static precautions and procedures. Go to top
- Is Nomex® Protective Apparel cost-effective?
Yes, Nomex® Protective Apparel is an excellent value, and over time are more cost effective than other protective fabrics. In fact, the outstanding wear life of Nomex® Protective Apparel can actually save your company money over the life of the garment.
Nomex® Protective Apparel is extremely durable and lasts three to five times longer than conventional or chemically dependent garments. Industrial launderers estimate that Nomex® Protective Apparel can be washed and worn more than 125 times. For a $70 garment, that's a cost of less than $0.56 per wearing. By comparison, ASTM STP 1133 reports that garments of FRT cotton can be washed and worn 25 to 40 times, so a $35 garment costs $0.88 to $1.40 per wearing.
Of course, reducing or preventing a single personal injury could pay for a complete garment program with Nomex® Protective Apparel. A single flash-fire burn injury, for example, can require a month or more of hospitalization and continued treatment, at a cost of more than $1,000,000. Go to top
- Is Nomex® Protective Apparel comfortable?
Yes. Nomex® Protective Apparel fabrics balance breathability in everyday use with excellent thermal protection under flash fire or electric arc exposures. Nomex® Protective Apparel is now made with finishes that wick and let moisture escape and evaporate, accelerating the cooling process in everyday use. And, the lighter weight of Nomex® Protective Apparel garments makes them as comfortable to wear as other work clothes. Go to top
- Are Nomex® Protective Apparel garments available in different styles?
Nomex® Protective Apparel garments are available in a wide range of colors and styles, including jackets, parkas, slacks, jeans, shirts, coveralls and switching coats. Nomex® Protective Apparel garments are available in a variety of fabric weights to suit your climate and is as comfortable to wear as other work clothing. Go to top
- Does Nomex® Protective Apparel require special laundering techniques?
Normal home, commercial and industrial laundering and dry techniques are suitable. Because the flame -resistant protection is part of the aramid fiber it cannot be washed or worn out, even if the garment is mishandled. Recommended laundering procedures are available. Many companies consider industrial laundering programs to ensure their garments are thoroughly cleaned and properly maintained and to implement and manage their Protective Apparel programs.
Nomex® Protective Apparel garments are extremely durable and stand up well to repeated launderings and use. Fabrics have very low initial shrinkage (1 % to 3% ) and maintain their size and shape over the life of the garment. Nomex® Protective Apparel garments come out of the dryer ready to wear and rarely need pressing.
Chlorine bleach should not be used on Nomex® protective garments. Chlorine bleach or other additives will not remove the flame protection as they can with flame-retardant treated fabrics; however, to preserve garment strength and prolong garment life, chlorine bleach should not be used.
Caution: Thoroughly remove greases, oily soil and other flammable contaminants from Nomex® protective garments. Flammable contaminants serve as a fuel source and will reduce the thermal performance of any garment. Tears or rips should be repaired with components made from Nomex® brand fabric, sewing thread, zipper tapes and patches. Go to top
- What are the purchasing options for Nomex® Protective Apparel garments?
- Purchase garments directly from a manufacturer or distributor - try our Where to Buy tool to find a company offering coverage in your area.
- Lease garments from an industrial launderer. This program would include the cost of initial garments, repairs, replacement and program management. Your company would be responsible for on-site or home laundering.
- Rent garments from an industrial launderer. This program would include the cost of initial garments, regular cleaning, repair, replacement and program management. Source Lists of garment manufacturers and industrial launderers.
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