Welcome to the Westex Blog

Where we share our perspective on current trends, best practices, and the future of FR safety.

5 Reasons to Implement FR/AR PPE Training

Flame resistant (FR), arc-rated (AR) personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important part of establishing a well-rounded safety program. Before donning their FR/AR PPE, however, employees need to be educated about their PPE garments so they can properly guard themselves against workplace hazards such as arc flashes or flash fires. Understanding how to wear PPE, what their PPE will help protect against, and how to care for their PPE is essential for end users’ safety. We rounded up five important reasons to train employees about their PPE.

Descargar

Elevating Performance Standards: How Westex by Milliken is Raising the Bar on Testing Protocols

Part of designing reputable protective fabrics is ensuring they provide certified, consistent results both in the lab and in the field—otherwise, end users may be at risk. Flame resistant (FR), arc-rated (AR) fabrics incorporated into personal protective equipment (PPE) act as a final layer of defense against hazards like arc flashes and flash fires, so these fabrics must perform. But how does a company like Westex by Milliken assess performance? We sat down with James Cliver, senior development engineer for Westex by Milliken, to learn more about how FR/AR fabrics are tested and why standard testing protocols are a crucial indicator of performance.

Descargar

Using Customer Insights to Inspire Meaningful Innovation

When we look to develop new flame resistant (FR) technologies, we often draw inspiration from unmet needs in the industry. Many times, our conversations in the field help us better identify areas where we can fill a gap to better protect workers in the electrical and oil and gas industries against arc flashes and flash fires. We sat down with Paul Castelli, international sales director for Westex by Milliken, to learn more about how Westex develops new technologies.

Descargar

Especificando prendas para salpicaduras de metales líquidos y explosión por polvo

Diversos sectores de la industria presentan riesgos ocupacionales causados por salpicaduras de metales originarios de soldadura, fundición de metales de hierro y aluminio.  Es importante que los trabajadores conozcan y estén protegidos durante su jornada laboral.  El área de seguridad del trabajo debe hacer un análisis detallada de estos riesgos térmicos e implementar un programa de predas ignígugas compatible con el análisis efectuado. Descargar

Tailored to Women: The Case for Utilizing Women-Specific FR/AR Garments in the Workplace

Until recently, flame resistant (FR), arc-rated (AR) garments were one size fits all—meaning both men and women wore the same styles. Women in the oil and gas and electrical industries thus donned ill-fitting FR/AR garments day in and day out, because these garments were largely constructed with men in mind. Typically, women have to find FR/AR garments that mostly fit then adjust them throughout the day as they shift out of place.

Descargar

The Last Line of Defense: Four Ways Daily Wear FR/AR PPE Improves Safety Programs

For worksites where short-term thermal hazards are present, flame resistant (FR), arc-rated (AR) personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical component in providing protection in the event of an unexpected incident, like arc flash, flash fire, or dust combustion. While key, however, it is important to note that when designing your safety program, daily wear FR/AR PPE is one of many parts of a comprehensive thermal hazard mitigation program.

Descargar

TRES FACTORES PARA LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE LAS PRENDAS IGNÍFUGAS EN TRABAJOS CON ELECTRICIDAD

Los trabajadores del área eléctrica están expuestos a inesperados peligros incluyendo los arcos eléctricos, por lo cual, las precauciones de seguridad deben ser revisadas con frecuencia teniendo como objetivo reducir el riesgo a accidentes.  Los análisis de riesgo son necesarios para disminuir la probabilidad de incidencia de un arco eléctrico y nunca se puede descuidar cuando se trata de proteger a estos profesionales.  En este sentido, el EPI es utilizado como el último control de supervisión de riesgo con el objetivo de atenuar la gravedad de la lesión en el caso que ocurra un incidente de arco eléctrico.   Descargar

Three Ways Westex® DH Base Layer Fabric Changes the Game for FR/AR PPE Programs


Drawing from customer feedback and suggestions, the Westex® DH line of performance flame resistant (FR), arc rated (AR) fabrics was created to meet the most requested and pressing end-user needs for thermal hazard FR/AR personal protective equipment (PPE). Durable and robust, the line offers superior arc flash and flash fire protection in a variety of garment weights and styles for FR/AR daily wear. With fabrics ranging from a basket weave fabric ideally suited for cargo pants to a durable construction for button-down shirts, the line is expanding to include an innovative fabric for FR/AR base layers, which will debut at the National Safety Council (NSC) Congress & Expo in San Diego Sept. 9 – 11.

Descargar

CINCO HECHOS QUE USTED NECESITA CONOCER SOBRE LAS TELAS IGNÍFUGAS

Existen muchos factores que influyen en la creación de una tela ignífuga de alta calidad. A pesar de que existen muchas propiedades relacionadas a la resistencia a las llamas (FR) que son con frecuencia mencionadas como durabilidad y certificaciones, hay algunas características que tienden a recibir menos atención.

Aquí reunimos cinco hechos interesantes sobre las telas ignífugas (FR) para ampliar su conocimiento sobre este importante equipamiento de protección individual (EPP). Descargar

Cone Denim and Westex by Milliken continue partnership for stylish FR denim daily wear

Collaboration is key for discovering creative and sustainable solutions to meet customers’ needs. To that end, we are excited to share our successful collaboration with Cone Denim – leaders in premium denim for consumer apparel – will be renewed to continue offering our customers cutting-edge arc rated (AR) flame resistant (FR) denim. Our two brands exclusively produce and distribute the FR denim Westex Indigo® to meet the safety and wearability needs of industrial workers.

Descargar