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FLAME

RESISTANT

GARMENTS

Standard vs. Test Methods CGSB 155.22-2014
Often users mix up the many standards and test methods related to FR This is the Standard Performance Specification outlining the minimum
garments. We will go through the most relevant standard performance requirements for performance of fireline workwear worn for protection
specification, test methods, terms and give you a summary of what you against the adverse effects to the firefighter’s body during forest firefighting.
should really be looking for when considering FR garments. Testing includes flame resistance (fabrics tested before and after 50 domes-
tic wash/dry cycles), thermal protective performance (TPP), heat resistance,
ASTM F2733-09 thermal shrinkage resistance, and seam strength.
This is a Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Rainwear NFPA 2112-2012
for Protection Against Flame Hazards. Requirements: must meet require-
ments under Testing Methods ASTM D6413 and ISO 17493 and ASTM This is the Standard Performance Specification that will specify the
F1930. minimum performance requirements and test methods for flame-resistant
fabrics and components, and the design and certification requirements for
CGSB 155.10 garments for use in areas at risk of flash fires. Testing includes flame
This is a Standard Performance Specification for Firefighter’s protective resistance (fabrics tested before and after 100 commercial wash/dry
clothing for protection against heat and flame. This standard is specific to cycles), thermal protective performance (TPP), heat resistance, thermal
firefighter clothing, and has no relevance for any other industry. It is shrinkage, and manikin flash fire.
commonly, and incorrectly, used to reference a fabric’s resistance to ignition NFPA 1975-2014
and self-extinguish when exposed to an open flame.
This is the Standard Performance Specification outlining requirements for
CGSB 155.20-2000 the design, performance, testing, and certification of non-primary protective
This is a Standard Performance Specification outlining the minimum station/work uniforms and the individual garments comprising station/work
requirements for performance workwear worn for protection against uniforms. This standard will also specify requirements for the thermal
unplanned exposure to hydrocarbon flash fire. Testing includes flame stability and flame resistance of textiles used in the construction of
resistance (fabrics tested before and after 50 domestic wash/dry cycles), station/work uniforms.
thermal protective performance (TPP), heat resistance, and thermal NFPA 1977-2016
shrinkage resistance.
This is a Standard Performance Specification specifying the minimum
What does it mean to meet CGSB 155.20-2000? design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for protective
The CGSB 155.20-2000 standard refers to protective workwear that will be clothing, helmets, gloves, and footwear that are designed to protect firefight-
worn as the outermost garment (please note the wording “workwear” and ers adverse environmental effects during wildland fire-fighting operations.
“garment”, as this standard relates to a completed garment, not just its ASTM F1506-15
components). This standard is the most abused; many manufacturers will
claim partial compliance with statements like: (1) Meets CGSB 155.20 Par This is a Standard Performance Specification for Textile Material for
6.1.1 (referencing only the single paragraph 6.1.1 of the standard which is Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary
related to Flame Ignition and Self-Extinguish—the actual garment is Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards, as per Section 130.7 (C)(8) of
non-compliant, but the outer fabric has a basic flame retardant treatment); NFPA 70E. Testing includes electric arc exposure, flame resistance (fabrics
(2) Shell material meets CGSB 155.20 (referencing only that the outer fabric tested before and after 25 commercial wash/dry cycles), tear resistance,
meets paragraphs 6.1.1. through 6.1.2.2 of the standard which is related to breaking strength, dimensional change in laundering, colourfastness to
the Flame Ignition, Self-Extinguish, and Thermal Protective Properties (TPP) laundering/dry cleaning, and yarn slippage.
of the shell fabric—the actual garment is non-compliant as the Standard
requires all Components, including liners, visibility trim (tape), reinforce- An FR designated garment refers to the
ments, wristlets, and collar meet Flame and Heat Resistance requirements fabric’s treated or inherent ability to
both in original state and after 50 cycles of washing; all threads must be
inherently flame resistant, and all insulation must be Flame and Heat resist ignition or to self-extinguish.
Resistant. Using reference portions to this standard, or unique paragraphs
of this standards is misleading and deceptive to the consumer, who will
assume the garment is protective against hydrocarbon flash fire Hydro carbon flash protection; CGSB
occurrence. 155.20-2000 compliance tests vertical
What about PVC or PU product? flame as well as thermal protective
Garments made of PVC or PU polymers films cannot meet CSGB 155.20 as performance (TPP VALUE) A minimum
it will not pass the ISO 17493 convective heat requirement due to their low
melting points of 160°C, and 240°C respectively. level 6 (at 3 second) is required to meet
this standard, and all materials used on
the garment including the threads must
be FR.

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