Fireproof gear and clothing are essential safety equipment for workers in a number of professions. Modern fireproof gear comes in different styles, each specially designed to protect the wearer from different types of accident and injury. Here is a look at some of the jobs in which fireproof safety equipment is especially important.
Firefighting
The primary and most obvious users of fireproof equipment are, of course, firefighters. However, the type of firefighting an individual does strongly affects the type of gear he or she carries. For example, urban firefighters have gear that is lightweight and more portable, while those who concentrate their efforts on fighting forest or brush fires may have additional equipment like fireproof blankets.
Welding
Flames from welding torches are generally a lot more controlled than the flames firefighters have to worry about, but they can still cause serious burns. The average welder’s primary concern is flying sparks, so they wear fireproof gear that protects their hands, faces, and upper body. The sparks flying out of a welding torch are actually hotter than many flames that occur naturally, so oftentimes welding gear has to be even sturdier than regular firefighting equipment.
Foundry Work
People who work in foundries are most susceptible to being burned by splashes of molten metal. Even a small splash can cause serious injury, so foundry equipment is specially designed to protect against burns of this type. Most modern equipment is made from a special synthetic fiber called Marlan that deflects splashes and does not allow molten metal to penetrate to the skin.
Glass Blowing and Artisanal Crafts
Glass blowing, blacksmithing, and other highly specialized crafts take a great deal of care to perform, but that does not mean that accidents don’t happen. Since most craftspeople generally work with small flames and small amounts of molten material they generally do not bother with full-body protection. However, fireproof gloves and goggles are essential.