Personal Protective Equipment
Flame-Resistant (FR) Clothing

The "269" standard (1910.269(l)(6)):
  • Requires that workers be trained in the potential hazards of electric arcs and the flames they can produce by igniting other materials in the area.
  • Prohibits workers from wearing clothing that, in the presence of an arc, can potentially increase the extent of injury; that is, if the clothing would ignite and continue to burn, or if it melts on the skin. Thus, workers are generally prohibited from wearing clothing materials made entirely of, or blended with, synthetic materials such as acetate, nylon, polyester, or rayon.
FR Clothing and the "269" Standard. OSHA issued an interpretation memorandumthat provides guidance for complying with the apparel requirements. This memorandum provides information on acceptable types of clothing and on the employer's assessment of the hazards.