Find the answers to your questions about Hudson Workwear, Flame Resistant clothing, and more

Products

Can I get my product personalized?

• It depends on the brand and the product. Available options will appear on the product page, so look out for customization options there or contact us at customerservice@hudsonworkwear.com. Hudson Workwear can also embroider your FR clothing with your name or title if desired! 

How do I know what size to order?

• Find Size Charts for all our brands here! 

• Coveralls: For comfort in wearing over other garments, order coveralls four inches larger in the chest. Example, if you are normally 42-44/Large, order 46-48/X-Large.

• Bibs: When ordering bibs, remember they will be going over garments. Bibs should be ordered one or two sizes larger than pants for comfort. Example, your normal pant size is 36 waist, you should order bibs 38 or 40. Follow instructions below for proper length. 

• Bib or Coverall Length: Try not to order bibs or coveralls too long in the leg. If garments drag on the ground they will be damaged and not accepted as a return for size or flaw. These garments are generally not tapered at the ankle and will not ride on top of you boot, therefore it is important to accurately measure your leg inseam (center of crotch to bottom of desired pant length).

• Pants and Shirts: When ordering pants and shirts, expect a small amount of shrinkage when laundered in hot water and hot dryer. Most shirts and sweatshirts are a generous cut and sized for minimal shrinkage. T-shirts and henleys should be ordered in the same size as your workshirts (they do not shrink as much as the 100% cotton t-shirts purchased at local retailers). Other fabrics should hold their size when washed and dried properly.

• Talls and Longs: Approximately 2 inches are added to the body length and sleeve.

What items are stocked?

• As a preferred distributor among top manufacturers, we make every effort to have our products in your size, color, and quantity, in-stock and ready to ship. Many popular items and sizes are warehoused at Hudson Workwear, though we cannot guarantee any specific item will be available for immediate shipment due to inventory changes and sales.

  Standard product lead times are 10-15 business days, but many items are shipped quicker than this. In some cases, such as petite or big & tall sizes, the standard lead time may apply. If we experience extended lead times or backorders, our customer service team will contact you.

  For items that are not regularly stocked, this will be noted in the product description. Lead times are to be determined based on the item and the manufacturer. This may be displayed on the product page, and can also be shared in advance if the order is placed over the phone.

Shipping

What shipping carriers do you use?

• We use all major carriers: Fed Ex, UPS and USPS. Tracking information will automatically be sent to the email address entered at checkout once the carrier has the package, and it can also be found in your Order History. 

Where do the goods ship from?

• Most of the items we sell are stocked at our Cleveland, OH area warehouse. If an item is not in stock we may be able to ship direct from our suppliers located throughout the country.

Flame Resistant Clothing

To repair or to retire? When is it appropriate to repair and when is it time to retire your FR garment?

• Eventually, every flame resistant garment reaches the age and condition that warrants its removal from service. Until that time, it is possible to make small repairs in order to extend the life of the garment. Any hole or tear in the flame resistant fabric leaves wearers vulnerable to burn injury should they be subjected to a thermal event. Proper repair of an FR garment necessitates following certain guidelines so that the protective performance of the garment is not diminished as a result of the repair.It is essential that the fabrics and thread used for repairs are equivalent in performance to those used in the original construction of the garment. All Bulwark garments are sewn with aramid thread and the same should be used in any repairs attempted on the garment. Some users have established a practice of saving panels of fabric from retired garments as a source of cloth for mending garments still in service. Zippers, buttons, fasteners and other closure systems must meet basic heat resistance requirements; check with the garment manufacturer for a source of suitable trim and findings.Although there are no strict guidelines given by any source, there are limitations on the extent of any repair. Rips, tears or holes that exceed 1" in length or diameter are likely too large to be safely repaired in the field. As a practical measurement, damaged areas suitable for repair should not exceed the size of a quarter. In cases where the affected area is larger, it is prudent to retire the garment. Fabric that has become thin or threadbare in spots due to heavy wear may provide reduced protection from heat; garments showing signs of heavy wear like this are probably nearing the end of their useful wear life and should be removed from service at the discretion of the wearer or in accordance with the safety policies of the employer.ASTM International has developed two standards which describe the best practices for home and industrial laundering of FR garments. Both documents briefly address the repair and retirement of flame resistant clothing.For more details, consult ASTM F1449: Standard Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing, and ASTM F2757: Standard Guide for Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal and Arc Resistant Clothing.

How do the different flame resistant fabrics compare?

• Your review of fabrics and use should consider all factors, such as materials, fabric weight, and safety rating. There is no perfect flame resistant garment that meets all needs for end use requirements. 

  Hudson Workwear is not liable for improper use. If you need further information to make your decision, we can supply manufacturer specifications, other reference materials, or contacts upon request. All garments have manufacturer's tags indicating fabric information and standards they meet.

How do I wash flame resistant clothing?

• Review your FR clothing's tag for wash instructions specific to the garment. If not available, here are some general guidelines:

1. 1. Use only laundry detergent.
   2. Do not use bleach - liquid, gel, or powder.
   3. Avoid using fabric softeners, starches, scent boosters, or scented sprays because residues of these can burn!
   4. Turning garments inside out can result in longer lasting, brighter colors. This can also help protect embroidery and other personalizations.
   5. Tumble dry using the lowest possible dryer heat setting, typically permanent press.

Safety Standards

What is ATPV?

• Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is a rating assigned to FRC indicating the level of protection provided. Higher fabric weights typically have higher ATPV's and provide increased protection as does the layering of flame-resistant clothing. ATPV is measured in calories per centimeter squared (cal/cm²) and garments are assigned different categories of protection (the HRC or CAT) based on this value.

What is NESC?

• The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) is the standard used by electric utilities to implement safety procedures for utility workers. NESC is also the standard OSHA uses when enforcing electrical utility safety. The latest revision, NESC 2007, includes flame-resistant clothing as a requirement. Similar to NFPA70E, the NESC standard requires utilities to perform a risk assessment and then to require workers to wear flame-resistant clothing with an effective rating equal to the risk. NESC is effective starting January, 2009.

What is NFPA 70E?

• The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 70E is the Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. NFPA 70E requires employees to wear flame resistant protective clothing wherever there is a possible exposure to electric arc flash. Although it is a voluntary standard, NFPA 70E is considered a "generally accepted industry standard" and thus OSHA will fine companies under the general duty clause, which requires employers to take the appropriate steps to protect workers. NFPA 70E is widely accepted throughout general manufacturing as well as the electrical industries.

  NFPA 70E requires employers to perform a flash hazard analysis to determine the flash protection boundary distance. The standard is designed to protect employees working inside these flash protection boundaries by requiring protective clothing for the corresponding Hazard/Risk Category (HRC or CAT) that has an arc thermal performance value (ATPV) of a least the value listed in the "Protective Clothing Characteristics" section of the standard.

  For more details, visit NFPA 70E Explained: A Breakdown of the Electrical Safety Standard 

What is NFPA 2112?

• The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 2112 is the Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire. The standard provides requirements for design, performance, certification requirements, and test methods for flame-resistant garments for use in areas at risk from flash fires. 

Can't find the answer to your question?

Give us a call at 866-437-9327 or email us at customerservice@hudsonworkwear.com