5.1 This guide is intended for use by employees of the end user, such as safety personnel or program administrators, who have chosen to implement a home-laundered flame resistant or arc rated clothing program.

5.2 This guide describes the key components involved in the home care and maintenance of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. The decision to home launder flame resistant or arc rated clothing is part of an overall hazard analysis. It should include the nature of the hazard, the soils, and any chemicals present in the workplace. Conditions may exist that require work apparel to be cleaned at work or professionally due to the risk of contamination of the home or waste water caused by the wearer’s on-the-job exposure.

5.3 The guide provides the end user assistance to follow laundering methods that will clean the garment and maintain the flame resistant or arc rated characteristics of the clothing during its useful service life. The guide also provides suggestions for increasing the wear life, appearance, and function of the clothing.

5.4 The guide also provides suggestions as to when flame resistant or arc rated garments should be removed from service.

5.5 The guide provides direction on proper garment repair, modification, and permanent removal from service.

1.1 This guide provides recommendations for home laundering of clothing that is flame resistant or arc rated. These recommendations address the home laundering process. Home laundering is an effective cleaning process for flame resistant or arc rated garments; follow all label care instructions.

1.1.1 This guide does not apply to industrial laundering of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on industrial laundering, follow Guide F1449 or contact your garment supplier.

1.1.2 This guide does not apply to dry cleaning of flame resistant or arc rated clothing. For more information on dry cleaning, follow label instructions or contact your garment supplier or fabric manufacturer. Dry cleaning indicates cleaning by a professional dry cleaner.

1.2 The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends leaving clothing soiled with hazardous chemicals at work to be laundered by the employer or, if such clothing is washed at home, to launder separately from the family wash.

1.3 It is important that potentially flammable contaminants are removed from garments during the wash process. If flammable contaminants are not removed, the flame resistance of the garment may be compromised. Effective cleaning and proper maintenance of the protective characteristics of flame resistant or arc rated clothing should include consideration of cleaning, repair, and replacement.

1.3.1 To reduce the potential of employees wearing garments contaminated with flammable substances, the end user should analyze the soil conditions to which a wearer may be exposed, along with the effectiveness of the wash procedure. If it is deemed ineffective, effective solutions should be pursued (dry cleaning, industrial laundry, surfactants, disposable FR coveralls, etc.).

1.4 It is important that the processes and materials used to launder flame resistant garments are compatible with the FR materials to ensure that the FR protection of the garment is not compromised during the laundering process.

1.5 It is the responsibility of the end user to determine if their laundering method is the appropriate care and maintenance procedure for their application. (See Appendix X1 and X1.1.)

1.6 This guide does not apply to specialized protective garments such as specialized firefighter turnout gear and proximity firefighter ensembles.

1.7 This guide also provides recommendations for inspection criteria that are significant to the performance of flame resistant or arc rated clothing.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.