What is the NFPA 2112 standard?

This is a critical standard in the world of protective workwear.

NFPA 2112 is the Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire.

In simple terms, it is the go-to safety standard in the United States and Canada that governs the design, certification, and manufacturing of flame-resistant (FR) clothing worn by workers in industries where flash fires are a risk.

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The Core Purpose: Life-Saving Protection

The primary goal of NFPA 2112 is to protect workers from severe burn injuries and death in the event of a short-duration flash fire. It does this by ensuring that the FR garments:

1. Do Not Ignite and Continue to Burn: The fabric self-extinguishes once the ignition source is removed.

2. Provide a Thermal Barrier: They insulate the wearer from the intense heat, reducing the amount of heat that transfers through the fabric to the skin.

3. Remain Intact: The garment must not melt, drip, or break open, which could expose skin to the fire.

Who Needs NFPA 2112 Compliant Clothing?

Any worker in an environment with a potential for flash fires. Key industries include:

• Oil and Gas: Upstream (drilling, well servicing) and downstream (refining, chemical plants) operations.

• Utilities: Workers dealing with arc flash hazards (often covered by NFPA 70E) which also involve intense heat.

• Chemical and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Where flammable solvents and gases are present.

• Others: Certain operations in pulp and paper, metals, and welding.

  

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Key Requirements of the NFPA 2112 Standard

The standard is comprehensive and covers three main areas:

1. Fabric and Garment Performance Testing

Before a garment can be certified, the fabric and the final constructed garment must pass a battery of rigorous lab tests, including:

• Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): Measures the insulation value of the fabric. It simulates how much heat from a flash fire is blocked over a short period. A higher TPP rating means better protection. NFPA 2112 sets a minimum TPP rating of 3.0.

• Heat Transfer Performance (HTP): Similar to TPP but uses a different heat source to simulate both convective (fire) and radiant heat exposure.

• Flame Resistance: The fabric must not burn for more than 2 seconds after exposure to a flame and must not have any after-flame or melting/dripping. This is tested before and after a specified number of industrial launderings to ensure durability.

• Char Length: After a vertical flame test, the damaged (charred) area of the fabric must not exceed a specified length (typically 4 inches / 102 mm). Shorter char length is better.

• Thread & Hardware Testing: Even the thread, zippers, and buttons must be flame-resistant and not melt.

2. Garment Design and Construction

The standard mandates specific design features to enhance safety and functionality:

• Coverage: Garments must provide sufficient body coverage (e.g., long sleeves on shirts).

• No Unnecessary Features: Exposed metal zippers that could transfer heat are prohibited on the outer garment.

• Pockets: Cannot be located in certain areas where they could trap heat or catch on equipment.

• Fit: Must be a “reasonably good fit” to ensure proper protection and not create entanglement hazards.

3. Manufacturer’s Labeling and Instructions

Every certified garment must have a permanent, legible label that includes:

• The manufacturer’s name or identification.

• The size, name, and/or identification of the material.

• Clear statement: “This garment meets the requirements of NFPA 2112, Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire.”

• Care and maintenance instructions.

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NFPA 2112 vs. NFPA 2113: A Critical Partnership

It’s essential to distinguish NFPA 2112 from its sister standard:

• NFPA 2112: Specifies how to make the garment itself. It’s the standard for the product.

• NFPA 2113: Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire. This is the standard for the workplace program. It dictates how the employer must select the right garments, train employees on their use, and ensure they are properly maintained.

  

In practice: An employer uses NFPA 2113 to conduct a hazard assessment and create a safety program. That program will require workers to wear FR garments that are certified to NFPA 2112.

Summary

NFPA 2112 is not just a fabric specification; it is a holistic certification for the entire garment. When you purchase a coverall, shirt, or pair of pants labeled as compliant with NFPA 2112, you are guaranteed that:

• The materials have been rigorously tested for flame resistance and thermal insulation.

• The garment has been designed with safety-specific features.

• The manufacturer has followed a certified process.

For a worker in a flash-fire hazard environment, wearing NFPA 2112 certified clothing is a fundamental and life-saving element of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).