Lotions, Oils and Sprays – Oh My!

July 29, 2020

Updated April 8, 2022

With summer weather comes the need to protect workers from seasonal hazards like sun exposure and disease-carrying biting insects. But when arc flash or flash fire is a risk, it’s important to think twice before reaching for the products you may use off-the-clock; unfortunately, some are flammable, presenting a burn hazard in your work environment. For example, insect repellents containing DEET are highly flammable and should never be used with arc-rated and flame resistant (AR / FR) clothing. So what solutions are safe to use with AR / FR clothing, and how can you be sure?

Start by looking at a product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Beware: many sprays like insect repellents use a “carrier” – the substance that delivers the active ingredients in the repellents to your skin – that is flammable in its wet and/or dry state, even if the SDS states the active ingredients are not flammable.
The only way to know for sure is to test the product in hazard conditions.

Scott Margolin, Vice President of Technical, explains:

Have a question or concern about a specific seasonal product? Worker safety is our top priority, and we are here to help:

Tyndale offers a complete line of AR / FR that’s pre-treated with Perimeter Insect Guard – an insect repellent treatment called permethrin that’s been proven safe in arc and flash fire exposures and lasts for 50+ launderings. Click here to see it in action. Recordable injuries from tick bites were reduced by 50% in 2019 using this solution – within one Tyndale program alone! Explore our online portal and reach out to a National Account Executive for more information.
Schedule a complimentary technical consultation with Scott Margolin, Vice President of Technical, to review specific lotions, oils, and sprays.
Already in a Tyndale managed program? We have our own vertical flame lab onsite, where we can test samples of AR / FR fabrics treated with lotions, oils, and sprays to determine what’s safe and what’s not. Contact your National Account Executive to get started.