NFPA 2113

NFPA 2113 is a companion standard to NFPA 2112 and describes the selection, care, use, storage and maintenance of clothing used to protect against flash fire. It offers recommendations on best practices to follow and is a helpful guide for users and administrators of FR clothing programs. The standard was last updated in 2015.

• Per NFPA 2113, the first step in the selection process is to conduct a thorough hazard assessment to establish the need for FR clothing.
• Next, you should investigate the types of FR clothing designs available to determine which type will offer workers the best protection against the risks identified in your hazard analysis.
• Finally, use the results of the two previous steps to develop specifications to guide the selection and purchase of appropriate FR clothing for your workforce.

Once FR clothing has been purchased and distributed to your employees, they need training in the proper use, care, and maintenance of the garments to ensure they provide full protection. This includes things like:

• Wearing the garments properly to ensure full coverage,
• How to launder the garments to preserve their FR properties
• Instructions for repairing damaged garments
• How to know when a garment can’t be repaired and needs to be retired from use.

Manufacturers and suppliers of FRC provide much of this information through garment labeling and additional materials. The NFPA 2013 standard provides further, specific guidance on what information and training you need to provide to your employees. But in the end, it is your responsibility to train your workers and to monitor their compliance with proper use and maintenance requirements.

The standard is available for complimentary viewing online or to purchase a downloadable copy:  http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=2113