A WORLD LEADER IN FLAME RESISTANT FABRICS

www.westexinc.com

2845 West 48th Place

Protection...Comfort...Value
Chicago, IL 60632 U.S.A.
Toll Free: 866-4-WESTEX
(866-493-7839)
773•523•7000
Fax: 773•523•0965
CONTENTS THE Westex has a team of marketing
and technical professionals

Flame Resistance Defined ................4 COMPANY available to assist in the

evaluation of flame resistant
protective clothing programs.
State-Of-The-Art Finishing Westex’s origins in finishing textile fabrics date back to 1919, and
Technology ..................................................5 Please call Westex today
with over a half century of experience producing flame resistant fabrics, toll free at 866-4-WESTEX
• How does INDURA compare to Westex continues to hold a dominant position as the largest global (866-493-7839) to make
inherently flame resistant fabrics? producer of durable flame resistant cotton and cotton arrangements.
• How does INDURA self-extinguish? blended fabrics.
Westex has made a commitment to continual improvement of pro-
The Products tective fabrics through innovative research and development. Our
strong commitment to inventory coupled with nearly one million
• Original INDURA Flame Resistant ..........6 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing facilities in North
100% Cotton Fabric America, along with European warehousing, allows Westex to provide
• Advanced INDURA Ultra Soft ..............7 unparalleled worldwide support to the protective clothing marketplace.
Flame Resistant 88% cotton 12% Breakthrough products such as INDURA® have given end users the
High Tenacity Nylon Fabric choice to wear a breathable comfortable cotton garment with the nec-
essary characteristic of flame resistance that is guaranteed for
Protective Clothing ................................8 the life of the garment.
New advancements in technology have lead to INDURA® Ultra
• The Need Soft®, a blended fabric that offers cotton comfort with a much softer feel
• Secondary vs. Primary while substantially increasing the abrasion resistance, providing an

Protection Comparison ......................9

extended garment wear life, protection and increased value.
Millions of garments made from the INDURA fabric line
PROTECTION COMFORT
• What weights of INDURA are being worn today by workers in many industries In any flame resistant protective clothing program the safety of INDURA Ultra Soft is available in soft lightweight denim shirts,
compare with Nomex®? including electrical maintenance, electric & gas utilities, the worker is of the utmost concern. INDURA Ultra Soft and tropical weight coveralls, blue jeans, brown duck outerwear and
oil, gas, petrochemical, chemical, military and ferrous INDURA fabrics are guaranteed flame resistant for the life of the many other colors and styles. The garments look and feel just like
Protection from metals industries. garment. Also, as demonstrated in independent laboratory testing, the clothing people wear every day. The remarkably soft and
Electric Arc Exposures ..............10–13 This brochure will emphasize the characteristics of INDURA Ultra INDURA Ultra Soft provides industry leading electric arc protec- breathable cotton comfort may forever change the perception peo-
Soft and INDURA fabrics in balancing the three crucial factors signifi- tion, superior flash fire protection and offers protection from ple have towards wearing protective clothing. That’s COMFORT
Protection from cant to the implementation of a secondary protective clothing program: molten ferrous metal and welding exposures. That’s multi-pur- you should experience for yourself. Call for a trial evaluation of
Protection, Comfort and Value. pose PROTECTION you can count on! INDURA Ultra Soft.
Flash Fire Exposures ..................14–16 Knowledgeable Westex representatives are readily available to assist
Protection from with any questions you may have.
Ferrous Metal and
Welding Exposures ..............................17 PLEASE CALL US TOLL FREE AT VALUE
866-4-WESTEX Improving the cost effectiveness of your program can be achieved by investing in garments made with INDURA Ultra Soft fabric. The
Naturally Static Dissipative ............18 added value is accomplished by blending 88% cotton with 12% high tenacity nylon which substantially increases the level of abrasion
resistance. INDURA Ultra Soft fabrics will outlast 100% cotton garments by over 50%. That produces a winning VALUE equation when
Comfort of Cotton ................................18 analyzing garment durability and cost.
Protection. Comfort. Value. ..........19

This information in this brochure is based on testing conducted by or conducted on behalf of Westex and INDURA®, INDURA® Ultra Soft®, Valzon®,
TOLL FREE represents our analysis of the test results. It is not intended to substitute for any testing that may be
unique and necessary for your facility for you to determine the suitability of our products for your par-
ticular purpose. Since we cannot anticipate all variations in end-user conditions, Westex makes no war-
Moda-Quilt® and Vinex® are registered
trademarks of Westex Inc.

866-4-WESTEX
ranties and assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with any use of this information. Do not use
chlorine bleach on garments of INDURA® or INDURA® Ultra Soft® fabrics. Chlorine bleach treatment will Nomex® IIIA is a registered trademark of the
have an adverse effect on the flame resistant properties of these fabrics. All test results reported are DuPont Company.
based on standard laboratory tests related to exposure to arcs, flames and heat. Manikin tests yield lab-

(866-493-7839) oratory predictions of relative burn injury based on factors such as fabric type, fabric weight, garment
styling and fit, laundering, exposure energy and exposure time. The results reported should not be used
to predict garment performance in actual fire situations. For maximum maintenance of the protective
COTTON NATURAL BLEND® is a registered
trademark of Cotton Inc.
properties of garments made from flame resistant fabrics, garments should be properly cleaned for the
INTERNATIONAL 001-773-523-7000 thorough removal of greases, oily soil and other contaminants that may affect flame resistance of the fab-
Printed in USA 9/02 WS7.5M
19
ric. Consult with the fabric supplier, garment manufacturer and launderer for recommendations of prop-
er cleaning techniques.
“Millions of garments
from the INDURA
product line are being
worn today.”

3
 FLAME RESISTANCE
DEFINED
Flame resistance is the characteristic of a fabric that causes it not to burn in air. Flame
resistance is often confused with flame retardant which is a term used to describe a chemical
substance that imparts flame resistance on fabric.
The most commonly used test method for measuring flame resistant (FR) fabrics is ASTM
D6413* Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test) (formerly;
Method 5903.1 of Federal Test Method Standard 191A).
The test uses an enclosed cabinet in which 12-inch long specimens are suspended verti-
Vertical Vertical cally over a controlled flame which is impinged on the bottom edge of the fabric for 12 sec-
flame flame onds. From this exposure three responses are noted:
test on test on • Char Length: The length of fabric destroyed by the flame so that it will readily tear by
non-flame INDURA application of a standard weight. (Average of 5 specimens each; Warp and Fill)
resistant Ultra Soft
fabric. fabric. • Afterflame: The number of seconds during which there is a visible flame remaining on
the fabric after the ignition source has been removed.
Tested at our government • Afterglow: The number of seconds during which there is a visible glow remaining on the
certified laboratory. fabric after all flaming has ceased. (Not typically a requirement of most standards)

The vertical flame test ASTM D6413 is a test

method with no pass/fail requirements. Industry
established standards range from 4” to 6” (100mm to
150mm) maximum char lengths, however, a lower
char length does not necessarily correlate
to enhanced protection.
Although passing the vertical flammability
requirements is an essential criterion for protective
clothing fabrics, it is only one of a battery of tests that
fully describes the protective characteristics. After a
material has demonstrated that it has self-extin-
guishing characteristics both initially and through-
out the garment service life, additional specific tests
can be employed to determine the protective capabil-
ities to exposures such as electric arc, flash fire and
molten metal splash. The performance of INDURA
and INDURA Ultra Soft to these exposures is high-
lighted later in this brochure.
*Please review ASTM D6413 for a complete description of test
procedures.

Westex quality control inspection line,

Chicago Plant.
“Although passing the vertical flammabil-
ity requirements is an essential criterion
for protective clothing fabrics, it is only
one of a battery of tests that fully
4
describes the protective characteristics.”
STATE-OF-THE-ART
FINISHING TECHNOLOGY
Westex INDURA fabric finishing equipment.
Westex guarantees the flame resistance of
INDURA Ultra Soft and INDURA fabrics for the
life of the garment. We achieve this durability
through our advanced proprietary processing controls.
This guarantee has been demonstrated in laboratory
testing and through the auditing of samples from the
millions of garments in the protective clothing market-
place for over a decade. There has never been an instance
of failure to meet original FR requirements, when gar-
ments were properly maintained throughout their useful
life. This high level of performance is achieved by
Westex’s proprietary treatment process, which combines
advanced custom engineered machinery with sophisti-
cated computer equipment to conduct the “ammonia
cure” system. A high quality phosphonium salt precon-
densate flame retardant chemical is applied and poly-
merized with gaseous ammonia forming a long-chain The treatment process for INDURA
flame retardant polymer impregnated into the core of
each cotton fiber. Testing is performed on every lot of
flame resistant fabrics forms a long
Indura Ultra Soft and Indura in Westex's government chain flame retardant polymer
certified laboratory. impregnated into the core of
How Does INDURA Compare To each cotton fiber.
Inherently FR fabrics?
Flame resistance in fabrics can be achieved either
through the application of a flame retardant chemical to
a fabric as with INDURA engineered fabrics or as an
inherent property of the fiber, such as Nomex® IIIA syn-
thetic fiber-fabric. Since passing the vertical flammabili-
ty requirements is an essential criterion for protective
clothing fabrics, viable flame resistant fabrics should
remain flame resistant throughout their useful service
life. Both INDURA and Nomex fabrics are acceptable for
protective clothing because they each self-extinguish
and pass the vertical flame test throughout their service
life; therefore, additional more specific tests should be employed to assist in comparing the protective characteristics of each fabric. The per-
formance of INDURA Ultra Soft and INDURA to electric arc and flash fire exposures will be compared to Nomex later in this brochure.

How Does INDURA Self Extinguish?

In INDURA engineered fabrics, the flame retardant chemical impregnated in the core of the cotton fiber acts as a catalyst promoting the char-
ring of the fabric. This accelerated charring prohibits the support of combustion by reducing the fuel source. The flame retardant chemical acts
in the solid phase to produce this char. The mechanism of action is not based on a gaseous process of extinguishing or "snuffing out" the flame.
It is very important that flame resistant fabrics be maintained in a clean condition to realize the full benefit of the protective characteristics.
Please contact a Westex representative for advice on industrial and home laundering procedures to properly clean INDURA products.
INDURA should not be laundered with hypochlorite (chlorine) bleach because repeated exposures will break down the finish and are destruc-
tive to the fabric and the color. Most flame resistant fabrics, including Nomex, bear instructions prohibiting the use of chlorine bleach because it
is destructive to the fabric strength and color even if the flame resistance is not affected.
5
 THE PRODUCTS
The Original—INDURA 100% Cotton
Westex’s original INDURA flame resistant 100% cotton fabrics are specification materials
engineered to provide optimum performance characteristics for industrial protective clothing.
Introduced over a decade ago, INDURA fabrics became the first effective competitor to syn-
thetic flame resistant fabrics. Westex utilizes high strength ring-spun yarns in the construc-
tion of the base fabric and only the highest quality
dyes available for cotton fabrics are used in the dye-
ing process.
Through information collected from the market-
place over the past decade, we can document an
expected garment life for INDURA. The two parame-
ters that impact most on garment life are the severity
of work activity and the fabric physical and abrasion
resistant characteristics.

Assuming garments are industrially

laundered every other week the following
guideline information can be provided for
INDURA fabrics:
Industrial Expected
Launderings* Service Life
36–50 18–24 months

It is important to recognize that the

flame resistance of INDURA is guaranteed
for the life of the garment regardless of the
number of servicings in either home or
industrial laundering provided manufactur-
ers laundering instructions are followed.

INDURA 100% cotton fabrics offer:

• Guaranteed flame resistance for the life of the garment.
• Multi-purpose protection from electric arc, flash
fire, molten ferrous metal and welding exposures.
• Comfort of Cotton.
*The number of launderings cited above are based on market
experience for these types of fabrics and relate to average expected
wear life. These estimates do not take into account work activities
leading to extreme wear and exposure to thermal sources of high
heat and long duration.

Over 90% of Westex orders are in INDURA fabrics meet the requirements of:
stock and shipped within 2 days.
• NFPA 70E • ASTM F1002
• NFPA 2112* • CGSB 155.20
• NFPA 1977 • EN 531
• ASTM F1506 • EN 470
6 • OSHA 1910.269 *Styles 45 and 85.
The Advanced—INDURA Ultra Soft 88% Cotton 12% High Tenacity Nylon
Westex’s INDURA Ultra Soft flame resistant fabrics are a blend of 88% cotton and 12% high tenacity nylon. The nylon fibers are intimate-
ly blended with cotton fibers in the warp yarns. These fibers are spun using ring-spinning technology to produce the highest strength fabric
possible. The product is engineered to focus the excellent abrasion resistance of the nylon on the face of the fabric to enhance garment
wear life, while the cotton fibers are focused towards the skin to optimize comfort.
The fabrics are fully flame resistant and the addition of 12% nylon in no way represents a hazard to the wearer. In fact, as we will high-
light later in this brochure the 12% nylon actually
enhances the protective performance in some cases,
such as an electric arc and flash fire exposures.
The significant increase in the abrasion resistance of
INDURA Ultra Soft has been demonstrated to increase
the garment life expectancy conservatively by 50% over
100% cotton fabrics. Therefore, assuming garments
of INDURA Ultra Soft are industrially laun-
dered every other week, the following
expected garment wear life can be followed:
Industrial Expected
Launderings* Service Life
60–80 28–38 months

It is important to recognize that the flame

resistance of INDURA Ultra Soft is guaranteed
for the life of the garment regardless of the
number of servicings in either home or
industrial laundering provided manufactur-
ers laundering instructions are followed.
Advanced INDURA Ultra Soft flame resistant
fabrics offer:
• Guaranteed flame resistance for the life of the
garment.
• New softer feel for enhanced cotton comfort.
• 50%+ extended garment wear life.
• Enhanced protection from electric arc and
flash fire exposures.
• Multi-purpose protection from electric arc,
flash fire, molten ferrous metal and welding expo-
sures.
• Excellent value equation.
*The number of launderings cited above are based on market
experience for these types of fabrics and relate to average expected
wear life. These estimates do not take into account work activities lead-
ing to extreme wear and exposure to thermal sources of high heat and
long duration.
INDURA Ultra Soft fabrics meet the requirements of:
• NFPA 70E • ASTM F1002
• NFPA 2112* • CGSB 155.20**
• NFPA 1977 • EN 531
• ASTM F1506 • EN 470
• OSHA 1910.269 *Styles 301, 451 and 961. 7
**Styles 451 and 961.
 PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING
The Need
Everyday, workers in the electrical maintenance, utilities, oil, gas, petrochemical and steel
industries work in environments that may expose them to hazards that could cause severe or
fatal burn injuries. In the event of a momentary electric arc, flash fire or molten metal splash
exposure, everyday non-flame resistant work clothes can ignite and will continue to burn
even after the source of ignition has been removed. Untreated natural fabrics will continue
to burn until the fabric is totally consumed and non-flame resistant synthetic fabrics will
burn with melting and dripping causing severe contact burns to the skin.
Government reports note that the majority of severe and fatal burn injuries are due to the
individual’s clothing igniting and continuing to burn, not by the exposure itself.
The use of flame resistant clothing will provide thermal protection at the exposure area.
The level of protection typically rests in the fabric weight and composition. After the source
of the ignition is removed, flame resistant garments will self-extinguish, limiting the body
burn percentage.

Garments before testing procedure. Garments a few seconds after an electric arc exposure.

Secondary Vs. Primary

Protective clothing that is designed for continuous wear in designated locations where intermittent exposure to molten substance splash, radi-
ant heat, and flame is possible, is defined in ASTM Standard F1002 as Secondary Protective Clothing. INDURA and INDURA Ultra Soft flame
resistant fabrics are designed for use as secondary protective clothing.
Primary Protective Clothing is defined as clothing that is designed to be worn for work activities where significant exposure to molten sub-
stance splash, radiant heat, and flame is likely to occur. An example of primary protective clothing is firefighter turnout gear. INDURA and
INDURA Ultra Soft clothing is for continuous wear and is not designed for use as primary protective clothing.

“After the source of ignition is

removed, flame resistant garments
will self-extinguish.”
8
 PROTECTIVE COMPARISON
What weights of INDURA Ultra Soft Compare with Nomex?
The weight of any natural fiber fabric when compared to synthetic counterparts is generally higher for a variety of reasons. The cotton
comfort factor allows for the additional weight, which is necessary to increase the physical characteristics for wearabilty purposes. This sce-
nario holds true in the case of INDURA & INDURA Ultra Soft in comparison to Nomex. The following chart illustrates the comparative
weights of garments typically offered in the marketplace.
The higher comparative weights of nat-
ural cotton-rich fabrics such as 7 oz/yd2 COMPARATIVE WEIGHTS OF GARMENTS
2
(237 g/m ) INDURA Ultra Soft (as com- TYPICALLY OFFERED IN THE MARKETPLACE
1
pared to synthetic-fiber fabrics such as 4 /2
INDURA Ultra Soft
oz/yd2 (152 g/m2) Nomex), provides
& INDURA Nomex
increased thermal insulating properties
leading to enhanced protection-while Shirts* 2
7 oz/yd (237 g/m )2
4 /2 oz/yd2 (152 g/m2)
1

remaining soft, breathable and
more comfortable to the wearer.
Pants/Jackets/Coveralls 9 oz/yd2 (305 g/m2) 6 oz/yd2 (203 g/m2)
*Please note, 7 oz/yd2 (237 g/m2) INDURA Ultra Soft and 41/2 oz/yd2 (152 g/m2) Nomex
shirting fabrics are also commonly utilized in constructing lightweight coveralls for hot
and humid climates. Westex has also recently added an INDURA Ultra Soft Lightweight
5.5 oz/yd2 Shirting fabric for electric workers in hot and humid climates.

INDURA
Ultra Soft
is available
in soft
lightweight
denim shirts,
blue jeans,
brown duck
outerwear and
many different
colors and
styles.

NATURAL BLEND® 9
 PROTECTION FROM
ELECTRIC ARC
EXPOSURES
The intense energy and very short duration of an electric arc flash
represents a very unique exposure. Everyday work clothes
made from regular cotton or poly/cotton fabrics,
regardless of weight, can be readily ignited at some
exposure level and will continue to burn adding to the
extent of injury sustained from the arc alone. The need to
protect against arc exposures has necessitated the development of
new test proceedures. ASTM F1506 (Standard Performance
Specification for Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by
Non-flame resistant 100% cotton blue jeans and shirt both
ignited and continued to burn after an electric arc exposure.
10
Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Arc and Related
Thermal Hazards) was developed to give minimum performance
specifications for protective clothing. The major requirement of this
specification was that the fabric is flame resistant, determined by
using the standard vertical flame test.
OSHA Requirements
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) in the
United States has confirmed that garments which meet the
requirements of ASTM F1506 are in compliance with
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electrical Power Generation,
Transmission and Distribution, with regard to garments not con-
tributing to burn severity.
To address the industry’s request to utilize non-flame resistant
clothing based on an analysis of their exposure level, ASTM devel-
oped F1958, whereby non-flame resistant garments, which do not
meet the requirements of ASTM F1506, are tested on a manikin to
determine the probability of ignition. The employer would be
required to supply a set of prescribed criteria detailing the potential
exposure of each employee. To reliably determine ignition probabil-
ity, numerous series of arc exposures must be run. The major prob-
lem associated with applying this test protocol is that accidents typ-
ically do not follow a prescribed set of rules and a burn injury
enhanced by clothing ignition could be the result of deviations from
unanticipated conditions. By utilizing flame resistant gar-
ments compliance to OSHA requirements can be
assured and potentially more serious burn injuries
from garment ignition may be avoided.
 ASTM has developed an additional test method to assist in determining and comparing the protective capacity of various flame resistant
fabrics—(ASTM F1959; Standard Test Method for determining the Arc Thermal Performance Value of Materials for Clothing). When this
test method is run, the arc discharge causes a dramatic temperature rise in the receiving monitor sensors in a short period of time (less than
1 second). When a flame resistant fabric is placed on the panel, the energy seen by the sensor is blocked by a significant degree. The percent-
age of blocking is called the heat attenuation factor . When the fabric blocks the temperature rise to a level below the Stoll second degree pre-
diction, no second degree burn results.

Several factors impact significantly on

the test results generated this way,
including:
1. The energy of the arc
2. The distance from the arc
3. The composition and weight of the fabric employed
Using this method, the data for ATPV (Arc Thermal
Performance Value) is obtained. The E0 value for each
fabric is the average energy of arc exposure below
which a second degree burn is not predicted to occur
within the statistical constraints of the method. Table
1, on page 12, highlights ATPV and HAF results of ASTM F1959 standard test method for Actual test performed
INDURA, INDURA Ultra Soft, Nomex/FR rayon blend determining the Arc Thermal Performance according to ASTM F1959 test
Value (ATPV). method.
and Nomex IIIA.

NFPA 70E Requirements

Electrical Maintenance worker wearing INDURA Ultra Soft
at a 220 V power panel.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published the latest edition of
the NFPA 70E Standard (Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for
Employee Workplaces) in February of 2000. NFPA 70E addresses electrical safety
requirements for employees not covered under OSHA 1910.269, namely mainte-
nance electricians and contractors. The revised version now requires employees to
wear flame resistant (FR) protective clothing that meets the requirements of ASTM
F1506 wherever there is possible exposure to an electric arc flash. It 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 corre-
sponding Hazard/Risk Category that has an arc thermal performance value (ATPV)
of at least the value listed in the “Protective Clothing Characteristics” section of the
standard (See table 3 on page 13). The vast majority of major companies in the
U.S. have some employees that work on or near energized electrical conductors or
circuit parts. In addition, the Department of Energy has required that federal and
contractor employees comply with NFPA 70E. INDURA Ultra Soft is the prod-
uct of choice for companies faced with implementing a protective
clothing program for their electrical and maintenance workers to
comply with the clothing requirements of NFPA 70E.

“The vast majority of major companies in the U.S.

have some employees that work on or near
energized electrical conductors or circuit parts.”

11
 TABLE 1—ELECTRICAL ARC EXPOSURE DATA
SINGLE LAYER FABRIC SYSTEMS
Fabric Weight* ATPV** HAF***
oz/yd2 (g/m2) (cal/cm2) %
SHIRTING FABRICS
INDURA Style 30 7.5 (254) 6.3 71
Protection from INDURA Ultra Soft Style 301 7.4 (250) 8.2 72
Electric Arc Exposure, INDURA Ultra Soft Style 331 6.1 (207) 5.2 69
Chart Data Nomex/FR Rayon Blend 4.8 (162) 4.0 60
Nomex IIIA 4.9 (166) 4.5 57
PANT/COVERALL/OUTERWEAR FABRICS
INDURA Style 45 9.2 (312) 7.7 76
INDURA Ultra Soft Style 451 9.4 (319) 11.1 80
INDURA Ultra Soft DUCK Style 961 11.5 (390) 13.4 82
INDURA Ultra Soft Denim Style 381 15.1 (511) 12.7 85
INDURA Fleece Style 160 10.1 (342) 17.7 88
INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801 14.1 (477) 20.9 90
Nomex IIIA 6.3 (214) 5.2 59
Nomex IIIA 7.8 (265) 6.6 63
*
Weight is reported for fabric that has been laundered per ASTM F1959.
**
ATPV equals Arc Thermal Performance Value. The higher the value, the more insulated one is
from second degree burn.
***
HAF equals Heat Attenuation Factor. The higher the HAF % the more heat is blocked by the fabric.

8.0 Minimum of 8
SHIRTING FABRICS

ATPV Required to
7.0 meet NFPA 70E,
6.0 Hazard Risk
Category 2.
5.0
ATPV

4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
INDURA INDURA Ultra Soft Nomex/FR Nomex IIIA
Style 30 Style 301 Rayon Blend
PANT/COVERALL FABRICS

11.0
10.0 Minimum of 8
9.0 ATPV Required to
8.0 meet NFPA 70E,
7.0 Hazard Risk
ATPV

6.0 Category 2.
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
INDURA INDURA Ultra Soft Nomex IIIA Nomex IIIA
12
Style 45 Style 451 6.0 7.5
 Table 2 illustrates the performance of multi-layer fabrics systems. When multiple layers of flame resistant fabrics
are evaluated using the ASTM F1959 test method, the test results are higher than the additive ATP values for each layer.
Higher This result can be explained by enhanced insulation resulting from a combination of heat transfer through the dif-
ferent layers and entrapped air between the layers. Thus, the higher ATP values predict a positive effect of enhanced
ATPV= protection. Please contact Westex for assistance in obtaining ATPV information for additional multi-layer INDURA
Ultra Soft combinations.
More
Protection TABLE 2—ELECTRICAL ARC EXPOSURE DATA
MULTI-LAYER ARC FLASH
PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Fabric Weight* ATPV** HAF***
oz/yd (g/m )
2 2
(cal/cm )2
%

INDURA Ultra Soft Style 451

over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 301 17.0 (576) 32.7 93
INDURA Ultra Soft Style 451
over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801 23.7 (803) 45.0 95
INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801
over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801 28.4 (962) 59.0 96
INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801
over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 301
over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801 34.0 (1152) 76.2 97
INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801
over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 301
over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 301
over INDURA Ultra Soft Style 801 41.4 (1403) 100.8 98
*Weight is reported for fabric that has been laundered per ASTM F1959.
**ATPV equals Arc Thermal Performance Value. The higher the value, the more insulated one is
from second degree burn.
***HAF equals Heat Attenuation Factor. The higher the HAF % the more heat is blocked by the
fabric.

TABLE 3—NFPA 70E

Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for
Employee Workplaces; 2000 Edition.
(Table 3-3.9.3 Protective Clothing Characteristics)
MINIMUM
HAZARD ATPV EBT
RISK CLOTHING DESCRIPTION RATING OF
CATEGORY (Number of Clothing Layers in Parentheses) PPE cal/cm2
0 Untreated Cotton (1) N/A
1 FR Shirt and FR Pant (1) 5
2 Cotton Underwear Plus FR Shirt and FR Pants (2) 8
“All ATPV results based 3 Cotton Underwear Plus FR Shirt and FR Pants Plus FR Coverall (3) 25
on independent tests 4 Cotton Underwear Plus FR Shirt and FR Pants
conducted at Plus Double Layer Switching Coat and Pants (4) 40
Kinectrics Inc.
(formerly Ontario
Power Technologies)” 13
 PROTECTION FROM

FLASH FIRE
EXPOSURES
In the oil, gas, chemical and petrochemical indus-
tries the threat of flash fire exposures has necessitated
the use of flame resistant clothing. Flame resistant
clothing will minimize burn injury and provide the
worker a few seconds escape time. Again, non-flame
resistant clothing can ignite in a flash fire exposure
providing an additional fuel source dramatically
increasing the burn injury percentage and severity
well beyond that of the initial exposure. INDURA Ultra
Soft, INDURA and Nomex will all provide far more
protection then non-flame resistant garments.
To compare the protective capabilities of INDURA and
INDURA Ultra Soft in relation to Nomex IIIA, thermal
instrumented manikin tests were conducted at The
University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta has one of the very few
completely independent flash fire manikin laborato-
ries in the world. It has been in service since 1989, and
has conducted thousands of tests for hundreds of
Non-flame resistant clothing vs. INDURA Ultra Soft
clients. A manikin is exposed to a flash fire created by
10 seconds after a 3 second flash fire exposure. propane burners, and the resultant heat rise is meas-
ured by 110 thermocouples. Heat fluxes are precisely
controlled to applicable standards, and a computer
collects the data and, by comparison to the Stoll curve,
is able to predict the extent, severity and location of
“Flame resistant clothing 2nd and 3rd degree body burn.
This testing reported here is, to the best of our
will minimize burn injury knowledge, the largest and most comprehensive inde-
pendent series ever conducted and published. All
and provide the worker aspects of the protocol were strictly controlled to
a few seconds escape time.” ensure maximum reliability and repeatability of
results. All coveralls were commercially available
(except INDURA 7 oz., which is only commercially
available in shirts), produced by a major manufactur-
er and sourced off-the-shelf in the same size and style.
All were identically laundered and conditioned to full
applicable standards prior to testing. All testing was
conducted to the ASTM F1930 Standard Test Method,

14
 COMPARING FLASH FIRE PERFORMANCE
What is Relevant for Secondary Protective Clothing?

• NFPA 2112 Test Exposure is set at 3 Seconds. • CGSB and NFPA define a Flash Fire as “Typically 3
• Secondary Protective Clothing is Designed to Seconds or Less”.
Provide the Worker “A Few Seconds Escape Time”. • NFPA 2112 sets failure above 50% Total Body Burn.

Pant/Coverall Weight Comparison

and all data points reflect the average of at
INDURA Ultra Soft Nomex IIIA
least three replicates or more. The com-
puter generated body burn results high-
lighted on this page are individual repli-
cates of NFPA 2112 testing and are repre-
sentative of the average. This three second
exposure data along with a complete burn
curve are included on page 16.
As indicated earlier in this brochure,
the comparative weights offered in the
marketplace for shirts and pants con-
structed with INDURA and INDURA Ultra THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
Soft are 7 oz/yd2 (237 g/m2) and 9 oz/yd2 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY
(305 g/m2) compared to 41/2 oz/yd2 (150 Fire Protective Clothing Evaluation System Fire Protective Clothing Evaluation System
10-26-2000 S/451 INDURA Ultra Soft 10-25-2000 Nomex IIIA
g/m2) and 6 oz/yd2 (200 g/m2) Nomex 304 g/m2 204 g/m2
IIIA fabric respectively. Therefore, the
Exposure ............80.0 kW/m2 (1.9 Cal/cm2 sec.) Exposure ............80.0 kW/m2 (1.9 Cal/cm2 sec.)
manikin tests were conducted seg- Exposure Time........................................3.0 sec. Exposure Time........................................3.0 sec.
regating categories of “Shirting” Time of Plot..........................................60.0 sec. Time of Plot..........................................60.0 sec.
and “Pant/Coverall” weights to ◆ 2nd Degree Burn ................................8.00% ◆ 2nd Degree Burn ..............................31.10%
accurately represent the garments ◆ 3rd Degree Burn....................................2.5% ◆ 3rd Degree Burn..................................4.00%
that are commercially available. TOTAL BURN ................................10.50% TOTAL BURN ................................35.10%
BURN NUMBER ................................1817 BURN NUMBER ................................1802
Note: 88% is the maximum possible since the hands and feet are excluded. All figures include 7% for the head.

INDURA Ultra Soft and Nomex IIIA garments INDURA Ultra Soft and Nomex IIIA garments
before 3 second flash fire exposure. Close-up views of INDURA Ultra Soft after 3 second flash fire exposure. 15 15
and Nomex IIIA garments after 3
second flash fire exposure.
 Laboratory Testing Protocol
• Independent University Laboratory • All Coveralls Tested over 100% Cotton T-
Testing Shirts and Briefs
• Adherence to ASTM F1930 Standard Test • Commercially Available Coveralls*
Method • Off-the-Shelf Garment Sourcing*
• Identically Sized and Styled 42 Regular
Coveralls
*Style 30 7 oz., 100% Cotton INDURA is only commercially available in shirts. Therefore, custom coveralls, iden-
Protection from tical in size (42R) and style, were produced for testing purposes.
Flash Fire Exposure,
Chart Data Pant/Coverall Weight Fabrics
–■– 9 oz. INDURA Ultra Soft –▲– 9 oz. INDURA –●– 6 oz. Nomex IIIA
Style 451 Style 45
70 70
TOTAL BODY BURN (%)*

60 60
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
1.0 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4.0
NFPA
SECONDS 2112

Flash Fire Defined Shirting/Tropical Coverall Weight Fabrics

CGSB 155.20-200 –■– 7 oz. INDURA Ultra Soft –▲– 7 oz. INDURA –●– 4.5 oz. Nomex IIIA
Style 301 Style 30
“A rapidly moving flame 80 80
TOTAL BODY BURN (%)*

front which can be a com- 70 70

bustion explosion. Flash fire 60 60
may occur in an environment 50 50
where fuel and air become 40 40
mixed in adequate concen- 30 30
trations to combust...flash 20 20
fire has a heat flux of
10 10
approximately 84 kW/m2 for
0 0
relatively short periods of 1.0 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4.0
time, typically less than 3 NFPA
SECONDS 2112
seconds.”
*Note: 88% is the maximum possible since the hands and feet are excluded. All figures include 7% for the head.

Although 3 seconds has been established as the time frame to analyze the performance of secondary protective clothing, additional
exposure times in the range of 1.5 to 4 seconds were examined to more completely profile fabric protective performance. The charts are
highlighted up to 3 seconds and below 50% body burn in accordance with NFPA and CGSB standards and definitions. Within these param-
eters, INDURA Ultra Soft has a protective advantage over Nomex IIIA throughout the entire range of the burn curve. The issue of rele-
vance in comparing secondary protective clothing fabrics above these levels should be carefully considered. If your exposure potential is
4 to 5 seconds or produces body burns near to or over 50%, Westex highly recommends protective clothing systems of multiple flame
resistant layers or primary protective clothing such as turnout gear.
16
PROTECTION FROM
FERROUS METAL
AND WELDING
EXPOSURES
For nearly 40 years, heavyweight flame
resistant cotton fabrics have been utilized by
the steel industry for secondary protective
clothing for workers doing routine tasks in
steel processing. Secondary protective cloth-
ing is defined as “protective clothing for
continuous wear during work activities in
designated locations in which intermittent
exposure to molten substance splash, radi-
ant heat and flame sources is possible”.
The essence of protection in this
category rests in two critical fac-
tors:
1. The fabric must be flame resist-
ant so that it will not ignite and
continue to burn when the heat
source is removed.
2. In the specific instance of expo-
sure to molten ferrous metal,
the fabric must demonstrate the
ability to shed molten metal
from its surface without sticking
or forming a hole.
Because temperatures in excess of
2000°F (1090°C) may be encountered, only
the heavier weight range of fabrics (10
oz/yd2, 339 g/m2) or greater have found
general acceptance for this function.
INDURA and INDURA Ultra Soft fabrics that
meet this weight requirement have been
tested for exposure to 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of steel
splash and meet the two criteria established
for performance. ASTM F955 covers the
standard test method to evaluate fabric per-
formance using the apparatus illustrated
above.
It should be recognized that worker pro-
tection from second degree burn in ferrous
Pivot Point + Ladle
5"
110°
12"
10"
4"
Thermocouples 4"
16"
Sensor Board
70°
SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW
Schematic of Test Apparatus
For ASTM F955
Heavier weight flame resistant fabrics offer protection from heat
and resistance to fabric destruction from exposure to molten
ferrous metals. ASTM F955 covers the standard test method to
determine fabric performance using the test apparatus illustrated here.
metal processing is highly dependent on the Nomex fabrics are inappropriate for such
quantity of metal exposed to and the num- exposures since ferrous metals adhere to
ber of layers and weight of fabric worn. aramid fabrics.
INDURA and INDURA Ultra Soft fabrics, Please note that INDURA and INDURA
weighing as little as 9.0 oz/yd2 (305 g/m2), Ultra Soft are not intended for use near
have found use in smaller scale foundry molten aluminum.
operations and for workers performing Please contact Westex for information
welding/cutting operations involving fer- about Vinex® flame and aluminum
rous metals. While in all instances, some splash resistant fabrics.
damage in the form of charring of the fab-
ric may occur from metal exposure, igni-
tion of the fabric is precluded by
the flame retardant treatment and
the wearer is protected from the
thermal levels of the exposure.
17
 NATURALLY
STATIC
DISSIPATIVE
INDURA Ultra Soft 88% cotton and 12% high tenacity
nylon and INDURA 100% cotton fabrics have excellent mois-
ture regain which results in low static propensity. They are
classed as static dissipative at normal humidity levels.
Because synthetic fabrics such as Nomex have lower mois-
ture regain levels, nuisance static was reportedly a problem
with the fabric. It was necessary to incorporate the use of a
static dissipative fiber in Nomex IIIA to address this problem.
It is very important to recognize that INDURA Ultra Soft,
INDURA and Nomex IIIA are not designed for use in critical static control applications. While
static dissipative fabrics are useful in critical static situations requiring discharge properties,
the fabric alone cannot be expected to perform the function of static discharge plates, con-
ductive shoes and flooring and grounding cords.
INDURA Ultra Soft, INDURA and Nomex IIIA can all be classed as static dissipative when
tested according to AATCC 76 (Electrical Resistivity of Fabrics). Independent tests conducted
at the University of Alberta’s Textile Analysis Services to this method at 20% humidity produced
results in excess of 11013 which would not be classed as dissipative at these low humidity lev-
els. This further emphasizes the need for grounding in critical static applications.

NATURAL BLEND®
COMFORT OF
“More people COTTON
wear cotton In the traditional clothing market more people wear cotton than all other types
of fabrics combined. Cotton fabrics are the overwhelming favorite because they are syn-
onymous with all weather comfort. Cotton fibers create an air pocket between the surface of a
than all other garment and skin. Unlike synthetic fibers, which tend to lie flat on the skin allowing moisture
to become trapped, the space created by cotton fibers allows a cushion of air to circulate.
Cotton fabrics absorb moisture from the skin, and wicking action serves as a temperature con-
types of fabrics trol device for optimum comfort. In warm months cotton breathes allowing moisture to pass
freely through the fabric aiding evaporation and cooling. In cold weather cotton fabric pro-
combined.” vides warmth and protects against the wind without trapping body moisture.
This unique fiber structure allows cotton fabric to achieve superior com-
fort even when compared to lighter weight synthetic counterparts.
Comfort is a subjective characteristic, and as such, cannot be predicted by lab tests, or
explained by charts, graphs or scales. Therefore, we encourage direct side-by-side wear trials to
allow the ultimate wearer to experience the benefits of INDURA Ultra Soft and INDURA first
hand. The same cotton comfort that is desired in traditional “street clothes” can be obtained in
work clothing of INDURA Ultra Soft and INDURA fabrics.
Please call Westex today if you are interested in evaluating INDURA
18 Ultra Soft in a wear trial program.
CONTENTS THE Westex has a team of marketing
and technical professionals

Flame Resistance Defined ................4 COMPANY available to assist in the

evaluation of flame resistant
protective clothing programs.
State-Of-The-Art Finishing Westex’s origins in finishing textile fabrics date back to 1919, and
Technology ..................................................5 Please call Westex today
with over a half century of experience producing flame resistant fabrics, toll free at 866-4-WESTEX
• How does INDURA compare to Westex continues to hold a dominant position as the largest global (866-493-7839) to make
inherently flame resistant fabrics? producer of durable flame resistant cotton and cotton arrangements.
• How does INDURA self-extinguish? blended fabrics.
Westex has made a commitment to continual improvement of pro-
The Products tective fabrics through innovative research and development. Our
strong commitment to inventory coupled with nearly one million
• Original INDURA Flame Resistant ..........6 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing facilities in North
100% Cotton Fabric America, along with European warehousing, allows Westex to provide
• Advanced INDURA Ultra Soft ..............7 unparalleled worldwide support to the protective clothing marketplace.
Flame Resistant 88% cotton 12% Breakthrough products such as INDURA® have given end users the
High Tenacity Nylon Fabric choice to wear a breathable comfortable cotton garment with the nec-
essary characteristic of flame resistance that is guaranteed for
Protective Clothing ................................8 the life of the garment.
New advancements in technology have lead to INDURA® Ultra
• The Need Soft®, a blended fabric that offers cotton comfort with a much softer feel
• Secondary vs. Primary while substantially increasing the abrasion resistance, providing an

Protection Comparison ......................9

extended garment wear life, protection and increased value.
Millions of garments made from the INDURA fabric line
PROTECTION COMFORT
• What weights of INDURA are being worn today by workers in many industries In any flame resistant protective clothing program the safety of INDURA Ultra Soft is available in soft lightweight denim shirts,
compare with Nomex®? including electrical maintenance, electric & gas utilities, the worker is of the utmost concern. INDURA Ultra Soft and tropical weight coveralls, blue jeans, brown duck outerwear and
oil, gas, petrochemical, chemical, military and ferrous INDURA fabrics are guaranteed flame resistant for the life of the many other colors and styles. The garments look and feel just like
Protection from metals industries. garment. Also, as demonstrated in independent laboratory testing, the clothing people wear every day. The remarkably soft and
Electric Arc Exposures ..............10–13 This brochure will emphasize the characteristics of INDURA Ultra INDURA Ultra Soft provides industry leading electric arc protec- breathable cotton comfort may forever change the perception peo-
Soft and INDURA fabrics in balancing the three crucial factors signifi- tion, superior flash fire protection and offers protection from ple have towards wearing protective clothing. That’s COMFORT
Protection from cant to the implementation of a secondary protective clothing program: molten ferrous metal and welding exposures. That’s multi-pur- you should experience for yourself. Call for a trial evaluation of
Protection, Comfort and Value. pose PROTECTION you can count on! INDURA Ultra Soft.
Flash Fire Exposures ..................14–16 Knowledgeable Westex representatives are readily available to assist
Protection from with any questions you may have.
Ferrous Metal and
Welding Exposures ..............................17 PLEASE CALL US TOLL FREE AT VALUE
866-4-WESTEX Improving the cost effectiveness of your program can be achieved by investing in garments made with INDURA Ultra Soft fabric. The
Naturally Static Dissipative ............18 added value is accomplished by blending 88% cotton with 12% high tenacity nylon which substantially increases the level of abrasion
resistance. INDURA Ultra Soft fabrics will outlast 100% cotton garments by over 50%. That produces a winning VALUE equation when
Comfort of Cotton ................................18 analyzing garment durability and cost.
Protection. Comfort. Value. ..........19

This information in this brochure is based on testing conducted by or conducted on behalf of Westex and INDURA®, INDURA® Ultra Soft®, Valzon®,
TOLL FREE represents our analysis of the test results. It is not intended to substitute for any testing that may be
unique and necessary for your facility for you to determine the suitability of our products for your par-
ticular purpose. Since we cannot anticipate all variations in end-user conditions, Westex makes no war-
Moda-Quilt® and Vinex® are registered
trademarks of Westex Inc.

866-4-WESTEX
ranties and assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with any use of this information. Do not use
chlorine bleach on garments of INDURA® or INDURA® Ultra Soft® fabrics. Chlorine bleach treatment will Nomex® IIIA is a registered trademark of the
have an adverse effect on the flame resistant properties of these fabrics. All test results reported are DuPont Company.
based on standard laboratory tests related to exposure to arcs, flames and heat. Manikin tests yield lab-

(866-493-7839) oratory predictions of relative burn injury based on factors such as fabric type, fabric weight, garment
styling and fit, laundering, exposure energy and exposure time. The results reported should not be used
to predict garment performance in actual fire situations. For maximum maintenance of the protective
COTTON NATURAL BLEND® is a registered
trademark of Cotton Inc.
properties of garments made from flame resistant fabrics, garments should be properly cleaned for the
INTERNATIONAL 001-773-523-7000 thorough removal of greases, oily soil and other contaminants that may affect flame resistance of the fab-
Printed in USA 9/02 WS7.5M
19
ric. Consult with the fabric supplier, garment manufacturer and launderer for recommendations of prop-
er cleaning techniques.
A WORLD LEADER IN FLAME RESISTANT FABRICS

www.westexinc.com

2845 West 48th Place

Protection...Comfort...Value
Chicago, IL 60632 U.S.A.
Toll Free: 866-4-WESTEX
(866-493-7839)
773•523•7000
Fax: 773•523•0965