Nomex ® industrial FAQs

View some of the most frequently asked questions DuPont receives about protective apparel made with Nomex® flame-resistant brand fiber.

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Question:
What is Nomex®?

Answer:
Nomex® is the brand name for an inherently flame-resistant aramid fiber that is manufactured only by DuPont®.

Question:
What is protective apparel made with Nomex®?

Answer:
Protective apparel made with Nomex® is a collection of inherently flame-resistant apparel manufactured by garment manufacturers to help protect people from thermal hazards.

Question:
Who wears protective apparel made with Nomex®?

Answer:
Every year, workers' lives are saved in various industries because they wear flame-resistant protective apparel made with Nomex®. Most turnouts chosen by US firefighters contain DuPont materials like Nomex® and/or Kevlar® fibers. Racecar drivers, U.S. Forest Service employees, petrochemical workers, military personnel, utility crews, and astronauts also wear protective apparel made with Nomex®.

Question:
Why should I wear protective apparel made with Nomex®?

Answer:
Everyday work clothes, including cotton and polyester blends, are not flame-resistant. They do not fully protect against flash fires or electric arcs. Natural fibers like cotton and wool, as well as synthetic blends with nylon and polyester, support combustion. Cotton can ignite and continue to burn, while nylon and polyester can ignite, burn, melt, and adhere to workers' skin. The explosive force of an electric arc can blast apart clothing made of cotton or polyester blends, exposing workers to danger. Protective apparel made with Nomex® helps provide high resistance to break-open. It acts as a protective barrier and will not burn or melt. This makes it an excellent choice for arc flash protection, giving wearers more time to escape hazardous situations.

Question:
What is the difference between inherently flame-resistant fabrics and chemically dependent flame-retardant fabrics?

Answer:
Protective apparel made with Nomex® is inherently flame-resistant. The fiber itself is non-flammable, ensuring permanent protection that never wears away or washes out. When exposed to flame, the aramid fiber swells and forms a protective barrier between the heat source and the skin. This barrier stays supple until it cools, providing extra seconds for the wearer to escape. Chemically dependent flame-retardant fabrics, like Indura® flame-retardant treated cotton and FR rayon, rely on a chemical reaction to extinguish flames. The reaction is triggered by heat and time, potentially causing burn injuries as heat transfer increases. These fabrics can produce vigorous afterflames, hot gases, smoke, and tars that adversely affect the wearer.

Question:
Is protective apparel made with Nomex® chemically resistant?

Answer:
Aramid fibers show good resistance to many chemicals, including organics, acids, and bases. While Nomex® apparel exhibits good chemical stability, most aramid garments are not designed to protect against chemical penetration.

Question:
Does protective apparel made with Nomex® help protect wearers from the risks of static buildup?

Answer:
Even in low humidity, Nomex® fiber helps dissipate static generated from fabric-to-fabric and fabric-to-surface rubbing. Dissipating static charges in the fabric reduces the risks and discomfort associated with static electricity. It also reduces the contribution of clothing to static charge buildup on the human body. In certain environments, as little as one millijoule (mJ) of energy can ignite hydrocarbon vapor mixtures. The primary source of spark potential is from static stored in the human body, rather than garments.

Question:
Do workers in explosive atmospheres still need to be grounded if they wear protective apparel made with Nomex®?

Answer:
Yes. Personnel grounding must be the first line of defense against explosions caused by static. Protective apparel made with Nomex® does not replace proper grounding procedures, such as:

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• Discharging static from the body before entering a potentially explosive atmosphere by touching a grounded metal object

• Wearing a wristlet that connects the worker to a grounded source, such as grounded equipment furniture

• Using conductive footwear and flooring

Question:
Is protective apparel made with Nomex® cost-effective?

Answer:
Yes, protective apparel made with Nomex® is an excellent value and more cost-effective over time than other protective fabrics. The outstanding wear life of Nomex® apparel can save your company money as it lasts three to five times longer than conventional or chemically dependent garments. Industrial launderers estimate that Nomex® apparel can be washed and worn over 125 times. Contact the manufacturers listed in the "Where to Buy" section for specific information on commercially available garments made with Nomex®.

Question:
Is protective apparel made with Nomex® comfortable?

Answer:
Yes. Protective apparel made with Nomex® balances breathability in everyday use with excellent thermal protection under fire or electric arc exposure.

Question:
Are garments made with Nomex® available in different styles?

Answer:
Garments made with Nomex® are available in a wide range of colors and styles, including jackets, parkas, slacks, jeans, shirts, coveralls, and switching coats. They come in various fabric weights suitable for different climates and are as comfortable to wear as other work clothing. Contact manufacturers listed in the "Where to Buy" section for specific information on the available range of Nomex® garment styles.

Question:
Do garments made with Nomex® require special laundering techniques?

Answer:
Normal home, commercial, and industrial laundering and dry cleaning techniques are suitable. Since the flame-resistant protection is part of the aramid fiber, it cannot be washed or worn out. Recommended laundering procedures are available. Many companies opt for industrial laundering programs to ensure garments are well-cleaned and properly maintained. Nomex® apparel is extremely durable and withstands repeated laundering and use. Fabrics have very low initial shrinkage (1% to 3%) and maintain their size and shape throughout the garment's life. Additionally, garments come out of the dryer ready to wear and rarely need pressing. Chlorine bleach should not be used on Nomex® fabric. While chlorine bleach won't remove flame protection, it can affect garment strength and lifespan, so it should be avoided. Caution: Thoroughly remove grease, oil, and other flammable contaminants from Nomex® garments as they can reduce thermal performance. Repairs should use components made from Nomex® fabric, sewing thread, zipper tapes, and patches. Please consult the garment manufacturer for specific laundering and care instructions.

Question:
What are the purchasing options for protective apparel made with Nomex® fiber?

Answer:
• Purchase garments directly from a manufacturer or distributor. Use our "Where to Buy" tool to find a supplier in your area.
• Lease garments from an industrial launderer. This program typically includes the cost of initial garments, repairs, replacements, and program management. Your company would be responsible for on-site or home laundering.
• Rent garments from an industrial launderer. This program usually covers the cost of initial garments, regular cleaning, repair, replacement, and program management.

*Indura® and Ultrasoft® are registered trademarks of Westex® Inc.

*FireWear® is a registered trademark of Springfield, L.L.C.

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