User Information Guide

benchmark fr logo long version

 

A supplement to Benchmark FR brand clothing where the international symbol for “read use instructions before use” is on the label.

PRE-USE INFORMATION:


SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

Read this user information carefully before carrying out activities that involve certain risks of serious injury or death. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the provided information so that your Benchmark FR brand protective clothing will provide the intended level of protection. All instructions provided, both below and in the garment label, are intended to familiarize the wearer of the abilities and limitations of the clothing and to minimize harm from a thermal exposure.

  • Benchmark FR clothing protects industrial personnel from the threat of electrical arc flash and short-term duration thermal exposure from flash fire.
  • It is important to know that no garment can eliminate or prevent all risk of burn injury.
  • When worn properly, Benchmark FR clothing can minimize the extent of burn injury.

LIMITATIONS OF USE:

Benchmark FR clothing is constructed from arc and flame-resistant fabric and components. It will resist ignition and will not continue to burn when the ignition source is removed. It is intended to minimize the extent of a burn injury during short term exposure to flame and electrical arc.

The wearer should try to remove themselves as quickly as possible from the area where the incident has occurred to minimize burn injury.

The clothing must be correctly matched to the risk or threat the wearer may encounter and must be worn with all closures secured closed.

Benchmark FR clothing is secondary personal protection and is intended to be worn on a continuous basis in environments where incidental exposure to electrical arc, heat and flame is possible. It is not intended to be worn for fire entry, structural or wildlands firefighting or other activities involving extended exposure to flame or heat. It is not intended to protect the wearer from physical trauma or burns in the immediate areas of exposure. This garment does not provide personal protection from chemical exposures or molten metal splash.

Only those persons who are properly trained and understand the requirements for use and care of the garment are qualified to wear it. The garment should not be worn until the user has read and understands all warnings and information in this User Information Guide.

Additonal Information

The user shall not remove the labels provided on Benchmark FR clothing and accessories

Any additional markings, emblems, trim, or heraldry added by anyone, including but not limited to the end user, laundry or distributor, shall meet the requirements of NFPA 2112

The addition of flammable markings to this garment will negatively impact the flame-resistant properties where applied

The addition of any logos, lettering, emblems, patches, name tags, embroidery, or trim by the user must be constructed of flame-resistant materials and shall be of minimal size

Benchmark FR will repair or replace any garment that has a manufacturing defect

Benchmark FR will repair any garment within one year from its ship date. Contact us for assistance

Damage caused by normal wear and tear, misuse, neglect, or obvious abuse of the garment is not covered

No other warranty is made, either expressed or implied, including no guarantee of suitability for a particular use or purpose

Benchmark FR assumes no liability for garments that have had alterations, embroidery, or other ornamentation added to the garment

Since all variations in actual end-use conditions cannot be anticipated, Benchmark FR makes no warranties with any use of this product

Preparation For Use

The wearer should make sure that the garments fit comfortably and are sized appropriately and maximize the function of the wearer without impeding movement.

Significant alternations to the garment are not permitted as they could reduce the protective qualities of the clothing.

Measurement Guide

Do not store flame-resistant garments in direct sunlight. Continued exposure to sunlight can cause fabric deterioration, such as decreased tear strength and color loss.

Ensure flame-resistant garments are clean and dry before long-term storage. Wet garments will promote the growth of mold and mildew, which will permanently damage your garments.

Ensure storage areas are clean, dry, and well ventilated.

Do not store where contamination of the garment may occur.

The NFPA 2113 standard provides instructions for selection, care, use, and maintenance requirements for flame-resistant garments for use by industrial personnel in area at risk of short-duration thermal exposures.

Follow the provisions in the NFPA 2113 to promote correct selection of flame-resistant garments, and reduce the risks caused by incorrect maintenance, contamination, or damage.

Refer to NFPA 2113 for more detailed information.

Before each use, inspect the garment for any damage such as rips, tears, cuts, holes, open seams, charring, thin spots, broken closures, soiling, or potential contamination.

Confirm all closures are functional.

If any component or garment is found to be damaged or missing, remove the garment from service and have it repaired or replaced.

All flame-resistant garments are worn properly only when all closures are fully secured, sleeves and pant legs are rolled down with cuffs closed to fully cover wrists and ankles, and shirts are fully tucked inside the waistband of pants.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Machine wash warm, tumble dry low. Use soft powder or liquid laundry detergent.

Full Wash and Care Instructions

Flame-resistant garments should be clean before undergoing repair work.

Have damage repaired only by qualified individuals using original materials. Alternatively, replace the clothing. 

Contact Benchmark customer service for help with repairs.

The usable service life of Benchmark FR clothing depends on the work environment, frequency of use, and proper maintenance and cleaning of the garment.

Arc and flame resistant properties will remain effective regardless of the number of wash and wear cycles.

Do not wear damaged or contaminated garments.

Garments must be retired from service after significant exposure to heat and flame.

Retire damaged or deteriorated garments that can no longer be repaired.

Garments that are heavily soiled or stained with flammable substances that cannot be removed by cleaning should be removed from service.

Dispose of used garments in accordance with local regulations.

Do not give used or retired Benchmark FR clothing to thrift or second-hand stores.