DuPont’s trusted, inherently flame-resistant (FR) Nomex® fabric can be used alongside FR garments in response to the protection needs of COVID-19. Available from DuPont partners, Nomex® FR face coverings can be used in flammable environments to offer protection against flash fires and compliance with social distancing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nomex® is inherently flame resistant, providing protection that’s built into the fiber and cannot be washed out or worn away. The lightweight, highly durable and low-linting Nomex® fabrics provide an ideal balance of comfort and protection for workers in the utilities, manufacturing, oil and gas and chemical industries. Moreover, when used as face, nose and mouth coverings, properly designed masks, balaclavas, gaiters and hoods made with Nomex® could help to meet the CDC social distancing guidance and regulations currently developed by various European authorities on wearing masks in worker environments that also require FR protection.
“Masks made with Nomex® help provide enhanced coverage with superior flame resistance,” said David Domnisch, global business director, DuPont Personal Protection. “Specifying a total FR solution with both a Nomex® garment and Nomex® mask is essential to help ensure worker protection. Many masks may meet the guidance on face coverings, but don’t offer flame resistance. In fact, some masks may create additional hazards for the wearer because the masks could melt, drip or burn, causing other dangers. Now, more than ever, it is essential that the recommended PPE matches the challenges of the hazards at hand to help keep workers safe.”
DuPont recently hosted a webinar entitled ‘Knowing protection better: Flame Retardant face coverings in times of social distancing’. The webinar highlights the latest guidance on face coverings, as well as FR and mask standards to consider for the industrial workforce, along with mask selection criteria considerations and associated resources.
For more information and to watch the webinar, visit here.
The DuPont Personal Protection unit of DuPont Safety & Construction remains committed to helping protect those who protect others, especially the dedicated workers on the front lines fighting COVID-19.
For additional information on facial coverings made with Nomex®, please see here.
Connect with DuPont™ Personal Protection here.
