24 Apr 04/24/2023
Anytime colder temperatures approach, many workers in hazardous industries seek ways to protect their bodies from the cold. And if we polled most workers, there would be a sounding yes to needing head protection from fierce chilled winds. While a standard hoodie, balaclava, or insulated neck gaiter may keep your head warm, it doesn't necessarily protect you from hazardous flash fires and arc flashes. That's where an FR high-performance FR balaclava comes in.
Keeping your entire face protected from the outdoor elements makes sense when temperatures drop.
This article will examine the benefits of using a balaclava in your winter FR Clothing attire. We'll highlight some of the top-performing FR balaclavas on the market, including the CarbonX® BLCVCX Flame-Resistant CAT3 Balaclava. We'll also showcase the supreme protection and durability of CarbonX® fabrics and discuss MCR Safety's standard CAT2 ARC performance balaclava made of Westex® TrueComfort Material. You can stay warm and safe in the harshest winter conditions with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
As we highlight in our artcile on the Types of Face Protection, A balaclava is a piece of winter headgear that protects the head and face while exposing the mouth, eyes, and nose. Balaclavas prevent cold exposure and frostbite to the face and ears. OSHA does not set requirements for winter workwear, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use common sense. You’ll be safer and work better with proper cold-weather gear, like a balaclava.
For workers who face the risk of burns from flash fires and electrical arcs, an FR balaclava makes the most sense. Burns can happen in a split second. PPE made of fire-resistant material is often the only thing between you and severe injury or death. That’s why MCR Safety sells flame-resistant balaclavas made with CarbonX® material. These protect you from some of the most dangerous thermal hazards, from direct flame and extreme heat to molten metals, caustic chemicals, flammable liquids, and arc flash.
Overall, the main benefit of wearing an FR balaclava is that it provides extra protection to the head and neck area.
The three listed above are the main reasons people wear an FR balaclava. However, endless features begin to differentiate one product from another. So, let's start diving into the specific products!
Our top-selling BLCVCX Flame-Resistant CAT3 Balaclava, shown in the image above, is made of 7.0 ounce CarbonX® flame-resistant rib-knit material that is soft, breathable, and stretchable; it is the perfect solution for protecting your face and neck from both thermal hazards and the cold.
Check Out the CarbonX Demo
Check out the demonstration of CarbonX’s durability and protection tested on a live person. Any question why we call this the supreme balaclava?
No other FR brand matches the protection provided by CarbonX® FR fabrics. CarbonX® products are made of a high-performance fiber blend that doesn't ignite, burn, melt, drip, shrink, or char when exposed to direct flame, extreme heat, or molten materials. They even protect you from the intense temperatures of arc flash. This material continues to withstand high temperatures with its original strength and integrity even after exposure to heat sources.
Additionally, CarbonX products are comfortable. The material is lightweight and wears like cotton. It is breathable and wicks away moisture, reducing the risk of heat stress.
MCR Safety puts all of its FR clothing thru rigorous testing, including FR balaclavas.
At MCR Safety, we believe in meeting everyone’s needs with various products. Not everyone needs a top-performing CarbonX® balaclava; sometimes, the standard Cat 2 ARC performance is more appropriate. If heat and flame hazards are relatively rare in your job, or the dangers you face are of relatively low heat, you might prefer our BLCVTCN Flame-Resistant CAT2 Balaclava made of Westex® TrueComfort Material.
While not on the same performance level as our CarbonX® products, Westex® TrueComfort still offers industry-standard flame resistance, warmth, and a soft, lightweight feel. It is an excellent choice for workers who may not face extreme heat and flame hazards.
Making an informed decision when choosing protective clothing requires understanding each style's features and benefits. Our matrix table compares the features of BLCVCX and BLCVTCN, highlighting the unique benefits that each style offers and allowing for a quick and easy comparison.
BLCVCX | Benefit | BLCVTCN | Benefit | |
---|---|---|---|---|
ASTM F1506 | X | X | ||
Cat Rating | Cat 3 | Meets or exceeds most industry standards | Cat 2 | Provides a baseline for protection - Cat 2 is suitable for less hazardous environments. |
Color | Dark Black | Conceals dirt and stains | Navy | |
Double Layered | X | Offers increased insulation and protection | ||
Elastic Binding | X | Ensures snug fit, reduces the risk of clothing riding up during use | X | Ensures snug fit, reduces the risk of clothing riding up during use |
Lightweight | X | Increased Comfort | ||
Made in U.S.A | X | Supports American workers and businesses | ||
Material | CarbonX® | High-Performance Material | Westex® TrueComfort® | Exceptional Lightweight Material |
NFPA 1971 | ||||
One size fits all | X | Provides versatility | X | Provides versatility |
Sewing Material | CarbonX® rib knit | High-Performance Material | Nomex® Thread | Durability and High Performance |
Soft | X | Offers increased comfort | X | Offers increased comfort |
Stretchable | X | Allows for a wider range of motion, making the garment more versatile and suitable for a variety of tasks | ||
TAA Compliant | X | |||
Weight | 7 ounces | Increased protection | 5.5 ounces | Provides a lightweight face mask |
Here's a matrix showing various occupations that rely on a flame-resistant (FR) balaclava during winter months and the reasons why they wear them for their job:
Occupation | Reason for wearing | |
Firefighters | wear FR balaclavas to protect their face and neck from flames, heat, and cold temperatures while working in fire and rescue operations. | |
Linemen | wear FR balaclavas to protect against arc flash, heat, and cold temperatures while working on power lines and electrical equipment. | |
Utility Workers | wear FR balaclavas to protect against arc flash, heat, and cold temperatures when working with electricity or gas. | |
US Army | wear FR balaclavas when working around open flames during winter months. | |
Welders | wear FR balaclavas to shield their faces and neck from sparks, heat, and cold temperatures while welding, cutting, or brazing metals. |
Out of all the occupations listed above, none come close to the needs of those working in the oil and gas industry. A standard non-fr balaclava will not work for these workers, as flash fires and explosions are daily concerns. They must wear a flame-resistant (FR) balaclava for several reasons related to the unique hazards present in their work environment:
Wearing a balaclava during colder months provides oil and gas workers with PPE that helps maintain body heat. Here's a matrix showing the roles in the oil and gas industry that might need to wear a balaclava during colder months and the reasons why face shielding makes sense:
Oil and Gas Role | Reason for Wearing a Balaclava |
Roustabout | works outdoors, performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting and moving equipment. A balaclava protects them from cold weather. |
Derrickhand | work on elevated platforms, often exposed to cold winds and freezing temperatures. A balaclava helps protect their face from the elements and reduces the risk of frostbite. |
Roughneck Workers | work outdoors on drilling rigs, handling drilling equipment and pipes. A balaclava protects them from cold temperatures and wind, ensuring comfort and safety. |
Toolpushers | supervise drilling operations and may spend time outdoors. A balaclava can protect against cold weather and chilly winds. |
Floorhand | works on the rig floor, handling drilling equipment and pipes. A balaclava can shield the face from cold temperatures, wind, and potential frostbite. |
Crane Operator | works in outdoor environments, often at heights exposed to cold winds. A balaclava protects the face from the elements and reduces the risk of frostbite. |
Mechanic/Technician | may work outdoors, repairing and maintaining equipment. A balaclava can protect against cold weather, wind, and potential frostbite. |
Drilling Supervisors | oversee drilling operations and may spend time outdoors. A balaclava can protect the face from cold temperatures, wind, and potential frostbite. |
Safety Officer | inspects oil and gas job sites. When conducting assessments, they face cold weather during winter months. A balaclava can protect against cold temperatures, wind, and potential frostbite.inspect oil and gas job sites. |
As winter months approach, workers in hazardous industries need proper protection from the cold, especially for their heads and faces. Standard winter gear may not suffice for those exposed to flash fires and arc flashes. This article explored the benefits of FR balaclavas as a part of your winter FR clothing, highlighting top-performing options like the CarbonX® BLCVCX Flame-Resistant CAT3 Balaclava and MCR Safety's standard CAT2 ARC performance balaclava made of Westex® TrueComfort Material.
We discussed the special protection and durability of CarbonX® fabrics and the importance of wearing a flame-resistant balaclava for workers in various industries, including oil and gas. By understanding the specific features and benefits of different FR balaclavas, you can decide which protective clothing best suits your needs. MCR Safety offers a comprehensive range of protective gear to ensure safety and comfort during harsh winter. We hope the above will help you stay warm and protected throughout the season with the proper personal protective equipment!
Click the below image to leave us comments, questions, or any concerns.
For over 45 years, MCR Safety has proven to be a world leader in gloves, glasses, and garments. Whether you're handling circuit boards, assembling a PC, or working at a construction site, we provide solutions to workplace hazards. It's all part of our commitment to protect people.
No matter your industry, we have the personal protective equipment you need.
Learn more about MCR Safety by checking out our most recent video. For more information, browse our website, request a catalog, find a distributor, or give us a call at 800-955-6887.