FR layering systems are meant to keep you warmer or cooler, and drier, depending upon the outdoor conditions, all while providing added mobility and comfort. But did you know that when you are wearing multiple garments, that specific clothing combination must be tested together to determine their effective arc rating?
Lakeland’s FR/AR Layering System offers some of the highest levels of protection in the industry, and Lakeland goes one step beyond to actually test popular clothing combinations to determine their actual ATPV Cal/cm2 rating. This makes it easy to know if your combination of Lakeland FR apparel meets your required CAT ratings and work safety requirements.
Add the benefits of lightweight fabrics, inherent FR properties, and permanent moisture-wicking technology, and you have superior performance, tested protection, and year-round comfort.
This video runs through different layering combinations and the levels of protection they offer:
Breaking It Down: The Purpose of Each Layer
Layering is crucial to worker safety in any kind of weather, from Texas summers to Canadian winters. The right FR fabrics will keep your team protected and comfortable year-round. Lakeland’s FR/AR Layering system is broken down into three main layers: base, mid, and outer layers.
Base Layers
A solid foundation is the key to any strong structure; the same can be said for layering FR apparel. The base layers work to keep you dry by pulling moisture away from your body; this will keep you cool during hot summer days, and warm when it’s freezing cold. Lakeland’s base layer shirts have the optimal 60/40 blend of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to constantly pull moisture away from your body, move it to the outer surface of the garment, and allow it to dry.
Mid Layers
Our line of FR/AR clothing offers a wide variety of mid-layers, each designed to work with the base and outer layers to keep moisture off your body and keep you comfortable. These layers are built with effective, lightweight fabrics that increase worker comfort without reducing mobility.
Outer Layers
Lakeland’s outer layer FR apparel is really the cherry on top of the layering system. These durable layers are wind-resistant, water-resistant, and moisture-wicking. With the unique garment design, the elements are kept at bay while moisture is pulled away from your body to the outermost layer allowing you to focus on the task at hand without the distraction or discomfort.
For more in-depth information on how all these layers work together to improve worker performance and safety, read our How an FR/AR Layering System Manages Moisture blog.
FR/AR Clothing Layer Equations: The Solution to Worker Safety
Let’s take a closer look at the combinations of FR/AR garments shown in the video above and the tested levels of protection they offer.
Base Layer: Knit Henley |
Mid Layer: Sweater Knit |
Tested Protection |
| 16.4 cal/cm2 | 14 cal/cm2 | 45 cal/cm2 |
| CAT 2 | CAT 2 | CAT 4 |
Base Layer: Knit Henley |
Mid Layer: Waffle Cut Hoodie |
Tested Protection |
| 16.4 cal/cm2 | 9.7 cal/cm2 | 43 cal/cm2 |
| CAT 2 | CAT 2 | CAT 4 |
Base Layer: Knit Crew |
Mid Layer: Westex® DH Shirt |
Tested Protection |
| 16.4 cal/cm2 | 8.9 cal/cm2 | 28 cal/cm2 |
| CAT 2 | CAT 2 | CAT 4 |
Base Layer: Knit Crew |
Mid Layer: Waffle Cut Hoodie |
Outer Layer: Zip Jacket |
Tested Protection |
| 16.4 cal/cm2 | 9.7 cal/cm2 | 28 cal/cm2 | 57 cal/cm2 |
| CAT 2 | CAT 2 | CAT 3 | CAT 4 |
Base Layer: Knit Crew |
Mid Layer: Westex® DH Shirt |
Outer Layer: Pullover Hoodie |
Tested Protection |
| 16.4 cal/cm2 | 8.9 cal/cm2 | 28 cal/cm2 | 58 cal/cm2 |
| CAT 2 | CAT 2 | CAT 3 | CAT 4 |
|
Base Layer: Knit Crew |
Mid Layer: Westex® DH Shirt |
Outer Layer: Zip Jacket |
Tested Protection |
| 16.4 cal/cm2 | 8.9 cal/cm2 | 28 cal/cm2 | 60 cal/cm2 |
| CAT 2 | CAT 2 | CAT 3 | CAT 4 |
These are just a few examples of the possible lightweight, protective combinations. Lakeland’s FR/AR clothing line offers a wide variety of a la carte options allowing you to create the perfect combination for your unique work environment and needs.
FR/AR Protection Resources
Working in the elements is no easy task, but with the help of our layered protective clothing the heat, wind, and cold won’t slow you down. Choosing Lakeland’s inherently FR fabric means your team is protected with dual hazard protection for flash fire and arc flash.
