ASTM F2757-09(2016)

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2757 − 09 F2757 − 09 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Guide for
Home Laundering Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermal
and Arc Resistant Clothing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2757; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide provides recommendations for home laundering of clothing that is flame, thermal, and arc resistant.
1.1.1 This guide does not apply to dry cleaning of flame, thermal, and arc resistant clothing. For more information on dry
cleaning, follow label instructions or contact your garment supplier or fabric manufacturer.
1.1.2 This guide does not apply to industrial laundering of flame, thermal, and arc resistant clothing. For more information on
industrial laundering, follow Guide F1449 or contact your garment supplier.
1.2 When garments are laundered properly, using the proper detergent, home laundering is an effective cleaning process.
1.3 It is important that potentially flammable contaminants are removed from garments during the wash process. If flammable
contaminants are not removed, the flame resistance of the garment may be compromised.
1.3.1 To reduce the potential of employees wearing garments contaminated with flammable substances, the end user should
analyze the soil conditions to which a worker may be exposed, along with the effectiveness of the wash procedure. In the event
home laundering is deemed ineffective, alternative solutions should be pursued (dry cleaning, industrial laundering, disposable FR
coveralls, etc.).
1.4 Certain laundry chemicals that may have an adverse effect on fabric flame resistance are identified in this guide and should
not be used.
1.5 This guide does not apply to specialized protective garments such as specialized firefighter turnout gear and proximity
firefighter ensembles.
1.6 This guide also provides recommendations for inspection criteria that are significant to the performance of flame, thermal,
and arc resistant clothing.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
F1449 Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal, and Arc Resistant Clothing
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 care and maintenance, n—effective cleaning to remove soil and maximize useful life of garments while maintaining (not
removing) protective properties and procedures for inspection, repair, and removal from service.
3.1.2 end user, n—the entity or organization whose employees ultimately wear the flame, thermal, and arc resistant clothing.
3.1.3 soil, n—dirt or other foreign substances which become attached to the surface of protective clothing.
3.1.4 wearer, n—the individual who wears flame, thermal or arc resistant clothing and is responsible for care and maintenance
of the clothing.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F23.80
on Flame and Thermal.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2009April 1, 2016. Published September 2009April 2016. DOI: 10.1520/F2757-09.Last previous version published 2009 as F2757 – 09.
DOI: 10.1520/F2757-09R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2757 − 09 (2016)
3.1.5 garment, n—an article of clothing used to cover the body.
3.1.6 fabric, n—in textiles, a planar structure consisting of yarns or fibers.
4. Summary of Guide
4.1 This guide provides recommendations to effectively care for and maintain flame, thermal, and arc resistant clothing. The
guidelines include:
4.1.1 A listing of elements to consider when laundering at home.
4.1.2 Recommendations for removing flame, thermal, and arc resistant clothing from service.
4.1.3 Recommendations for the repair, modification and fit of flame, thermal and arc resistant clothing.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This guide is intended for use by employees of the end user, such as safety personnel or program administrators, who have
chosen to implement a home laundered flame, thermal or arc resistant clothing program.
5.2 This guide describes the key components involved in the home care and maintenance of flame, thermal, and arc resistant
clothing. The decision to home launder flame, thermal and arc resistant clothing is part of an overall hazard analysis. It should
include the nature of the hazard, the soils and any chemicals present in the workplace. Requirements may exist that require work
apparel to be cleaned professionally due to the risk of contamination of the home or waste water caused by the wearer’s on the
job exposure.
5.3 The guide provides the end user assistance to develop laundering methods that will clean the garment and maintain the
flame, thermal, and arc resistant characteristics of the clothing during its useful service life. The guide also provides suggestions
for increasing the wear life, appearance and function of the clothing.
5.4 The guide also provides suggestions as to when flame, thermal, and arc resistant garments should be removed from service.
6. Procedure
6.1 Garment manufacturers, in consultation with fiber and fabric suppliers, are responsible for providing information on the
performance characteristics and maintenance needs of their garments. The end-user is responsible for understanding the hazards
present in the workplace and selecting appropriate engineering controls and protective equipment and garments to address those
hazards and communicating home laundering instructions to the wearer.
6.1.1 If questions remain about care and maintenance of flame, thermal and arc resistant clothing, contact the garment
manufacturer or garment supplier for specific care instructions for the fabrics or garments.
6.2 Below are recommendations to provide optimal care and maintenance of flame, thermal, and arc resistant properties.
6.2.1 Always follow the care label.
6.2.2 Use household laundry detergents. Do not use fatty-based or bar soaps. Liquid detergents are recommended.
6.2.2.1 Review garment care labels or contact garment manufacturers for a list of detergents acceptable for
...