Russ,

I am not aware of an acceptable standard test for determining the absorption properties of flame retardant lab coats.  Is anyone aware of one?  If the lab coat is both chemically and fire resistant, then shouldn’t it have passed each individual respective chemical absorption test to not absorb the flammable liquid to contribute fuel to a fire?  The fire would be limited to the flammable liquid available on the surface of the lab coat.  Typically, I check the manufacturers testing data for chemical resistance or compatibility to resist absorption(permeation)/penetration to the contaminants of concern.  I’m not aware of any professionally recognized testing standard that simultaneously tests absorptive properties of flammable liquids with the flammable characteristics of the lab coats, wouldn’t that be the true real-world test of a flammable resistant lab coat?  However, I would expect the costs of the testing would be exorbitant!

My opinions and thought logic only, in an effort to continuously learn and improve. 

BruceV

Wish I did, please let me know if you get positive info on this.

Thanks,
Naomi



On 4/13/12 2:29 PM, Russell Vernon wrote:

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Naomi Kelly 

Clemson University

EHS Chemical/Lab Safety Manager

Moorman House

(864) 654-7155

(864) 650-8155