PPE
system, workers are far more likely to wear them correctly throughout the working day, no matter the temperature or environment.
COMFORT SUPPORTS COMPLIANCE
For many years, comfort and protection were often treated as competing priorities. Increasing protection usually meant accepting heavier, warmer garments, however advances in fabric technology mean that comfort and protection no longer need to be mutually exclusive. Modern flame-resistant base layers are significantly lighter, more breathable and better at managing moisture than previous generations of protective clothing. When combined with appropriately specified outer garments, they help workers regulate body temperature while ensuring that the complete protective system is still being worn. This is key as whilst protective uniforms are designed to save lives, their effectiveness depends entirely on being worn correctly and consistently. Alsico UK’s research found that almost half (47 per cent) of wearers said they would be more likely to wear their uniform if it was more comfortable, with softer materials, greater stretch and better body fit at top of the list when asked what would encourage consistent wear.
Education is just as vital for those responsible for choosing protective uniforms. Alsico UK’s survey found that while protective features, durability and cost were top priorities in the selection process, with comfort ranked much lower. Only 27 per cent of respondents in these roles said it had the biggest impact on their decision. This disconnect matters, because even the most advanced safety features are ineffective if uniforms are not being worn. Protection levels should always remain essential, but selecting PPE should not simply be about achieving the highest arc rating. It should also consider comfort and durability, ultimately thinking about it from the workers perspective – will they realistically be able to wear every element of that system throughout their working day?
LOOKING BEYOND THE COVERALL
Electrical safety has always relied on multiple layers of protection working together. Safe systems of work, isolation procedures, training and PPE each contribute to reducing risk. Protective clothing should be viewed in exactly the same way.
The coverall is only one part of a wider protective system that also includes flame-resistant underlayers, appropriate garment fit and ensuring clothing is worn as intended throughout the working day. As employers continue investing in modern arc- rated clothing, it is worth asking whether equal attention is being given to the layer beneath it. The next evolution in arc flash protection isn’t necessarily developing another higher-performing garment. It is improving the understanding of how the complete clothing system works together and ensuring workers are equipped, educated and comfortable enough to wear it correctly every time. Because ultimately, the effectiveness of arc flash PPE is not determined solely by what is visible on the outside. It is determined by every layer working together, exactly as intended.
Alsico UK
www.alsico.com INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE |SUMMER/AUTUMN 2026 19
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