Page 77 - OHS, June 2022

the long run due to their durability, one area piece-dyed fabrics have an advantage is the initial investment cost. On average, piece-dyed fabrics are less costly up- front than other methods for a number of factors, mainly because this method of dyeing is more commonly used and consequently easier to access.
Another positive is that piece-dyeing can be used for both natural and synthetic fibers, whereas solution-dyeing can only be used for synthetic fibers.
Additionally, because the color is added later on in the textile process, it is easier to make changes to the color. Further, smaller lot sizes are possible and commonplace with piece-dyed fabrics, with solution-dyed materials requiring lot sizes around 10,000 pounds.3
Playing a Part in PPE
With a few exceptions, the technical textile industry mainly uses piece-dyed fibers in PPE garments due to the initial savings on material. Considering the color retention and durability benefits, solution-dyeing is used more regularly in industries focused on outdoor materials and furniture, marine equipment, and carpeting. Given the fact that PPE, particularly AR/FR PPE, is worn and utilized in harsh environments, it’s only logical that solution-dyeing would be a beneficial addition to that industry.
Decision Time:
Assessing your Options
From initial investment to environmental responsibility, there are a variety of factors to consider when choosing AR/FR PPE for your company. As you ensure your workers’ safety by purchasing the most effective PPE available, it’s important to evaluate whether the garments you are buying are inherently AR/FR, solution- dyed fabrics or treated, piece-dyed fabrics.
The combination of durability and sustainability gained from the solution- dyeing process is unequivocally the best choice for color retention after regular use and laundering, thus extending your PPE dollars. However, budgetary limitations might necessitate piece-dyed fabrics in the short-term. At the end of the day, it’s crucial that your organization purchases PPE that best protects your workers, maximizes your budget and looks the best.
Rich Lippert is a technical fabrics industry www.ohsonline.com
veteran, with decades of experience. He oversees all technical and product specification-related aspects of the GlenGuard product line. As GlenGuard’s primary customer-facing technical liaison,
REFERENCES
he represents GRTF on all technical and specification-related industry committees. Lippert joined GRTF in 2006 and has served in various sales, marketing, and technical roles for the GlenGuard team since 2009.
1. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/41411
2. https://www.patagonia.com/our-footprint/solution-dyeing.html
3. https://www.servicethread.com/blog/article/solution-dyed-yarn-vs-package-dyed-yarn-what-should- you-use
Let us solve your industrial vacuum cleaning needs, challenges, and requirements for compliance. Learn more and fill out RFQ at vac-u-max.com or call (800) VAC-U-MAX.
Flammable Liquid
MDL55 23954
Combustible Dust
MDL30 40008SS
Reactive Powder
MDL55SR Combustible Dust
MDL15
Combustible Dust
MDL55 40012/3 (General Purpose)
WET/DRY • AIR OPERATED & ELECTRIC DRUM-TOP • CONTINUOUS DUTY COMBUSTIBLE DUST • CENTRAL SYSTEMS • CONTINUOUS-BAGGING
LIQUID & SLUDGE • FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS • SUBMERGED RECOVERY • METALWORKING PHARMACEUTICAL • STEEL SHOT • HSE / INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SOLUTIONS
69 WILLIAM STREET • BELLEVILLE, NJ 07109 • (800) VAC-U-MAX • www.vac-u-max.com
Circle 35 on card.
JUNE 2022 | Occupational Health & Safety 71