manikin burn test

North Carolina State University has demonstrated that the use of flame-retardant underwear significantly reduces burn injuries compared to standard cotton underwear.

Firestorm test for burn injuries

A dummy fitted with 150 heat sensors was dressed in new Wenaas Offshore products and standard cotton underwear, and then exposed to a firestorm lasting four seconds. A corresponding dummy was then dressed in new Wenaas Offshore products and Devold® Spirit flame-retardant underwear, and similarly exposed to a 4-second firestorm. During exposure to the flames, the heat sensors measured how much heat penetrated beneath the “skin”, to record second- or third-degree burns. A total figure was then calculated to indicate how much of the body had been burned.

ILLUSTRATION SHOWING BURN INDICATION – 4 SEC. FIRESTORMWENAAS OFFSHORE 220A COVERALLS WERE USED IN THE TEST DESCRIBED BELOW

Underwear with moisture-transporting properties to combat scald injuries

In addition to actual burns, it is common for people to experience scald injuries on account of moisture. If the body’s own moisture is allowed to remain in contact with the skin, it can actually become so hot that it starts to boil. That is why it is so important to use flame-retardant underwear with excellent moisture-transporting properties.

Extent of burns reduced by 29%

The test demonstrated that wearing new Wenaas Offshore Daletec 350A coveralls together with Devold® Spirit flame-retardant underwear reduced the extent of second- and third-degree burns by 13%. The test also revealed that wearing new Wenaas Offshore 220A coveralls together with Devold® Spirit flame-retardant underwear reduced the extent of second- and third-degree burns by fully 29%.