Flame Resistant Accessories - FR Balaclavas, Hard Hat Liners & Gloves

NFPA 70E PPE category requirements include head, face, neck, and hand protection in addition to arc-rated clothing. For PPE Category 2 and above, arc-rated face shields or flash hoods are required, and head and neck protection must be arc-rated or FR. Standard synthetic beanies, neck gaiters, and non-FR gloves cannot be worn in arc flash environments — they can melt and compound burn injuries even when outer garments are compliant. Every accessory worn in an arc flash zone should be FR-certified.

An FR balaclava covers the head, face, and neck — protecting areas exposed in cold weather when a jacket hood or flash hood is not in use. It can also be worn as an additional neck and lower-face protection layer under a hard hat. Most FR balaclavas in our collection are rated for NFPA 70E CAT 1 (7–10 cal/cm²) or CAT 2 (10–20 cal/cm²), with some double-layer Nomex® styles reaching CAT 3 (25 cal/cm²).

Select the arc rating that matches or exceeds the PPE category required for your task. For standalone neck and face protection in lower-energy environments, a CAT 1–2 balaclava is appropriate. For higher-energy work, a tested arc flash hood assembly (typically included in arc flash suit kits) provides more complete head and face coverage.

A standard tube liner or fleece hard hat liner is typically made from polyester, acrylic, or cotton fleece — none of which are arc-rated or FR. An FR hard hat liner is manufactured from modacrylic, Nomex®, or FR-treated knit fabrics that self-extinguish and will not melt in an arc flash event. FR hard hat liners are arc-rated (typically 7–28 cal/cm²), certified to NFPA 70E, and designed to be worn under hard hats without affecting the hat's fit or safety rating.

Some FR balaclavas and hard hat liners include FR reflective accents (such as the OccuNomix FR Hinged Balaclava with reflective strips) for increased visibility in low-light conditions. However, these are not typically certified to ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standards on their own. For full ANSI visibility compliance, a hi-vis FR vest, jacket, or coverall worn over the outfit is the appropriate solution. Check individual product pages for reflective details.

FR balaclavas and liners use a range of fabrics:

• Nomex® knit — inherently FR meta-aramid, permanent protection, widely used in NSA and double-layer styles (10–25 cal/cm²)
• Modacrylic/cotton/spandex blends — inherently FR with stretch comfort, used in OccuNomix and similar brands (7–9 cal/cm²)
• Polartec® FR Power Grid fleece — inherently FR with grid construction for warmth and breathability, used in Ergodyne N-Ferno styles (CAT 2)
• FR-treated cotton interlock — affordable treated FR option for lower-energy environments (CAT 1–2)

Inherently FR fabrics (Nomex®, modacrylic blends) retain flame resistance for the life of the garment regardless of washing. Treated FR fabrics require proper care to maintain performance.

Machine wash warm (up to 140°F), standard detergent only. Do not use chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, fabric softeners, or starch — these degrade FR protection on both inherent and treated fabrics. Do not over-dry; tumble dry low or air dry. Do not use dryer sheets. Check the individual product care label — some Nomex® and modacrylic knit items may recommend cold wash to minimize shrinkage. Store away from direct sunlight and flammable contaminants.