Brand Focus – Flexothane Workwear at Granite Workwear

One of our biggest ranges we stock here at Granite Workwear is Flexothane, on site you can pick and choose between the three brands within the range: Essential, Flame and Kleen.

What is Flexothane?

There are several reasons why this fabric is special, for example it's taken many years of research and development to get to the standard used in today's workwear. Without trying to get too scientific Flexothane is a polyurethane coating on top of a knitted base fabric. This fabric provides excellent protection as the polyurethane coating is stretchable (approximately 150%) and the knitted base helps make it waterproof and windproof, noiseless and highly tear resistant. Up to 50% lighter than conventional waterproofs and extremely, this fabric is also resistant to oil and fungal growth.

Garments produced from Flexothane are durable and easy to care for, this stretches across all the three brands we sell, however there are a few slight differences:

Flexothane Essential

The Essential is ideal for lighter workwear duties along with domestic requirements. No garments in this range are hi-vis but just like the flame and Kleen range every item is fully wind and waterproof as well as being lightweight and breathable. Perfect for leisure!

Flexothane Classic

The Classic collection is made from a one-sided PU coating on a polyamide knitting and  has been designed for those who work in the following industries: horticulture, agriculture, grounds maintenance. 

Flexothane Flame

Flexothane Flame, the name gives it away but this is made from flame retardant Flexothane. This category features many garments that meet several workwear standards for various professions, just click the product you're interested in and we have outlined what standards it complies to. With high frequency welded seams, this clothing is 100% waterproof and windproof.

Flexothane Kleen

Flexothane Kleen has been designed specifically for the food preparation industry, all garments are washable at 95 °C. The royal blue colour used for the majority of this collection is ideal should any part of the garment become caught in the food items it is very easy to see. 

Flexothane Anti-static 

Made from flame retardant and anti-static Flexothane, the conductive yarn  avoids the building-up of static charges -that could ignite an explosive atmosphere.

Flexothane Flame 9728 FR High Vis Jacket

Before the introduction of Flexothane, waterproof garments were often heavy, cumbersome, uncomfortable, as well as hard to maintain. This is a technical fabric that promises you excellent protection and will be around for many more years to come. 

Receive A FREE FXD Beanie With Selected FXD Orders

Whilst stocks last we are offering a FREE FXD beanie when you buy any FXD work pants or jean on Granite Workwear, this offer is completely exclusive so make sure you don't miss out.

We're among the first FXD Workwear sellers in the UK. Originally from Australia, Function By Design (F.X.D) offer carefully designed workwear that performs better and looks killer whilst doing it.And because they're made with Duratech material, they'll stay looking good for longer.

Below are some of our favourites sellers from the FXD range that are included in this great detail:

This offer is only valid for a limited time only!

Exclusive Granite Offer - Receive A Free Bootbag With Selected Boot Orders

We have a very special offer for all of customers, recieve a FREE boot-bag worth £20.34 with Muck Boot and Grubs Thermal boot orders.

This bag is fantastic to throw in the back of the car and keep everything clean. Made from waterproof fabric and vented, you can avoid that soggy feeling and damp odour that you can get when you use your much loved Muck Boots.

Whilst stocks last we are offering a FREE boot-bag with selected boot orders on Granite Workwear, this offer is completely exclusive so make sure you don't miss out.

The selected boot orders include:

Hearing protection – what should I choose?

Risk assessments should involve understanding the level of noise within the working environment. Sound measuring can be used to select the type of hearing protection that is required but as a guide we have listed the main features that should be considered when selecting the solution:-

Remember when reviewing the requirements that noise energy doubles every 3dB – it is not a linear scale….

So what should I choose?

The European Physical Agents (Noise) Directive 2003/10/EC came into force in 2006. In simple terms, the Directive requires that hearing protection should be available at 80dB, and must be worn at 85dB. As a rough guide, when it is necessary to shout in order to be heard 1 meter away the noise levels may be 85dB or more.

Firstly, ensure that the product conforms to EN352. There are three basic standards to take into account. When selecting the ear defenders you must ensure that the products are certified to one of the following standards:-

Ear Muffs EN 352-1:

Ear-Muffs: Two ear cups that are filled with sound absorbing foam. Each cup has a soft pad that is either foam or foam and liquid filled. The ear cups are held in place with a tensioned neckband or headband.

Ear Plugs EN 352-2:

Ear-Plugs that are inserted into the ear canal to seal the entrance.

Helmet Mounted Ear Defenders EN 352-3:

Ear defenders that are designed to be attached to industrial safety helmets. They are adjustable, so they can be positioned over the ear when required.

There are additional standards for more specific products as follows:-

EN352-4: Level dependent ear muffs.

EN352-5: Active noise reduction ear muffs.

EN352-6: Ear muffs with electrical audio input.

EN352-7: Level dependent ear plugs.

EN352-8: Entertainment audio ear muffs.

SNR (Single number rating).

This is the number of potential decibels the hearing protection will reduce the noise by when correctly fitted.

The objective is to select a suitable product that reduces the wearer’s noise level down to between 70dB & 80dB. To reduce the noise level to below 70dB may impair the wearer from hearing any alarm or warning sounds.

HML (relates to frequency)

H=High.  M=Medium.    L=Low.  This relates to how the product performs within these general frequency bands. The values of each of these (attenuation levels) will be located on the product packaging. Note that a SNR of 27 will not necessarily be attributable to all frequency levels – this should be considered when selecting a product for a specific frequency.

Summary:

The ear is very delicate. The damage that can be caused is often non-recoverable. Figures from HSE show that during 2006/7 280 instances of work related hearing loss were diagnosed. However, as hearing loss is cumulative over a period of years, many individuals will not realise that their hearing is being affected.

Arc Protection with Granite Workwear

The risk posed by electricity on the rail network is made clear by Network Rail’s Life Saving Rules.

Three rules deal specifically with electricity: never assume equipment is isolated - always test before touch, with an approved method, this is not Scalextrix, you do not test with any part of your anatomy!

Always test before applying earths or straps and always be sure the required plans and permits are in place before you start a job or go on, or near, the line.

The consequences of not following these steps when working around 25 KV overhead lines is all too real. But even when all the rules are followed, accidents can occur. Equipment failure is another real risk.

The majority of orange fire resistance (FR) work-wear being used on the rail network today does not comply with the GO’RT 3279 high visibility standard, even though they include silver reflective tape in the EN configuration.

Two new products

Pulsarails Combat Coverall and Combat Trouser are flame retardant, anti- static and electric arc protective and comply with GO/RT 3279.

Using a patented Protex multi-fibre blend - Protal 5, the range has a 16 Cal/ cm2 ATPV rating, virtually double the performance of the next market-leading fabric. Combined with the Xcelcius Electric Arc Base Layers, the level of protection increases to 42.6 Cal/cm2.

Some of the benefits of Protal 5 include excellent breathability and wicking properties, as well as an enhanced electric arc performance because of its ability to shed the metal electrodes from an arc blast. When welding, it sheds sparks and molten metal, extending the life expectancy of the coverall.
Unlike all of its current competitors it also has excellent abrasion resistance.

On top of its safety credentials, the Combat Coverall has been designed with the wearer in mind. The coverall includes breast, combat and rear pockets, an elasticated waist and adjustable cuffs. The triple stitched inside leg, front and rear rise seams, and five extra crotch bar tacks reduces the risk of splitting.

Other features include non- conductive plastic studded wrap around cuffs, a front storm flap - which conceals a two-way plastic zip, internal knee pad pockets and double stitched FR reflective tape in the chevron design.

The Combat Trouser has all the attributes of the Combat Coverall but with a slightly elasticated waistband and triple press stud fastening and zip fly.

To be worn in conjunction with the Pulsar FR Combat Trouser, the Pulsar FR high-visibility orange Class 3, GO/ RT 3279, flame retardant polo shirt incorporates 3M Scotchlite thermally- applied reflective tape, FR collar and cuffs, and concealed three button placket.

If it gets a little chilly, then why not layer up with the Pulsar FR high visibility orange Class 3, GO/RT 3279, flame retardant sweatshirt. Again, both garments are manufactured using a Protal blend of FR fibres to guarantee the highest level of performance without compromising on comfort or fit.

The Xcelcius Electric Arc Base Layers are manufactured from a knitted Protal- blend and comply with EN11612 (FR), EN1149 (AST) and IEC61482 (Arc) standards. Both top and bottoms have a 9.2 Cal/cm2 ATPV rating. When worn in conjunction with the double- layer balaclava, it ensures maximum next-to-skin protection. All styles incorporate red contrast FR thread.

Granite Workwear is probably the largest stock-holder in the country of Pulsar and Pulsarail products. If we don’t have it in stock then it’s probably not in the country!

We  are also a RISQS accredited supplier to the Rail Industry.