What Is Aluminized Clothing and When Should You Wear It?

Different jobs require different types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Metalworkers, for instance, often aluminum clothing. It's a special type of thermal PPE that's designed to protect metalworkers from splashes of molten metal as well as radiant heat. If you work with molten metal, you should consider investing in aluminized clothing. before doing so, however, there are several things you need to know about aluminized clothing.

The Basics of Aluminized Clothing

Aluminized clothing is exactly what it sounds like: wearable garments that feature a layer of aluminized material. They are available in different types of aluminized materials. Some aluminized clothing is made of aluminized rayon. Other aluminized clothing is made of aluminized fiberglass or Kevlar. Regardless, they all feature a layer of aluminized material.

You can find aluminized clothing in different styles. There are aluminized jackets, and there are aluminized aprons. Other styles of aluminized clothing include leggings, hoods, gloves, overpants and coverboots.

How Aluminized Clothing Works

The primary purpose of aluminized clothing is to protect workers from splashes of molten metal as well as radiant heat. Molten metal, of course, is very hot. The temperature of molten steel can exceed 2,750 degrees Fahrenheit. With its dangerously high temperatures, molten metal requires PPE like aluminized clothing. Aluminized clothing will reflect up to 95% of radiant heat while also shielding the wearer from splashes of molten metal.

All types of aluminized clothing is made of an aluminized material. The use of an aluminized material is essentially what gives the clothing its heat-resistant properties. Aluminized clothing features a reflective surface that protects against splashes of molten metal as well as radiant heat.

When to Wear Aluminized Clothing

You should typically wear aluminized clothing when working with or near molten metal. Whether it's made of aluminized rayon, fiberglass or Kevlar, it will protect you from splashes of molten metal as well as radiant heat.

Keep in mind that aluminized clothing isn't intended for long-term use. You should only war it for a short duration. And because of the inherent dangers of working with molten metal, you should consult with a safety professional beforehand.

In Conclusion

Working with molten metal can be dangerous. It only takes a single splash to cause severe burns. Fortunately, aluminized clothing can protect you from burns and other related injuries. It's a category of PPE that consists of wearable clothing made of an aluminized material.