ALu-SAFE^® IN THE ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY

A J Charnaud & Co (Pty) Ltd, a manufacturer of protective clothing since 1975, has for 29 years supplied the hot metal industry with particular emphasis on the smelter market sector. In 1995 IPAI, now known as the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), adopted a new standard and method of assessment called Procedure "B", which together with EN531:1995, forms the basis of how the aluminium industry evaluates the protective clothing they will be using.

A J Charnaud & Co (Pty) Ltd capitalised on this opportunity to develop a product, which could meet these new standards, and ALu-SAFE^® was born.

ALu-SAFE^® is a unique high performance work wear fabric designed to protect workers in primary aluminium smelters who are exposed to the hazards of molten aluminium AND cryolite (reduction cell flux) splash. Its unique molten metal shedding ability is complemented by its inherent flame resistance for the entire life of the garment, plus it is water washable in normal industrial laundries and it is comfortable to wear.

ALu-SAFE^® has been designed for maximum comfort having a moisture absorbent capability almost double that of cotton and treble that of other synthetics used in this industry. The wearer's perspiration is quickly absorbed into the fabric, wicked to the surface and dissipated over an area many times greater than the surface area of the original moisture droplet. It is then very effectively evaporated, cooling the fabric and the wearer in the process. ALu-SAFE^® also has excellent insulating qualities to reduce the effects of radiant and convective heat on the wearer. ALu-SAFE^® fabric also offers excellent protection against electric arc flashes and, due to its high moisture regain qualities, has excellent anti-static performance.

ALu-SAFE^® is certified to, and complies fully with all the requirements of EN 531:1995 A, B, C, D, and E, plus the IAI Procedure "B" requirements for molten cryolite and aluminium splash.

A J Charnaud & Co (Pty) Ltd offers a complete head to foot package of allied products for the hot metal industry worker together with technological assistance in making up garments, a laundry package and a garment care programme. ALu-SAFE^® is available in fabric form, as well as in a wide variety of woven garments, plus knitted underwear, flash hoods, and socks. A unique range of super high performance hot metal footwear completes the range.

In summary, ALu-SAFE^®’s benefits and qualities are:-

• Inherently flame resistant for the entire life of the garment - exceeds the requirements of EN 532, FAR 25, 853(b), FTM 191-5903, ASTM D461-20 Sec
• 100 % natural fibres - no flame retardant treatment to the fabric
• Excellent resistance to molten aluminium - meets EN 373, D2 and IAI "B"
• Excellent resistance to molten iron - meets EN 373:1993, E3
• Outstanding resistance to molten cryolite - exceeds the requirement of IAI procedure "B"
• Highly moisture absorbent – double that of flame retardant (treated) cotton
• Outstanding acid and chemical resistance (additional finish) - meets DIN 32763
• Machine washability – passes the IWS TMSI SA test procedure
• Water washable (can be dry cleaned if desired)
• Washing stability (shrinkage) - passes ISO 340 – ISO 5077
• Very good colour fastness to washing, perspiration, light and dry cleaning
• Excellent abrasion resistance - exceeds ISO 12947(2)(4) 2000
• Excellent resistance to pilling ISOCD12945-3 (ATLAS) - zero pilling
• Radiant heat protection - EN 366, B2
• Convective heat protection - EN 367 C1
• Seam slippage - exceeds the requirement of M & SP11

ALu-SAFE^®……….."if you REALLY need to be safe"

A J Charnaud & Co. (Pty) Ltd.
Unit 13
Cranberry Str. Industrial Park
Laser Park
Honeydew Gauteng
South Africa

Tel: ++27 11 794-6040
Fax: ++27 11 794-6780
Web: www.charnaud.co.za/ajc/coprofile.asp

 

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